she doesn't want to feel like she depends on them for everything.

I totally get this. I HATE when someone keeps saying then why don't you just take the breakthrough pain meds whenever flareup happens. . But at the same time, there is a limit when it can really help to have rescue/prn/breakthrough meds available for flareups because never know when one can get worse:( (even if it is just a couple).

As for heat, we have a jacuzzi, I've gotten her in there w/o and jets or movement, but she says the pressure from being in the water makes the pain worse. Can I ask what is the source of heat that works best for you?

2 yrs into rsd/crps I still cannot Barely take ANY heat or even touch to entire affected limb even though spending tens of thousands on therapy. So forget about putting it fully underwater I would scream! If it is hurting her, maybe consider encouraging her not to push herself too fast to put it underwater.

I have slowly learned to get it submerged into water somewhat (though mine is so bad I cannot put fully underwater so is not exactly same sorry just giving any input I can as I can sympathize with this and admire you for helping her so!). So I would be happy to share with you what one of my therapists from the pain clinic taught me. (After even nerve blocks have failed and cauaed nerve thickening) She suggested buying one of those big plastic buckets even from the dollar store or something and filling it with little bit of water at first and ALWAYS making sure every time to adjust temperature to comfort for that affected area or limb. (This also apparantly could work with a lightweight hot water bottle adjusted as well); then VERY slowly over time (whether it takes weeks or years) to slowly increase the amount of water and or heat anytime (or hopefully everytime as tolerated) therefore hopefully slowly increasing ability to adjust to the pressure.

Sorry if this is too much to read or not detailed enough info I am new to discussing crps as well :)

Wishing the best for you and her:) And pleased ost importantly.. do not forget to take care of yourself first and fully so that you can take care of her too, unfortunately too many partners or caregivers do not do that nearly soon enough, and being with someone with crps flareupa can be very draining even though the partner triea to put on a happy face for their loved one who is in pain; that is so nice of you to care so much about her pain and try to help:)))