What is a common physical therapy treatment for shoulder pain following a stroke?

Gradual weight-bearing exercises are an effective approach for addressing shoulder pain following a stroke. This type of treatment focuses on helping patients regain functional use of their affected arm and shoulder by gradually introducing weight-bearing activities that encourage the use of the shoulder joint. This process promotes muscle strengthening, increases stability, improves range of motion, and helps retrain the brain to coordinate movements.

By engaging in these exercises, stroke survivors can work towards rebuilding strength and functionality in the shoulder area, which can often be compromised after a stroke due to disuse or neurological impairments. The progressive nature of these exercises ensures that patients are not overwhelmed, allowing them to build confidence and reduce pain as they gain independence.

In contrast, while static stretching, electrical stimulation, and metabolic conditioning might have their place in a broader rehabilitation plan, they do not specifically target the functional recovery needed for shoulder pain post-stroke as effectively as gradual weight-bearing exercises. Static stretching, for instance, might help with flexibility but does not directly address strength and support needed for functional recovery. Electrical stimulation can aid in muscle contraction but does not replace the need for active, weight-bearing movement. Metabolic conditioning primarily focuses on overall cardiovascular fitness rather than the specific needs of shoulder rehabilitation after a stroke.