The CRPS Compass

On this episode of The CRPS Compass, join me and Linda Crawford, OTR/L, CDWF as we discuss how Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, sensory processing, and mindfulness can assist with pain management!Linda Crawford, OTR/L, CDWF has had 30 years of experience, working as an occupational therapist in neuro-rehab, seating and positioning, and as a pain rehab specialist. Linda was also the prior president of the Colorado Association of Occupational Therapy, is the owner of Brave Therapy, and a Certified Daring Way Facilitator.The views expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any organizations. The content is for informational and educational purposes only. Listeners should seek professional advice when needed and take action at their own risk.

In this episode of The CRPS Compass, my dad, Matthew Smith, opens up about his personal journey with CRPS—the struggles, the triumphs, and everything in between. He shares his experiences with occupational therapy and the invaluable lessons he’s learned along the way. His story is one of resilience, hope, and unwavering strength.DISCLAIMER: This episode features a personal testimony from an individual diagnosed with CRPS. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is affected, support and resources are available.The views expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any organizations. The content is for informational and educational purposes only. Listeners should seek professional advice when needed and take action at their own risk.

On this episode of The CRPS Compass, join me and Dr. Tara Packham, PhD, OT Reg. (Ont.), as we discuss Tara's incredible research contributions to CRPS, her primary findings, and more!Dr. Tara Packham, PhD, OT Reg. (Ont.) is an occupational therapist and certified hand therapist with 25+ years of experience in upper limb and hand rehabilitation. Tara additionally serves as an educator at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Tara completed her PhD on CRPS and has completed an extensive amount of research dedicated to CRPS and chronic pain conditions. Tara is a current member of the Canadian Society of Hand Therapists, the Canadian Pain Society, the International Association for the Study of Pain, the International Research Consortium for CRPS, serves as the editor-in-chief at Hand Therapy and the Community Engagement Officer for the CRPS Special Interest Group at the International Association for the Study of Pain.The views expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any organizations. The content is for informational and educational purposes only. Listeners should seek professional advice when needed and take action at their own risk.

In this episode of The CRPS Compass, join Grace Griffiths and I as we discuss how hand therapy can assist with CRPS management and treatment, as well as discuss Grace's research on CRPS and her primary findings!Grace Griffiths is an OT and Certified Hand Therapist at Lower Hutt Hospital, in Wellington, New Zealand. Grace is currently pursuing her PhD at University of Otago, completing various research projects on upper-limb CRPS.To view Grace's published research articles, click the links below:https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10690851/https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10584071/The views expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any organizations. The content is for informational and educational purposes only. Listeners should seek professional advice when needed and take action at their own risk.

In this episode, I explore how occupational therapy can assist with managing and treating CRPS. Join me as I talk with Dr. Emily Rehmel, OTD, OTR/L, CSRS, and discuss how occupational therapy can assist those with chronic pain, her capstone project, and more!Dr. Emily Rehmel, a graduate of Huntington University's OTD program, is a practicing occupational therapist at Encompass Health in Illinois and a Certified Brain Injury Specialist. She specializes in working with individuals diagnosed with chronic pain, as well as patients recovering from traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and strokes. Emily completed her OTD capstone project, focusing on the importance of the social environment for patients with chronic pain.The views expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any organizations. The content is for informational and educational purposes only. Listeners should seek professional advice when needed and take action at their own risk.

On this episode of The CRPS Compass, join Dr. Brittany Kim, PT, DPT, OCS, and I as we continue to discuss physical therapy's role in CRPS management, current and upcoming research, common physical therapy interventions used in the clinical setting, and resources for individuals living with CRPS.Dr. Brittany Kim, PT, DPT, OCS received her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from USC. After finishing the program, she participated in USC's Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residency Program to earn in OCS. She is a guest lecturer on the topic of Centralized Pain in USC's DPT program and has taught in the USC Spine Fellowship Program. Brittany mentors physical therapists internationally in the management of complex cases and treats individuals diagnosed with CRPS, POTS, EDS, as well as neurologic patients with orthopedic issues.The views expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any organizations. The content is for informational and educational purposes only. Listeners should seek professional advice when needed and take action at their own risk.

In this episode, I explore how physical therapy, in conjunction with occupational therapy and additional healthcare disciplines, can play a pivotal role in managing and alleviating CRPS symptoms. Join me as I chat with Dr. Michael Chung, PT, DPT from Re-Active Physical Therapy, and discuss how a multi-discipline care team can assist individuals with CRPS recovery, Michael's role as the CRPS program director, what the CRPS program offers, and more!Dr. Michael Chung, PT, DPT, graduated from USC Doctor of Physical Therapy program and is a practicing physical therapist and CRPS program director at Re-Active Physical Therapy in California. Michael enjoys working with people with neurological disorders, chronic pain conditions, and dysautonomia.The views expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any organizations. The content is for informational and educational purposes only. Listeners should seek professional advice when needed and take action at their own risk.

Amy Smith, a current caregiver of her husband diagnosed with CRPS, joins The CRPS Compass to discuss her experience as a caregiver for a loved one diagnosed with CRPS, what she has learned, and advice.The views expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any organizations. The content is for informational and educational purposes only. Listeners should seek professional advice when needed and take action at their own risk.

Hey everyone, and welcome to the very first episode of The CRPS Compass! I’m Hannah Gregorio, an occupational therapy student with a passion for all things occupational therapy and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). In this episode, I’ll be briefly sharing how I first discovered CRPS and the profound impact it has had on my life both personally and professionally! Whether you’re here to learn, connect, or find support, I’m so glad you’re joining me. Let's dive in!