A practical recovery blueprint for post-stroke shoulder pain
Hey Fam,
Shoulder pain after stroke (often called PSSP) isn’t just an “extra inconvenience” — it’s one of the most common complications affecting recovery of the arm and shoulder.
According to Tan et al. (2024), the prevalence of PSSP in stroke survivors seen by primary-care was between 22%–47%.
Because of this, having a clear, structured approach matters a lot.
Here’s your recovery blueprint — four pillars you can act on this week to reduce pain, improve mobility, and support long-term shoulder health.
🧱 Four Pillars of the Shoulder Recovery Blueprint
Pillar 1 – Stabilise the Joint & Avoid Harm
Why: Tan et al. highlight that one key cause of PSSP is glenohumeral subluxation (i.e., the humeral head moving away from the glenoid) due to weakness/tone changes.
Action Steps:
Check your shoulder: sit upright and have someone gently measure the finger-breadth gap between the acromion and humeral head. If more than ~2-3 fingers, that’s a sign of subluxation.
Use a supportive sling during rest or low‐activity times (e.g., when watching TV).
The Giv Mohr Sling (non affiliated) :
https://www.givmohrsling.com/
Avoid overhead pulley exercises or unsupported heavy lifting until your shoulder is more stable — early movement without stability increases risk of pain.
