Understanding CRPS [PART 1 of 3]: The Truth About it’s Neurobiology and Effective Treatments

In this episode, I'm diving deep into one of the most crucial barriers to overcoming chronic pain: FEAR. If you’re tired of pain dictating your life, it’s time to break the fear & pain cycle for good. I’ll walk you through the 3 most common ways people cope with fear --that actually make pain worse-- and I'll share 7 proven strategies to help you regain control, create a sense of safety, and build confidence in your body—without the constant dread of flare-ups, reinjury, or losing independence. What You'll Learn in This Episode: What the fear & pain cycle is and how it affects your body and mind How fear amplifies pain and why it’s a barrier to recovery 7 specific strategies to overcome fear and regain control, including: Resources Mentioned: Book a Free Call with Me to discuss your specific pain history and how you can apply these strategies to your recovery. Explore More Episodes on Chronic Pain to gain further insights and strategies for managing stubborn pain. Follow me on Instagram for more tips: @paincrusader Don’t Miss This: Hit the subscribe button so you never miss an episode. If you found this episode helpful, please leave a review and share it with someone who’s also struggling with fear and chronic pain!

In this inspiring interview, Kristen shares her powerful journey from being trapped in debilitating chronic pain to reclaiming her life after years of trying every treatment under the sun. Like so many, she felt stuck, overwhelmed, and skeptical after countless failed approaches—but through determination and the right support, everything changed. If you’ve been struggling with chronic pain and feel like you’ve exhausted every option, Kristen’s story might just give you the hope and direction you’ve been searching for. ✨ In this interview, you'll hear about: The extreme frustration of navigating the healthcare system How chronic pain stole her independence and joy as a mother and wife Why she almost gave up hope, but found a new way to manage and reduce her pain The critical mindset shifts that helped her break through pain barriers The practical strategies that transformed her daily life 🌟 Feeling stuck in your own chronic pain journey? You don’t have to do it alone. Book a free consultation call with me to discuss your situation and explore a personalized path to relief: Book a Call [CLICK HERE]

"You have a bad back." ... "Your hips are out of alignment" ... "Your core is weak" ... "You're bone on bone"In this eye-opening episode, we delve into the profound impact that the language and messages we receive from healthcare providers can negatively shape our beliefs, behaviors, identity, and actually even change our biology to make our pain worse!Learn how these harmful "brokenness narratives" lead to feelings of helplessness, internal conflict, and emotional turmoil, limit our treatment options, lead to altered movement patterns, and increase nerve sensitivity, muscle tension, and inflammation - all leading to more pain.Please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments: What have you been told by your providers? How have those messages shaped your own "Brokenness Narrative"?How We Can Work Together: Join The Chronic Pain Breakup Method - The most comprehensive program that teaches you to beat chronic pain by addressing the deeper cause, equipping you with knowledge and tools you can use that will put you in control of the pain instead of the pain controlling your every move.  Book a FREE Pain Care Audit - Book a call so we can assess where you’re at and what your needs are Attend the Exclusive Online Training and learn how to break up with your current pain "Managing" routine, and finally breakthrough chronic pain, once and for all, even if you've tried everything and nothing works. Click here to subscribe on iTunes and write a review.Let's Get Connected...Here are some ways to enjoy more FREE resources and content from Alissa Wolfe. Join the FREE Facebook community Follow Alissa on Instagram Subscribe to my YouTube Channel

Are you struggling with invisible pain, feeling lost in your search for relief? Has your pain been minimized and normalized? Have you tried endlessly to resolve your pain, only to have it blamed on past traumatic circumstances? Well, you're not alone. In this enlightening conversation, we dive deep into the journey of overcoming chronic back pain, without resorting to quick fixes or invasive procedures, focusing on the often invisible and minimized struggle against SI joint pain and sciatica. Hear firsthand from Hannah, who shares her path from the onset of pain after childbirth, through the frustrating maze of healthcare visits, to ultimately finding a method that reignited their hope and restored her identity. From dismissive healthcare providers to finding hope and tangible solutions, this discussion is an inspiration for anyone feeling lost in their pain management journey. This discussion sheds light on the crucial role of understanding the nervous system's impact on chronic pain, the pitfalls of the healthcare system in addressing such conditions, and the power of confidence and self-awareness in navigating recovery. Gain insights into the importance of listening to your body, the impact of the nervous system on physical pain, and how small, consistent changes can lead to significant improvements.   Join us and be inspired by Hannah's journey from pain to empowerment. Don't miss this chance to learn how you too can find lasting relief and reclaim your life. How We Can Work Together: Join The Chronic Pain Breakup Method - The most comprehensive program that teaches you to beat chronic pain by addressing the deeper cause, equipping you with knowledge and tools you can use that will put you in control of the pain instead of the pain controlling your every move.  Book a FREE Pain Care Audit - Book a call so we can assess where you’re at and what your needs are Attend the Exclusive Online Training and learn how to break up with your current pain "Managing" routine, and finally breakthrough chronic pain, once and for all, even if you've tried everything and nothing works. Click here to subscribe on iTunes and write a review.Let's Get Connected...Here are some ways to enjoy more FREE resources and content from Alissa Wolfe. Join the FREE Facebook community Follow Alissa on Instagram Subscribe to my YouTube Channel

In today’s episode, we dive deep into the five biggest mistakes people make when trying to find lasting relief from stubborn pain. If you’ve been suffering from chronic pain for six months or more and feel lost in a maze of conflicting advice and endless treatments, this episode is for you. I’ll highlight common pitfalls and provide actionable advice to help you move forward on your healing journey.If this episode resonates with you and you’re tired of jumping from one treatment to another without finding lasting relief, book a call with me. Let’s discuss how I can help you implement strategies to experience breakthroughs in your pain and reclaim your life.: https://www.alissawolfe.com/book-call   How We Can Work Together: Join The Chronic Pain Breakup Method - The most comprehensive program that teaches you to beat chronic pain by addressing the deeper cause, equipping you with knowledge and tools you can use that will put you in control of the pain instead of the pain controlling your every move.  Book a FREE Pain Care Audit - Book a call so we can assess where you’re at and what your needs are Attend the Exclusive Online Training and learn how to break up with your current pain "Managing" routine, and finally breakthrough chronic pain, once and for all, even if you've tried everything and nothing works. Click here to subscribe on iTunes and write a review.   Let's Get Connected...   Here are some ways to enjoy more FREE resources and content from Alissa Wolfe. Join the FREE Facebook community Follow Alissa on Instagram Subscribe to my YouTube Channel

Former client and Chronic Pain Breakup Method grad, Anke, joins me in this episode as we shed some light on the complex and elusive recovery from CRPS (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome).In this episode, Anke shares her story about what the path to recovery is really like, what challenges she faced along the way, and misconceptions about recovery potential with CRPS.She shares her tips for others struggling with CRPS including taking accountability in your care rather than relying on doctors and the medical system, being patient and consistent even when progress seems slow or challenges arise, and acknowledging and celebrating each small victory along the way. How We Can Work Together: Join The Chronic Pain Breakup Method - The most comprehensive program that teaches you to beat chronic pain by addressing the deeper cause, equipping you with knowledge and tools you can use that will put you in control of the pain instead of the pain controlling your every move.  Book a FREE Pain Care Audit - Book a call so we can assess where you’re at and what your needs are Attend the FREE Workshop - How To Master Chronic Pain Naturally: Discover The 3 Key Essentials to End Your Struggles With Stubborn Pain (without more pills, procedures, or pain-provoking PT... or becoming a holistic mind-body healer)   Click here to subscribe on iTunes and write a review.   Let's Get Connected... Here are some ways to enjoy more FREE resources and content from Alissa Wolfe. Join the FREE Facebook community Follow Alissa on Instagram Subscribe to my YouTube Channel

The medical system focuses on the mechanical model of pain despite copious amounts of evidence pointing to the involvement of the brain. But these advancements in pain science have caused this huge pendulum wing to the opposite extreme, where claims are being made that ALL pain is ALL in the brain.This is a HUGE jump from one extreme to another and both viewpoints are dangerous oversimplifications of the pain experience. In this episode, we’re discussing the complex nature of pain and how it's not just a physical sensation OR purely a psychological experience and the need for a multifactorial approach, integrating physical, mind-body, and neurological approaches. To dive deeper and get more support regarding your pain care journey, book a free call to connect one-on-one and receive more personalized guidance, so that together, we can craft a more balanced, evidence-based path forward: https://www.alissawolfe.com/book-call   How We Can Work Together: Join The Chronic Pain Breakup Method - The most comprehensive program that teaches you to beat chronic pain by addressing the deeper cause, equipping you with knowledge and tools you can use that will put you in control of the pain instead of the pain controlling your every move.  Book a FREE Pain Care Audit - Book a call so we can assess where you’re at and what your needs are Attend the Exclusive Online Training and learn how to breakup with your current pain "Managing" routine, and finally breakthrough chronic pain, once and for all, even if you've tried everything and nothing works. Click here to subscribe on iTunes and write a review.   Let's Get Connected...   Here are some ways to enjoy more FREE resources and content from Alissa Wolfe. Join the FREE Facebook community Follow Alissa on Instagram Subscribe to my YouTube Channel

Last but not least, this episode is the final part of a three-part series on CRPS (complex regional pain syndrome). There is a difference between *managing* symptoms and pain, vs. actually *treating* the underlying cause of the pain. Learn 10 new tools you can add to your CRPS Pain Care Tool Box, that will help you go beyond just managing pain, so that you can eventually rely less on pain management and learn to rely on yourself to get long lasting pain relief. Listen to Part 1 Here: https://www.alissawolfe.com/podcasts/the-chronic-pain-breakup/episodes/2148050961 Listen to PART 2 here: https://www.alissawolfe.com/podcasts/the-chronic-pain-breakup/episodes/2148056168 Book a one-on-one call here: https://www.alissawolfe.com/book-call  References:  Lee et al, 2021, 'Impaired Performance in Mental Rotation of Hands and Feet and Its Association with Social Cognition in Patients with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome' Lewis eta l, 2021, 'Visual illusions modulate body perception disturbance and pain in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: A randomized trial' Taylor et al, 2021, 'Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: A Comprehensive Review' Sayegh et al, 2013, 'Mirror therapy for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)-A literature review and an illustrative case report' Smart et al, 2016, 'Physiotherapy for pain and disability in adults with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) types I and II' Mendez-Rebolledo et al, 2017, 'Update on the effects of graded motor imagery and mirror therapy on complex regional pain syndrome type 1: A systematic review' Cuenca-Martinez et al, 2022, 'Pain relief by movement representation strategies: An umbrella and mapping review with meta-meta-analysis of motor imagery, action observation and mirror therapy' Shaifee et al, 2023, 'The Effectiveness of Rehabilitation Interventions on Pain and Disability for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis' Ruf et al, 2023, 'Mirror Therapy in Patients with Somatoform Pain Disorders-A Pilot Study' Shepherd et al, 2020, 'The clinical application of pain neuroscience, graded motor imagery, and graded activity with complex regional pain syndrome-A case report' Lotze et al, 2022, 'Clinical and Neurophysiological Effects of Progressive Movement Imagery Training for Pathological Pain' Schmid et al, 2017, 'Pain reduction due to novel sensory-motor training in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome I - A pilot study'   How We Can Work Together: Join The Chronic Pain Breakup Method - The most comprehensive program that teaches you to beat chronic pain by addressing the deeper cause, equipping you with knowledge and tools you can use that will put you in control of the pain instead of the pain controlling your every move.  Book a FREE Pain Care Audit - Book a call so we can assess where you’re at and what your needs are Attend the Exclusive Online Training and learn how to breakup with your current pain "Managing" routine, and finally breakthrough chronic pain, once and for all, even if you've tried everything and nothing works.   Click here to subscribe on iTunes and write a review.   Let's Get Connected...   Here are some ways to enjoy more FREE resources and content from Alissa Wolfe. Join the FREE Facebook community Follow Alissa on Instagram Subscribe to my YouTube Channel

Welcome to Part 2 of this discussion on CRPS (complex regional pain syndrome), where you'll uncover some of the misinformation out there surrounding pain managing strategies used for CRPS.  In the world of CRPS, pain managing strategies are not all created equal. I wish I could they we're all no harm, no foul, but the truth is, there are some pain management strategies that, while they may relieve pain in the short term, have a long-lasting, negative impact on your condition because they may exacerbate the underlying issue.  In this episode, I'm clearing up some of the misinformation surrounding:- Electrical Stimulation for CRPS- Pain Numbing Remedies (like ice, numbing creams, nerve blocks, injections, ablations, lidocaine patches, and opioid medications)- Ketamine for CRPS- Immobilization (physical or functional)- Physical Therapy- Modalities- Desensitization therapy- Vagus nerve stimulation Listen to Part 1 Here: https://www.alissawolfe.com/podcasts/the-chronic-pain-breakup/episodes/2148050961 Stay tuned for Part 3!! Book a one-on-one call here: https://www.alissawolfe.com/book-call  References:  Zhao et al, 2018, 'The Effect of Ketamine Infusion in the Treatment of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: a Systemic Review and Meta-analysis' Azari et al, 2012, 'Efficacy and Safety of Ketamine in Patients with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome' Kirkpatrick et al, 2020, 'Optimizing the Treatment of CRPS With Ketamine' Connolly et al, 2015, 'A Systematic Review of Ketamine for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome'   How We Can Work Together: Join The Chronic Pain Breakup Method - The most comprehensive program that teaches you to beat chronic pain by addressing the deeper cause, equipping you with knowledge and tools you can use that will put you in control of the pain instead of the pain controlling your every move.  Book a FREE Pain Care Audit - Book a call so we can assess where you’re at and what your needs are Attend the Exclusive Online Training and learn how to breakup with your current pain "Managing" routine, and finally breakthrough chronic pain, once and for all, even if you've tried everything and nothing works.   Click here to subscribe on iTunes and write a review.   Let's Get Connected...   Here are some ways to enjoy more FREE resources and content from Alissa Wolfe. Join the FREE Facebook community Follow Alissa on Instagram Subscribe to my YouTube Channel

Let's take a take a deep dive into the neurobiology of CRPS. My aim is to essentially prove that this condition is real and help you understand the true nature of the condition so you can better understand how to treat it. What you'll learn:- The #1 cause of CRPS- The underlying Nervous system changes with CRPS- What's the deal with dystonia- The science behind swelling with CRPS- Why and how CRPS spreads In part 2, we'll discuss the treatments for CRPS! Listen to PART 2 here: https://www.alissawolfe.com/podcasts/the-chronic-pain-breakup/episodes/2148056168 Wanna get help from someone who actually understands this condition? Set up a FREE one-on-one call here: https://www.alissawolfe.com/book-call References:  Bharwani et al, 2021, 'Denying the Truth Does Not Change the Facts: A Systematic Analysis of Pseudoscientific Denial of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome' Sobeeh et al, 2023, 'Pain mechanisms in complex regional pain syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis of quantitative sensory testing outcomes' Rijn et al, 2011, 'Spreading of complex regional pain syndrome: not a random process' Brink et al, 2021, 'Predictors of Self-Reported Neglect-like Symptoms and Involuntary Movements in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Compared to Other Chronic Limb Pain Conditions' Scheuren et al, 2023, 'Pain‐autonomic measures reveal nociceptive sensitization in complex regional pain syndrome' Reimer et al, 2016, 'Sensitization of the Nociceptive System in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome' Huge et al, 2008, 'Interaction of Hyperalgesia and Sensory Loss in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type I (CRPS I)' Kuttikat et al, 2016, 'Neurocognitive and Neuroplastic Mechanisms of Novel Clinical Signs in CRPS' Lewis et al, 2010, 'Wherever is my arm? Impaired upper limb position accuracy in complex regional pain syndrome' Kuttikat et al, 2018, 'Altered Neurocognitive Processing of Tactile Stimuli in Patients with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome' Schwoebel et al, 2001, 'Pain and the body schema: evidence for peripheral effects on mental representations of movement' Brun et al, 2018, 'Exploring the Relationships Between Altered Body Perception, Limb Position Sense, and Limb Movement Sense in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome' Echalier et al, 2020, "Spontaneous sensations reveal distorted body perception in complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)' Peltz et al, 2011, 'Impaired hand size estimation in CRPS' Moseley et al, 2009, 'Space-based, but not arm-based, shift in tactile processing in complex regional pain syndrome and its relationship to cooling of the affected limb'   How We Can Work Together: Join The Chronic Pain Breakup Method - The most comprehensive program that teaches you to beat chronic pain by addressing the deeper cause, equipping you with knowledge and tools you can use that will put you in control of the pain instead of the pain controlling your every move.  Book a FREE Pain Care Audit - Book a call so we can assess where you’re at and what your needs are Attend the Exclusive Online Training and learn how to breakup with your current pain "Managing" routine, and finally breakthrough chronic pain, once and for all, even if you've tried everything and nothing works. Click here to subscribe on iTunes and write a review.   Let's Get Connected...   Here are some ways to enjoy more FREE resources and content from Alissa Wolfe. Join the FREE Facebook community Follow Alissa on Instagram Subscribe to my YouTube Channel