Conservative treatment combining rTMS and functional neurological rehabilitation for CRPS
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.
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
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 156 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 70 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Oulu University Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Oulu, North Ostrobothnia) |
| Trial ID | NCT07208825 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
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.
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.
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 performed: 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.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Oulu, North Ostrobothnia
- Oulu University Hospital, Pain Clinic — Oulu, North Ostrobothnia, Finland (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jani M Takatalo, PhD, MD, PRM Specialist — Oulu University Hospital, Pain Clinic
- Study coordinator: Jani M Takatalo, PhD, MD, PRM Specialit
- Email: oysfysiatriatutkimus@gmail.com
- Phone: +358 8 315 2129
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.