Shoulder pain after stroke: a research challenge.

Background: An evidence-based approach to the management of shoulder pain after stroke is required, but systematic reviews have highlighted the small number of studies suitable for use in developing clinical guidelines.

Design: This brief overview summarises obstacles to shoulder pain research that systematic reviews have identified, and compares their therapeutic recommendations to the Royal College of Physicians National Clinical Guidelines for Stroke.

Conclusion: Clinicians treating shoulder pain after stroke can refer to guidelines and systematic reviews, but there are differences in their conclusions regarding the use of steroid injections and electrical stimulation. There is unanimous agreement that further efforts are required to examine interventions singly and in combination.