Stroke Support Group

My husband has had many strokes. For him the pain got worse before it got better. Tell your Dad to be patient the pain will go away. Maybe in a week or a few weeks but it will become less. Good luck to your Dad and you.

My mom also had extreme shoulder pain, but it has definitely improved. Are they also working on your dad's shoulder? Is it somewhat dislocated from the weight of his arm? That was the problem with my mom - she is religious about wearing her sling which helps keep it in the right position in her socket and I think that has helped. She also took perscription pain killers for a while to help her get through the wost of the pain. I hope he starts feeling better soon!

Hiya...had a stroke 3 years ago, and after extensive PT & research studies, improved & a lot of the pain dissipated, but after losing PT and a daily stretch pain came back w/ tightness. My advice is to keep up ANY good work/exercise. IT HELPS! Hope this was useful; every strokey is different in progress, time things progress. Doctors don't always know; attitude helps!! Keep trying!! Things get better in due time.

I too am experiencing shoulder pain my stroke ws 13 month ago. I know it's also the weigt of my arm hnging down. Maybe your Dad's Ot can apply a heating pad ( to loosen muscle) prior to therapy. It always helped me. Goodluck.Wish you guys well in this recovery process.

The pain does goaway, but your dad just has to be patient;I, too, had the same experience when undergoing therapy for my hand - my left side was also paralyzed. I had to takeVicodin for the pain b/c it was so bad I couldn't stand it. Please take care - you and your dad both. It will get better, trust me. So, please take care. . . Love always, Pinay:)

What kind of stroke was it???how long since the stroke???how old is he???

There are many variables, when my Ralph had his stroke his right side was paralized, they told us not to be touching his right arm too much as it was very painful that it was too early. He takes labelol for the tremor that is down his right side, after three years, he uses his right arm, but it is not strong and he cannot close it completely, he massages his right and foot everyday with cream, he describes it as stiff. It is also really important to do the RIGHT therapy especially if it is the left side, usually the stroke has been on the right side of the brain which is the centre for mobility. A big part of recovery is also rest, let him sleep when he wants to, his brain is recovering, take care, Joanne

I am one year post stroke and have had major pain in wrist, fingers and shoulder. I thought it would never improve but it is as I get more function back. I exercise to my limits and that combined with time seem to be working. Therapy for my hand did not seem to work. I still did exercises i was capable of and I use my hand/arm as much as possible no matter how long something takes me. I find that recovery has many phases with a lot of nuances that therapists have no clue about. I have come to terms that this type of recovery is not like a bone or tissue injury. There is a lot going on and it is slow but it comes if you work at it

My wife also has a lot of pain in her left weak arm and increases with therapy. The PT sent her to a Medical PT and he thinks Botox injections in the shoulder and are will decrease the pain and help with movement. Of coarse everyone is different. I had some of his patients call me and did a lot of research. One thing every one agreed was it does help with the pain.She is having the injections next week. So, we are praying this helps, Mike