Margaret, a CRPS Patient (Nottingham, UK)
I had a crush injury to my hand in July 2007. The 3rd 4th and 5th metacarpals were fractured. My
hand was put in a series of casts over the first 4 weeks and the pain was unbearable.
I was then diagnosed with CRPS and I was given a thermoplastic cast which could be removed for
physiotherapy.
I had intensive physiotherapy, 5 weeks of acupuncture, gentle massage on my hand (which
de-sensitised the burning feeling in the skin) and Alexander Technique. All of the above helped me to
keep my hand and arm moving. However, the pain was now excruciating in my whole arm.
In November I was diagnosed with Frozen Shoulder.
This impeded the movement I knew was very important for my CRPS.
I was prescribed very strong pain killers and anti-depressants. I declined the strong pain killers and
anti-depressants but sometimes when I could not bear it, I would take Ibuprofen and Paracetamol for
short periods.
I scanned the Internet for anything that might help, as this is a terrifying condition and feels as though
your limb is full of congealing glue and if you stop moving for one moment it will seize up.
I came across Collateral Meridian Therapy in early December and contacted Enrac and was
immediately heartened by the personal way in which I was treated by Shang Ko, who is the American
Representative. I also felt relieved talking to someone who knew about CRPS and who believed that it
could be cured.
I had been sure that I would have to live the rest of my life with the pain and was willing to try
anything.
A friend sponsored me to make the trip to Taiwan to have treatment and I went in the middle of
February 2008.
When I arrived I was warmly greeted by everyone at Enrac and after a detailed assessment, I was
given my first treatment.
I had been hopeful, but did not imagine for one minute that the pain relief would be so instant.
The deep pain in my elbow, which had felt like a knife being pushed through it, was instantly gone and
some of the pain in my shoulder. I was able to move my arm more freely, although it was still tight, but
the pain had subsided. I felt discomfort rather than pain.
That night I slept through for the first time in 7 months. Over the following two weeks I had six more
treatments.
I am still free from the pain. As soon as the pain subsided I was able to apply more pressure on my
fingers to separate them and get them moving.
It is difficult to put into words the emotions that arise when a healing of this nature takes place.
When I returned to England I had a very emotional reunion with my friend who sponsored my trip to
Taipei. She burst into tears as soon as she saw me, because she said that it was so wonderful that the
pain had gone out of my eyes and my face.
CMT has brought me back into the real world where I can do normal activities. I am now able to move
my hand and arm in ways that I could not before.
I am also able to sleep through the night (which I was unable to do for 7 months) and when I wake up, I
can stretch. Thank you! thank you! thank you!
Dr Shan-Chi Ko who spent so many years searching for a way to relieve pain and Dr Wang and Dr Chen
and all at Enrac.
I was told by Dr Ko in Taiwan that I would need 9 months of treatment. I believe that to be true, as I
can feel how strong the CRPS is in my hand, but I have none of that extreme pain that I suffered
before.
I am going to try to keep up the treatments myself, but I am hoping to be able to return to Taipei later
in the year to continue treatment.
I recommend this treatment to anyone suffering debilitating pain.