Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy | Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

“It all began in January 1994. I was diagnosed with Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD), which is now often called CRPS, or Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. After 7 Left Lumbar Sacral Blocks and a Left Lumbar Sympathectomy, I still had a large amount of pain, muscle contractions, inability to initiate movement (I fell down a lot), edema (oedema), goose bumps, and sleeping problems. I tried a lot of different medications, and in 1996, I ended up on Neurontin, Relafen, Skelaxin, Naproxen, and Clonazepam to manage my symptoms.

Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy – The Therapies

At the start of my journey, I committed to a year of physical therapy, which I believe was essential in maintaining my mobility.I kept myself moving!

The adage “use it or lose it” proved true for me. To manage my symptoms effectively, I scheduled frequent appointments with massage therapists and chiropractors to ensure my spine stayed aligned and my muscles remained as relaxed as possible.

Muscle Spasms

The spasm of the piriformis muscle. I lived this way until about three years ago, and one morning after I got out of the shower, the piriformis muscle (the one that presses on your sciatic nerve) in my left buttocks went into a severe muscle spasm, and I fell to the floor. Can you believe it – I mean, how much worse could it get! I went to the chiropractor, the internist, and called the neurologist. I couldn’t sit, walk, or lie down comfortably for any length of time in any one position. Often, my husband had to help me dress. All my doctors said after 3 years of this, we think it is time you go back to the pain management clinic and see if there is some injection or procedure they can do to release that muscle. I agreed and scheduled an appointment.

The SOQI Products

Finding the Chi Machine and the Far Infrared Dome was a game-changer. While waiting for my appointment at the pain clinic, I met a man selling these products, including the Chi Machine and Hot House (FIR Dome). He told me about the two-week free trial. I thought it was a stretch, but I read the information that he gave me and looked at my treatment options comparing the Chi Machine and FIR Dome to the current RSD treatments being offered (a possible spinal implant pain regulator, more injections, ketamine) and decided to try the Chi Machine and FIR Dome, especially since if it didn’t do anything in 14 days, I could return the products!

During the first week of using the Chi Machine and Far Infrared Dome, I didn’t notice much of a difference. I did notice that the Chi Machine was relaxing, and the warmth of the FIR Dome felt great on my leg muscles. The second week, my brother-in-law noticed that I was walking differently. He thought my walking didn’t seem as labored or that I was dragging my left leg as much. My husband felt that I was looking better overall and told me to keep using the machines; we would not return them, so I did.

Unfortunately, the SOQI Products are no longer available in the USA as of May 2025. Other companies sell far infrared products and offer Chi Machines. Current machines have variable speeds, however, many have found them beneficial and even though the companies are different, the technology is still available to try.

Feeling Better with Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy

By the end of the first six weeks, I felt much less pain and noticed that even my plantar fascia muscle loosened up. It was looser than it had been in 3 years! Forgetting to take my medication occurred when I would open up my pill pack to take my nightly dose of pills, and the day was still full of all my pills. I went back to the Neurologist and Chiropractor, and the paraformis muscle was so loose in my left buttocks that the Chiropractor thought that I had had the procedure done at the pain clinic!

I told him I didn’t have the procedure and that I bought a Chi Machine and a FIR Dome, and left him some brochures! The Chiropractor said he had heard of the Chi Machine and would be taking another look at it for his patients with conditions similar to mine. The neurologist thought I looked great and wondered how the visit at the pain clinic went. I advised her that I didn’t attend and gave her some brochures as well.

Currently, I am doing better than I ever thought I would, and am a long way from how I felt when I arrived at the pain clinic in June of 1994. Using these products twice a day has helped me manage my pain. My usage of my medication Neurontin, Relafen, and Skelaxin has completely stopped. Currently, I still take one Clonazepam at night to help me sleep. I will always need those compression stockings (mostly, I think, due to the Sympathectomy), but my other leg no longer swells, and my life has improved for the better. I never thought I could plan to go somewhere on a Saturday and feel good enough by Saturday to go!

Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Updates

One Year

It has been one year this month since I began using the Chi Machine and Far Infrared Dome, and I thank God every day for crossing paths with the distributor who sold them to me. I ordered them and feel blessed and obligated to share my story with everyone, hoping these products will help someone else. These products are worth trying for everyone with RSD/CRPS or other similar neurological problems to see if they help you as much as they helped me. The FDA regulates the Chi Machine as a therapeutic massager! I always benefited from massage therapy in loosening my muscles and helping with contractions, but it does not compare to the results I have experienced using the Chi Machine.

I have, for the first time, optimistic hopes for my future and managing my RSD. Thanks for taking the time to read my story. Stay strong, keep positive (I know how hard that can be), and remember you are not alone! Pushing myself is how I always was, and my progress has paid off. I have always felt that any treatment or modality is worth trying for our health, and that our health and wellness should be our own decisions. I am glad I went outside the box and tried something different (alternative treatments). – Mara 02/17/06

4 Years

Update 04/07/09: After 4 years, I still use the Chi Machine, the SOQI Ceramic FIR Heater Dome, and the Electro Reflex Energizer to manage my pain and many other symptoms associated with my RSD. I continue to be thankful for these wonderful wellness products and alternative treatments. I am back to full activity, exercising twice daily and enjoying riding my bike 2-4 miles a day in the spring, summer, and fall.

It is no surprise that the Chi Machine’s three main benefits—passive aerobic exercise, massage, and supporting a healthy circulatory system—have truly benefited me by helping to keep my muscles loose and minimize swelling from edema and muscle spasms. The research on relieving pain with low-frequency stimulation is why I purchased and continue to use the Electro Reflex Energizer.

The Electro Pads have helped me target the pain I get in large muscle groups, like my hips, lower back, and thighs. Using the Electro Reflex Energizer on my hands also helped, as they tend to get tired from typing so much. I use the Electro Reflex Energizer on my feet, and although it seems to excite the nerves slightly, I think it has helped relieve my pain. The Far Infrared Dome is wonderful for helping me relax and relieving the deep bone pain I rarely get anymore.

I am still taking the Clonazepam at bedtime and feel blessed to have helped many of you. I don’t think I would be able to have such an active life if I didn’t have these products to use daily! Keep your faith and hope alive! I am here if you need me. Thank you for allowing me to continue to share my story.

Getting off the Clonazepem

Update 02/10/2020: Two years ago, I weaned myself off Clonazepam. For me, I was aging and had found a few articles online mentioning long-term use and memory loss. This frankly scared me. I contacted my doctor and pharmacist and underwent a year-long process of gradually decreasing my dose. I went from 1 pill per day to half a pill per day. Then I went to half a pill every other day and then stopped. I wouldn’t want to repeat that process.

The withdrawal symptoms were horrible. There was the fact that I had trouble sleeping for several months. I would sleep for a couple of hours, wake up, and be up the rest of the day. Often, I would also feel that someone was pulling on my skin from the inside of my body.

The feeling was similar to the movement of someone putting on tights or stockings. I do feel that, overall, I have more energy and am thinking clearly. I am thankful this is behind me and happy to be sleeping again. Word of advice, if you ever decide to stop taking medication, please do it under the supervision of your doctor, like I did!

2025 Update

My 3 Gifts for Wellness!

#1 Gift: Decide you are going to get well.

#2 Gift: Be Willing to NOT conform to opinions and statistics surrounding your diagnosis.

#3 Gift: Surround yourself with friends, family, and professionals who support you in the decisions you make regarding your healthcare and allow you to explore all options (including alternative medicine), even if they disagree with you.

The Chronic Pain Cycle

Those who deal with chronic pain should be aware of its cycle and understand its psychological effects.

1. The cycle typically begins with prolonged rest and inactivity, resulting in a loss of physical strength, endurance, and flexibility. This may result in a loss of confidence in one’s ability to do things and a lowering of personal goals.

2. The inability to perform usual activities at home and/or work can lead to feelings of frustration and reduced productivity. This could lower your self-esteem further, leading to depression.

3. During times when your pain is most tolerable, you may tend to overexert yourself to prove to yourself and others that you can still do the same things you did before your chronic pain began.

4. As a result of this overexertion, the pain often returns more severe than before. This will leave you unable to finish tasks or accomplish goals. Feeling discouraged and in pain, you begin limiting your activities, and the cycle starts again.

I know that this cycle was true for me. If it is true for you, recognize it and avoid repeating it!

FAQ about Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy
(Complex Regional Pain Syndrome)

1. What is Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)?

Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) are terms for a condition characterized by chronic pain and dysfunction in a limb or extremity, often following an injury. CRPS is the current term used for this condition, which is divided into two types:

CRPS-I: Also known as RSD, this type occurs without identifiable nerve injury.
CRPS-II: Also known as causalgia, this type occurs with identifiable nerve injury

Both types involve severe pain, swelling, and changes in skin color and temperature, and are thought to be due to abnormalities in the nervous system’s response to injury.

2. What are the common symptoms of CRPS/RSD?

Common symptoms of CRPS/RSD include:

• Severe Pain: Often described as burning, throbbing, or aching pain in the affected area.
• Swelling: Noticeable swelling of the affected limb.
• Skin Changes: Changes in skin color, temperature, and texture, such as shiny or dry skin.
• Motor Symptoms: Difficulty moving the affected limb, including weakness or tremors.
• Sensitivity: Increased sensitivity to touch or temperature changes in the affected area.

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