An open non-randomized study was conducted in 11 patients with CRPS-I of the hand and wrist. Conventional rehabilitation sessions were given for 10 weeks. During each session, patients in the intervention group (n = 7) received vibratory stimulation of the affected region; the remaining 4 patients served as the controls.
After 10 weeks, range-of-motion gains were about 30 % larger and pain severity was about 50 % lower in the intervention group than in the control group. A significant decrease in analgesic use occurred in the intervention group.
Vibratory stimulation may significantly improve range of motion and pain in patients with CRPS-I, probably by reestablishing consonance between sensory input and motor output at cortical level. Prospective randomized studies in larger numbers of patients are needed. Cross-over designs or simulated vibratory stimulation should be used to minimize bias.