What percentage of post-stroke patients experience shoulder pain?

Shoulder pain is a common complication following a stroke, with varying reported prevalence across different studies. The range of 9-72% reflects the variability in patient populations, assessment methods, and timing of evaluations after a stroke. This wide range suggests that while some studies may find lower incidences of shoulder pain, other research highlights that it can be quite prevalent, particularly when evaluated over a longer time frame or in patients with specific risk factors. The percentage captures the complexity of stroke recovery and the fact that multiple factors, like the type of stroke, rehabilitation protocols, and individual patient characteristics, can influence the incidence of shoulder pain post-stroke.

In contrast, the percentages represented in the other choices may not encompass the full spectrum of patients affected or could represent outdated or less comprehensive data. Therefore, the chosen range indicates a more inclusive understanding of the potential for shoulder pain among post-stroke patients.