The CRPS Compass

Episode 9: Acceptance & Commitment, Mindfulness, and Sensory Processing For Managing CRPS

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.

Episode 8: A CRPS Story

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.

Episode 7: Unpacking The Research On CRPS

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.

Episode 6: A Hand Therapist's Role In CRPS Management

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/PMC10690851/] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10584071/ [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.

Episode 5: Occupational Therapy's Role in Chronic Pain Management

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.