Physical therapy management in stroke patients shoulder pain

Abstract

Shoulder pain is a common problem in hemiplegic patients, which is normally caused by muscle weakness, abnormal muscle tone, shoulder subluxation or inappropriate shoulder exercises and positioning. Shoulder pain affects patient’s ability to perform daily activities, increases length of stay in the hospital and results in depression. Thus, physical therapists should be aware of this problem when he/she is taking care of stroke patients. Nowadays, there are several methods to alleviate this problem including shoulder exercises, positioning and electrical stimulation. Each of these treatment procedures has different benefits and limitations. Physical therapists must choose the most appropriate treatment in order to gain optimal outcome.