After a stroke, your shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand may not work like they used to. It’s usually only on one side of the body, but it can be on both. This will depend on what part of your brain has been injured.
It takes time to recover after stroke. Your treating team can include doctors, physiotherapists and occupational therapists. These health professionals can test your upper-limb strength, movement and feeling. They can work with you to develop a rehabilitation plan based on your needs and goals.
Your muscles may be weak, loose or floppy. This is called hypotonia. Weakness on one side of the body is called hemiparesis.
Paralysis is when you can’t move at all. Paralysis on one side is called hemiplegia. Your arm may be paralysed completely, or your shoulder, elbow, wrist or hand may be weak.
Your treating team may suggest:
You may feel touch less in your arm, hand or shoulder.
You may feel touch more. This is called hypersensitivity.
You may have pins and needles, tingling or other strange sensations.
Your treating team may suggest feeling different materials, objects and textures. This can help retrain your senses.
You may have difficulty planning movements, even if your arm is not weak. This is called apraxia.
Your treating team may suggest you talk about and practise the steps of moving. They will guide your movements if needed.
Your muscles may feel stiff and tight. Your muscles resist movement. They may not work like you want them to. This is called muscle spasticity.
Changes in the muscle may make your arm bone sit slightly lower in your shoulder socket.
Your treating team may suggest:
If your hand or arm does not move as well as it used to, fluid can often build up. This is called oedema.
Your treating team may suggest:
Muscle changes, spasticity and subluxation can cause pain. Changes in your brain may also cause changes in sensation and make you feel pain even if you are not injured.
Your treating team will work with you to find what’s causing your pain.
StrokeLine’s nursing and allied health professionals can give you information, advice and support. StrokeLine is a free, confidential and practical service.
Open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm Australian Eastern Time. StrokeLine is closed on national public holidays.
Call 1800 787 653
Email strokeline@strokefoundation.org.au
If you need to see a physiotherapist or occupational therapist, talk with your GP. StrokeLine can tell you about the different ways to go about it, and help you find the best way for you.
To find a physiotherapist:
Australian Physiotherapy Association
Visit choose.physio
To find an occupational therapist:
Occupational Therapy Australia
www.otaus.com.au
Download the Arm, hand and shoulder after stroke fact sheet (PDF)