Shoulder pain

The cause of shoulder pain remains unclear, but this complication affects 9% of stroke survivors on admission rising to 12% during admission, suggesting activities in hospital may exacerbate the condition. Shoulder pain often occurs secondarily or with other impairments (see Spasticity and Contracture).

Interventions aimed at reducing trauma to the shoulder, such as educating all staff, carers and stroke survivors, may also help to minimise shoulder pain. Such education may include strategies to care for the shoulder during manual handling and transfers and advice regarding positioning.

As there is no clear evidence for effective interventions once shoulder pain has developed in stroke patients, management should be based on evidence-based interventions for acute musculoskeletal pain..

For current research and evidence-based recommendations see our Clinical Guidelines.