Background: Hemiplegic shoulder pain (HSP) is considered one of the most debilitating complications following stroke. Between 30 and 65% of stroke patients may experience HSP. Pain can result from shoulder structural injury and abnormal posture which may damage the surrounding tissues over time. Impingement of rotator cuff, subluxation or capsulitis of glenohumeral joint, bicipital tendinitis, shoulder muscles spasticity, and shoulder hand syndrome are other causes for shoulder pain post stroke. Shoulder pain is demonstrated as a predictor for decrease arm functional adequacy, high levels of depression and poorer quality of life.

Objective: This review article aimed to review hemiplegic shoulder pain management.

Methods: A search was conducted of Science direct, PubMed, and Google database. The search for literature was limited to English language works. Dissertations, oral presentations, conference papers, unpublished articles, and abstracts from smaller scientific investigations were excluded.

Conclusions: This review has a benefit in the physical therapy field. It guides rehabilitation program of physical therapy toward better results in patients with hemiplegic shoulder pain.