Acupuncture for Hemiplegic Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain has been reported to be one of the most common complications after stroke. Several factors have been related to shoulder pain after stroke such as paralysis, restricted range of motion in the shoulder, spasticity, sensory abnormalities, but the relationship between these factors and pain was not discussed.

The aim of this study is to identify the efficacy of electroacupuncture in reducing upper limbs spasticity and shoulder pain in stroke patients, and to evaluate the quality of life (QOL) for stroke patients.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Stroke within 6 months from onset
• Hemiplegia with shoulder pain (VAS > 2)

Exclusion Criteria:

• previous pathology of the shoulder or cardiac pacemaker, and cognition problems