Physical therpy may help but cannot stop the reduction in the range of movement permanently. This may cause hairline fractures. It has been found that many RSD patients have difficulty initiating or beginning movements. They will think, fingers pick up the glass, but there is a definite delay between the thought and the corresponding movement. This causes reflexes to be poor.
Repetitive movements cause increased pain and spasms.
Circulation is usually impaired as well. Many patients with RSD feel that they develop cognitive problems because of their condition. Memory loss, inability to concentrate, and loss of some reasoning ability are all areas that many patients complain about. RSD pain is different than any other type of pain imaginable.