Your Body is the BOSS!

I broke my wrist on February 21st 2026. The date is etched in my mind because it would have been my late Mother's birthday.

On May 6th  I visited the physiotherapy doctor for what she expected to be a routine assessment regarding the healing of my right ankle which I broke in July 2025.

We laughed as I told her the ankle was more or less perfect compared to my hand. Whilst the x-ray showed the wrist fracture had healed, my hand was a different story and no medic had identified nor explained how my body was reacting to the trauma.

Dr Christina thankfully knew my problem the moment she looked at my very, very, swollen hand with sausage like fat fingers. 

Despite me visiting the emergency department of the main hospital twice following my intuition that something was wrong, neither time was I told about the perils of inflammation in relation to what could potentially happen. Each time, the plaster cast was eased and the general view was that it was fitted too tight in the first place. Scissors were used to snip away until I could gradually waggle my fingers through the pain - I refused pain killers.

Dr Christina explained that such high inflammation was a serious challenge and that my hand may never fully recover. She suggested I research the condition and gave me a prescription for a medium strength course of cortisone medication followed by physiotherapy.

We discussed the merits and pitfalls along with the benefits of me taking the pills. She respected my strong wish to avoid medication at all costs, however, I was left little choice after doing the research which follows, and quite frankly it scared me!

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic pain condition that usually starts after an injury, surgery, fracture, or sometimes even a minor trauma to an arm or leg. The pain is much more severe and long‑lasting than would be expected from the original injury and is often burning, stabbing, or deep aching in nature.nhs+2

It typically affects one limb (hand/foot, arm/leg), but can sometimes spread to other areas. The condition involves changes in nerves, blood vessels, immune system, and the brain’s pain processing, so it is truly “complex” and “systemic,” even though the symptoms appear “regional.”ninds.nih+3

Common symptoms include:

• Severe ongoing pain, often out of proportion to the original injury
• Swelling, colour changes (red, purple, pale), and temperature changes in the limb
• Changes in skin texture (thin, shiny), sweating changes, altered hair/nail growth
• Stiff joints, weakness, reduced movement
• Extreme sensitivity to touch, cold, or movement (allodynia)nhs+3

These symptoms often change over time; early stages may show more warmth, redness, and swelling, while later stages may show more coldness, colour change, and stiffness.mayoclinic+1

Can CRPS be reversed?

Conventional sources are careful to say there is no guaranteed “cure”, but many people improve substantially, especially when treated early and with a comprehensive plan. NHS data suggest around 85% of people have reduced pain and some symptom improvement within the first two years, though a subset continues with significant pain. In practice, “reversing” CRPS usually means:nhs+1

• Reducing pain and sensitivity
• Restoring normal function and movement
• Calming the nervous system and inflammation
• Addressing the psychological and emotional load

CRPS is a multi‑system neuro‑immune‑endocrine challenge rather than a simple musculoskeletal issue.

Understanding Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a form of long-term pain that usually affects an arm or a leg. It typically develops after an injury, surgery, stroke, or heart attack. The pain is much stronger than what you would normally expect for the injury that happened.

What Causes CRPS?

Doctors and scientists are still learning exactly why some people get CRPS while others don't, but they believe it is caused by a "glitch" in how the body heals and sends signals.

• Nerve Damage: The most common cause is a problem with the peripheral nervous system. These are the tiny nerves that spread throughout your body like wires. If these nerves are damaged during an injury, they may start sending "pain" signals to the brain even after the physical wound has healed.

• Inflammation: When you get hurt, your body sends extra blood and chemicals to the area to fix it. This is called inflammation. In CRPS, the body doesn't turn this off. The area stays swollen, red, and hot because the body keeps trying to "fix" something that is already better.

• Brain Rewiring: If the body sends pain signals for a long time, the central nervous system (your brain and spinal cord) can get confused. It might start to think that even a light touch—like a bedsheet or a breeze—is a serious injury.

Common Triggers

Most cases of CRPS happen after a specific event, such as:

1. Fractures: Breaking a bone is the most frequent trigger.
2. Surgery: Sometimes the nerves are irritated during a medical procedure.
3. Sprains or Strains: Even a minor twist can sometimes set off the syndrome.
4. Casts: If a cast is too tight, it can press on nerves and limit blood flow.

How the Body Reacts

Because the nerves control more than just pain, a person with CRPS might notice other changes in the affected limb:

• The skin might change color (turning blue, purple, or bright red).
• The temperature of the skin might feel much hotter or colder than the rest of the body.
• Hair or nails on that limb might grow very fast or not at all.

Early treatment is very important. Working with professionals to keep the limb moving and using specialized therapies can help "retrain" the nerves to behave normally again.


Main medical approaches

Most expert guidelines emphasise a multidisciplinary approach: physical rehab, medications/procedures for pain, and psychological support.mayoclinic+2

1. Physical and occupational therapy

This is considered central and often the most important part of treatment.pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih+2

• Gentle, graded exercises to keep the limb moving, maintain circulation, and prevent stiffening or muscle wasting.
• Desensitisation techniques (textures, vibration, light touch) to recalibrate the over‑sensitised nervous system.
• Occupational therapy to adapt daily activities and encourage normal use without triggering flares.mayoclinic+1

The earlier this is started, the better the outcomes tend to be.pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih+1

2. Medications commonly used

These are usually about symptom control and breaking pain cycles, not a cure by themselves:

• Neuropathic pain medications such as certain anticonvulsants (e.g., gabapentinoids) and antidepressants (e.g., tricyclics, SNRIs) to dampen nerve pain.nhs+2
• Short courses of oral corticosteroids or bisphosphonates in early CRPS may reduce inflammation and bone changes in some patients.pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih
• Topical agents (lidocaine, capsaicin) for local pain, and standard painkillers as needed.nhs+1

These choices are highly individual and need medical supervision, especially given side‑effect profiles in a chronic context.

3. Interventional pain procedures

In more severe or persistent cases, pain specialists may use:

• Sympathetic nerve blocks to calm overactive “fight‑or‑flight” nerves in the region, both diagnostically and therapeutically. med.stanford
• Spinal cord stimulation (implanted electrodes) or intrathecal pumps (medication into spinal fluid) when conservative treatments fail and pain is disabling.med.stanford+1

These can significantly reduce pain for some, but they are invasive and not without risk.

4. Psychological support

Living with severe chronic pain impacts mood, sleep, cognition, relationships, and identity.

• Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), pain education, and other psychological approaches can reduce suffering, fear‑avoidance, and catastrophising, which in turn can reduce pain intensity and improve function.nhs+1
• Relaxation, breathing techniques, and pacing strategies are usually integrated into pain‑management programmes. nhs

Natural and integrative approaches

There is no single natural remedy that “cures” CRPS, but there is good rationale for supporting the nervous system, reducing systemic inflammation, optimising circulation, and lowering overall threat load. These can be powerful adjuncts to medical care.

1. Movement, graded exposure and mirror therapy

• Gentle, graded exercise (walking, hydrotherapy, tai chi‑style movement, very gentle strength work) helps maintain joint mobility and circulation, and can gradually desensitise the overreactive nervous system.brianbarr+2
• Mirror therapy and graded motor imagery: using a mirror box or imagery techniques to retrain the brain’s map of the painful limb has shown benefit in some CRPS patients.iasp-pain+1

Adherence and fear‑avoidance are key modifiable factors here.

2. Anti‑inflammatory, nerve‑supportive nutrition

Evidence is still emerging, but several dietary patterns and supplements have plausible mechanisms:

• Anti‑inflammatory diet rich in omega‑3s (oily fish, flax, walnuts), colourful vegetables, herbs such as turmeric and ginger, and low in refined sugar and ultra‑processed foods can reduce systemic inflammation and support nerve health.southfloridascramblertherapy+1
• Vitamins and minerals such as magnesium, B12, and other B‑vitamins support nerve function, muscle relaxation, and energy metabolism.pascalhealthinstitute+1
• In small CRPS studies, fish oil supplementation has been associated with reduced pain and reduced reliance on prescription painkillers in some patients, although research is not definitive.brianbarr
• Some integrative practitioners consider detox support, including modified citrus pectin to bind certain toxins and lower inflammatory burden, though this is more theoretical and should be individualised.pascalhealthinstitute

I am experienced in advanced nutrition and biohacking, appreciate starting with whole‑food interventions and then layering supplements based on labs, symptoms, and tolerability.

3. Stress reduction and nervous system regulation

CRPS involves a hypersensitised central nervous system and often an overactive sympathetic “fight‑or‑flight” response.wikipedia+1
Non‑drug approaches that may help include:

• Breathwork, meditation, HRV‑style vagal toning, and body‑based mindfulness to reduce sympathetic overdrive and pain amplification.nhs
• Gentle heat (within tolerance), warm water soaks, or contrast therapy to support circulation, if the limb tolerates temperature changes.brianbarr
• Good sleep hygiene and circadian support to reduce neuro‑inflammation and pain sensitivity. (Integrative pain medicine now treats sleep as a core intervention.)

4. Manual and complementary therapies

Results vary between individuals, but common options include:

• Acupuncture: Some studies and clinical experience suggest it can reduce pain and improve blood flow in CRPS and other neuropathic pain states.southfloridascramblertherapy+1
• Massage/lymphatic work to improve circulation, reduce muscular tension, and support body awareness, adapted carefully to avoid flares.southfloridascramblertherapy
• CBD or certain essential oils: used topically or systemically by some for pain and anxiety relief, though evidence is mixed and quality varies.southfloridascramblertherapy

These should generally be used in conjunction with, not instead of, core rehabilitation and medical care.

Pulling it all together

The most realistic and hopeful approach is to see CRPS as a multi‑system, reversible‑to‑a‑degree dysregulation rather than a fixed “damage” state. The best results usually come from combining:wikipedia+2

• Early, persistent physical and occupational therapy
• Targeted medications and/or procedures where necessary
• Strong psychological and self‑management support
• A serious lifestyle focus on anti‑inflammatory nutrition, movement, sleep, stress reduction, and integrative therapies

With my experience in profiling, psychology, nutrition and biohacking, I will design my own plan and offer to support others with CRPS as well as I am able in conjunction with some of our amazing Perfect Health HUB members 

• Mood and Energy Changes: You might feel extra energetic, "wired," or even a bit irritable. Some people find it harder to fall asleep at night.


• Increased Appetite: It is very common to feel hungrier than usual.


• Fluid Retention: You might notice a bit of puffiness in your face or slight swelling in your ankles.


• Stomach Upset: It can be hard on the stomach lining. It is usually best to take your dose with a full meal to prevent indigestion or heartburn.

• Blood Sugar: If you monitor your blood sugar, be aware that steroids can cause levels to rise temporarily.


• Blood Pressure: It can sometimes cause a slight increase in blood pressure due to salt and water retention.

• Morning Doses: Doctors often suggest taking the full dose in the morning. This mimics your body's natural rhythm and helps prevent the "wired" feeling from keeping you up at night.


• Finish the Course: Even if your hand feels much better after a few days, follow the specific schedule your doctor gave you. Some 20-tablet courses are designed to "taper" (gradually reduce the dose), which helps your body start making its own hormones again safely.


• Watch for Red Flags: While rare on a short course, contact your doctor immediately if you notice blurred vision, extreme mood swings, or severe stomach pain.

Because I have a potentially fatal allergy to a type of anaesthetic which the emergency room doctors didn't recognise, I was told..

 "don't worry, we can do a manual reset so that we won't make a bad situation worse - but it will hurt"

Understatement of the year!!!!

I am told repeatedly by medics that I have a high pain thresh hold. I tend to believe them as they witness pain daily, but for us mere mortals pain isn't something you can compare with anyone is it?!

Bracing myself, 2 super handsome male doctors attacked my left arm and I felt like they broke it and every finger in the process. Perhaps they did? In order to recalibrate broken bones and set them straight, they first need to prepare the patient. Here is the standard procedure according to Gemini...

When medics "set" a wrist manually, the medical term is Closed Reduction. The goal is to realign the bone fragments without surgery so they can heal in the correct position.

It can be a bit of an intense experience, ( no sh*t Sherlock), so here is the step-by-step breakdown of what typically happens:

1. Pain Management & Numbing

Before they touch the wrist, medics ensure you are as comfortable as possible. They usually use one of three methods:

• Hematoma Block: The most common method. They inject a local anesthetic (like lidocaine) directly into the space between the broken bone ends. It numbs the area from the inside out.
  
  
• Conscious Sedation: You might be given "laughing gas" (Entonox) or IV medication to make you very relaxed and sleepy, though you remain awake.
  
  
• Regional Block: An injection higher up the arm to numb the entire limb.

NONE OF THE ABOVE HAPPENED

2. Traction (The "Pull")Once you are numb, the medic needs to create space between the broken bones to move them.

• Finger Traps: Often, your fingers (usually the thumb, index, and middle) are placed into metal "mesh" traps that hang from a stand.
  NOT THAT I WAS AWARE

• Counter-traction: A weight is hung over your upper arm or a second medic pulls in the opposite direction. This steady, gentle tension "un-sticks" the bone fragments that have overlapped or tilted.

 SECOND MEDIC DEFINITELY INVOLVED PLUS A THIRD       WHO MADE SURE I DIDN'T FALL OFF THE COUCH ON THE    OTHER SIDE

3. Manipulation (The "Set")This is the part where the doctor manually pushes the bones back into place.

• They will use their hands to feel the "step-off" (the ridge where the bone is out of place).
• With a firm, controlled motion, they will push or pivot the displaced bone fragment back into its original alignment. You might feel pressure or a "clunk" during this, but the numbing should prevent sharp pain. I WISHED!
  
  

4. Verification and Casting. Medics don't just guess that it’s straight; they confirm it immediately.

• Post-Reduction X-ray: While you are still in the room (or using a portable X-ray machine called a C-arm), they will take images to ensure the alignment is perfect.

I WAS SO DISTRESSED, SCREAMING MY HEAD OFF, FELT FAINT AND NOT SURE HOW I KEPT CONSCIOUS. I COULDN'T STAND AND WAS TAKEN TO X-RAY IN A WHEELCHAIR   

• The Splint/Backslab: If the alignment is good, they will apply a temporary "backslab" (a half-plaster cast) held on with bandages. This allows room for the swelling that will inevitably happen over the next 48 hours.

NO TEMPORARY ANYTHING - STRAIGHT INTO THE ONE AND ONLY FINAL CAST . THANK HEAVENS THE X-RAY SHOWED THEY DID A GOOD JOB.  

5. The "Sugar-Tong" or Molding. 

To make sure the bones don't slip back out of place while the plaster dries, the medic will "mold" the cast. They use their hands to apply pressure in specific spots—usually one hand at the fracture site and one at the elbow—to create a "three-point hold" that keeps the bone locked in its new position.

A Note on the Aftermath:
Prednisone, is often prescribed right after this procedure. Manual sets cause a lot of internal "insult" to the soft tissues, and the steroid helps ensure that the resulting swelling doesn't compress your nerves or cause excessive hand stiffness while you’re in that first cast.

DIDN'T HAPPEN. GUESS MY OBSTINANT STANCE ON NOT HAVING MEDICATION BACKFIRED ON ME.

A broken hand (also called a fracture) usually needs a doctor's help to make sure the bones grow back in the right spot. If the bones aren't lined up correctly, it can make it hard to use your fingers or grip things later on.

I will create a personal plan and recover my total fitness, including the ankle break, following the course of Prednisone when the inflammation is under control and has significantly reduced.

In the meantime, I will continue to take boron and collagen daily, eat well with foods that nourish my body, reduce/eliminate alcohol whilst on medication (I am not a saint), and drink plenty of quality water.

Oxygen heals the body and enables blood to flow smoothly. The Buteyko breathing method which increases oxygen flow, has been with me most days since the 2015 stage 4 cancer alarm. I also use three different healing devices daily using terraherz frequencies, PEMF, and a PowerTube to encourage healing.

I take aloe vera daily, via HUB member Yvonne James, and also Pro Argi9  (increases bloodflow/oxygen through nitric oxide release) from another member Denise Hennin who provides the collagen and greens drink.

Fiona Clark, another valued member has provided guidance on pain release (note I wrote RELEASE and not relief). Fiona is an energy healer and explained this condition is a big signal that energy flow through the body is blocked She is teaching me some simple techniques to remove the pain. It's now up to me to be consistent and fix myself.