Algodystrophy, also known as complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), is a painful condition marked by erythema, edema, functional impairment, and sensory and vasomotor disturbance. The diagnosis of CRPS is made solely on clinical signs and symptoms, and it is used to rule out other types of chronic pain.
After a fracture, algodystrophy develops most commonly in the upper or lower extremities of the limbs. This syndrome is most likely caused by bone microvascular changes, which then involve the sympathetic nervous system.
Hand rehabilitation activities appear to be important in reducing the severe pain that CRPS patients with hand dysfunction experience.
For the treatment of CRPS, a team approach that includes care from doctors, psychologists, and physical therapists is recommended.
Physical therapists are experts in movement. They improve people’s quality of life by providing hands-on care and prescribed movement. They are expected to use highly efficient and specialized devices to accomplish this.
One of the most recommended devices in this category is the Portable Rehabilitation Robotic Gloves: SIFREHAB-1.0.
The Portable Robotic Rehabilitation Gloves: SIFREHAB-1.0 enables patients who are unable to attend hospital-based physical therapy sessions to perform their own rehabilitative training safely and independently. As a result, they will gradually be able to overcome their hand dysfunction.
The SIFREHAB-1.0 also encourages activities of daily living (ADL), also known as self-help or self-care. Dressing, self-feeding, bathing, laundry, and/or meal preparation are examples of hand rehabilitation activities. The SIFREHAB-1.0 detects and boosts weak conscious hand activity to complete the intended hand movement.
Mirror therapy training is one of the other tasks performed by the SIFREHAB-1.0. The mirror glove is worn on the non-affected hand, which is equipped with force and flex sensors. It is used to detect motion by measuring the gripping force and bending angle of each finger joint. The motor glove, powered by micro-motors, assists the affected hand in performing training tasks by providing an assisted driving force. All of this should result in efficient and quick hand training.
Algodystrophy is a painful disease that necessitates a lot of physical therapy. Rehabilitation activities are an integral part of that therapy. The Portable Rehabilitation Robotic Gloves: SIFREHAB-1.0 are designed to speed up and simplify the rehabilitation process.
Reference: Physical Therapy Guide to Complex Regional Pain Syndrome