La rééducation fonctionnelle : actualités et perspectives

Rehabilitation and management of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) are now based on a better understanding of the peripheral and central mechanisms involved in the condition. These advances challenge persistent misconceptions among healthcare professionals, particularly the belief that pain should systematically limit movement. Therapeutic strategies have therefore evolved toward earlier, more coordinated and gradual rehabilitation, with a strong emphasis on active rehabilitation. The main objective is to progressively restore function by encouraging movement, even in the presence of pain, in order to prevent motor disuse and central sensitization. Several therapeutic approaches can be used, including immediate active rehabilitation without strict consideration of pain thresholds, mirror therapy, graded motor imagery, cognitive-behavioral therapies, and the key concept of graded exposure to movement. This comprehensive and progressive approach improves the chances of functional recovery and supports more appropriate prescriptions and referrals, thereby reducing the long and often complex diagnostic and therapeutic journey experienced by many patients with CRPS.