Conservative treatment combining rTMS and functional neurological rehabilitation for CRPS
Official title: The Effectiveness of Individualized Physical Therapy and Functional Neurology Treatment Protocol in Conjunction With Optimizing Medication and Repetitive Transcranical Magnetic Stimulation in Patients With Complex Regional Pain Syndrome.
Run by Oulu University Hospital · NCT07208825 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will try whether adding repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and functional neurological rehabilitation to standard physical therapy and medication helps adults aged 18–70 with CRPS of less than five years reduce pain and regain function.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 70 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 156 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Oulu University Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Oulu, North Ostrobothnia) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 5, 2025 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2030 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2033 |
| Registry record updated | October 23, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07208825 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 18–70 with CRPS type 1 or 2 of five years' duration or less who are approved for rTMS by the university hospital pain clinic and willing to participate are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients whose CRPS began more than five years ago, those ineligible for rTMS, or those receiving other outpatient/inpatient rehabilitation from third parties during the study may not benefit or be eligible to participate.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
The study offers a multidisciplinary, non-pharmacological rehabilitation program for adults with CRPS that pairs rTMS with basic physical/occupational therapy, graded motor imagery–type techniques, and functional neurological rehabilitation while optimizing medications. Participants are recruited from a university hospital pain clinic and must have CRPS type 1 or 2 with symptom onset within five years and be eligible for rTMS. Treatments are delivered under multidisciplinary oversight at the clinic and outcomes focus on pain, functional capacity, and return-to-work ability. The aim is to strengthen rehabilitation options where current therapies often provide limited recovery.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could reduce pain, improve daily function and work capacity, and lower long-term medication and societal costs for people with CRPS.
How similar studies have gone: Mirror therapy and graded motor imagery have shown modest benefits in small trials and rTMS has proven effective for other chronic pain conditions, while functional neurological rehabilitation in CRPS remains largely untested.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * CRPS symptoms maximum of 5 year at the time of diagnosis (CRPS 1 and 2) * 18 to 70-year-old * rTMS treatment is granted by university hospital pain clinic (by multidisciplinary group) * Voluntary to participate into the study Exclusion Criteria: * CRPS symptoms started over five years ago (although diagnosed first time now) * No other outpatient/inpatient rehabilitation during the study rehabilitation period (insurance company or other third party) * Under 18-years-old of over 70-years-old * No eligible to rTMS treatment or for other reason rTMS treatment was not granted by university hospital pain clinic (by multidisciplinary group)
Where it's running
-
Oulu University Hospital, Pain Clinic
Oulu, North Ostrobothnia, Finland Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jani M Takatalo, PhD, MD — Oulu University Hospital, Pain Clinic
- Study coordinator: Jani M Takatalo, PhD, MD
- Email: oysfysiatriatutkimus@gmail.com
- Phone: +358 8 315 2129
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.