Living with CRPS: Healing with Red Light Therapy & Scrambler Therapy

In January 2025, I received a diagnosis that would dramatically alter my life and perspective on everything I once knew—Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)—affectionately called "the suicide disease." A disease that affects many who suffer alone and in silence. Easily misdiagnosed and completely misunderstood by the mainstream healthcare industry, the nickname seems rather appropriate.

If you’re reading this, you or someone you love might be facing a similar diagnosis. After rolling my ankle for the millionth time in 2024, it didn't get better like it had in the past. In fact, it got worse. Doctor after doctor and test after test gave no answers. Why wasn't my ankle getting better? Many drugs were prescribed, but there were no real answers for what was happening to me. Luckily my physical therapist noticed the tell tale signs of CRPS (skin that is itchy, burning, red, scaly, lack of hair growth, temperature changes) and alerted my doctor. After a 3 phase bone scan confirmed it, I finally knew I had CRPS. But now what? 

My Personal Journey

When I was diagnosed, I felt overwhelmed and desperate for treatment options. I had already been diagnosed with fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis in 2021 and I had been utilizing red and infrared light therapy to successfully manage my symptoms for years. But after this last ankle injury, it was beyond what I could manage at home. I was forced to take a leave of absence from work as I was unable to perform my duties anymore. I was unable to walk and I was very close to a wheelchair. The CRPS had quickly spread into my left leg and it was beginning to feel helpless.

The doctors wanted me to take a bunch of pain medications and get a nerve block every few months. That was their answer. Those options were band aids and none of them were the answers I was looking for so I began a desperate path of exploration—medications, physical therapy, nerve blocks, infusions, and alternative therapies. You name it, I researched it! I had led a once very active lifestyle and I wasn't ready to give up on it just yet!

My breakthrough came when I discovered Calmare Scrambler Therapy. And when combined with red and infrared light therapy, these modalities used together transformed my healing journey with CRPS and opened up a new path of long term pain relief. I was finally able to regain control of my life and get back to living again!! So let's dive in a bit and talk more about CRPS and how these two amazing modalities can help support your healing journey too!

What is CRPS?

CRPS, also known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD), is a complex, often misunderstood chronic neurological pain condition characterized by severe, burning pain, swelling, skin changes, temperature fluctuations, and heightened sensitivity. It’s a relentless condition that affects every aspect of life, making hope and effective pain management essential. Read more about CRPS and recognizing the early signs here.

How I Discovered Red and Infrared Light Therapy

My journey with red light therapy began in 2021 when I was searching for options to manage the pain and inflammation associated with my fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis. Skeptical at first, I decided to give it a try, investing in a basic tabletop panel. The results were beyond what I expected from the very first use. I was blown away by it...the therapy seemed to penetrate deep into my tissues, reducing inflammation, easing pain, and supporting healing. As a result, I became compelled to learn everything I could about the science behind this technology so I spent 9 months studying and learning all about light therapy and how to use it. I became a Certified Light Therapist so I could become an expert in the field and help others use light therapy at home or in their business to achieve lasting pain relief like I did! Here are just a few ways it has helped me personally:

• Reduce burning pain and discomfort
• Improve mobility and decrease stiffness
• Promote blood flow and tissue healing
• Boost my mood and overall well being
• Reduce wound healing time (this one is crazy!)
• Increase collagen production and yes, reduce my wrinkles and improve my skin tone (nice bonus!)

Introducing Calmare Scrambler Therapy

While red light therapy was a game-changer, with my accident and CRPS diagnosis, I discovered I needed a little bit more to truly reset my pain levels so I could better manage my symptoms at home. During my research, I met a family on their way to Calmare Scrambler Therapy to treat CRPS. After following their journey and seeing her successful results, I decided to give it a try.

Calmare Scrambler Therapy is a non-invasive neuromodulation treatment designed to “retrain” nerve signals and disrupt pain pathways, Calmare Scrambler Therapy uses electrical signals to replace pain signals with normal, soothing signals, effectively “re-mapping” nerve activity. It is FDA certified just like red light therapy devices are and I discovered many success stories, particularly with finding relief from both fibromyalgia and CRPS symptoms! Go figure! For me, Calmare Scrambler Therapy helped reset those painful nerve pathways, significantly decreasing both my pain and overall pain intensity. It was the reset I needed to get back to my life again!

The Power of Combining Modalities

What truly amazed me was how these two therapies—Red Light Therapy and Calmare Scrambler Therapy—could be used together to amplify results. By combining the cellular healing promoted by red light therapy with the nerve retraining effects of Calmare Scrambler Therapy, I experienced faster, more profound relief. The synergy of these modalities helped me regain control over my pain, mobility, and quality of life!

I ended up needing well over a month of Calmare Scrambler Therapy and I still need boosters periodically, but it has allowed me to get back to my life again! And I have expanded my pain management  toolkit and now use pulsed electromagnetic field therapy as well as vagus nerve stimulation and meditation exercises to reduce stress, increase my feelings of happiness, and shift my brain and nervous system into a healthy state!

Why I Advocate for a Multi-Modality Approach

Seeing how all of these therapies and modalities have transformed my healing journey, I have chosen to change my career and follow my passion for helping others. I am harnessing the lessons I have learned, the research and collaboration with others, and I am opening up a practice in 2026 to help others like myself overcome chronic pain conditions like CRPS. I have become a functional medicine practitioner because I believe traditional medicine has failed us. I am also a Certified Light Therapist and I own a light therapy company so I have the opportunity to partner with doctors, chiropractors, physical therapists, and other healthcare professionals to bring a more comprehensive approach to treating CRPS and other chronic pain conditions. And check out our Calmare Scrambler Therapy provider map here, making it easier than ever to find therapy options close to you and experience more effective results!

For Those Living with CRPS

If you're battling CRPS, I encourage you to consider these therapies as part of your treatment plan. While neither is a cure, their combined use can significantly reduce symptoms, promote healing, and improve your overall well being. You don't have to give up on your life!

Final Thoughts

Living with CRPS is undeniably life changing, but my experience has shown me that hope, healing, and relief are achievable. Red and infrared light therapy, paired with Calmare Scrambler Therapy, opened a new door for me—and I believe it can do the same for you. If you're interested in exploring these treatment options, I welcome you to reach out. Together, we can find a path toward sustained pain relief and hope for better days. You are not alone!