Suprascapular nerve block in the treatment of hemiplegic shoulder pain

Abstract

Objective The aim of the study was to study the effectiveness of suprascapular nerve block (SSNB) in reducing pain and increasing range of motion (ROM) in hemiplegic shoulder pain and to compare them with therapeutic ultrasound (U/S). Design The study was designed as a randomized controlled trial. Setting The study was conducted in the Department of Physical Medicine, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation. Patients and methods Stroke patients with hemiplegic shoulder pain who met the inclusion criteria were included in the present study and allocated to the SSNB or U/S groups. Both groups were given the same standard program of ROM exercise, and visual analog scale score of pain, passive maximum ROM, and Croft Disability Questionnaire at second and fourth weeks were evaluated. Results Twenty stroke patients were equally allocated to the SSNB and U/S groups. There was a signifi cant improvement in visual analog scale scores and Croft Disability Questionnaire at the second and fourth weeks in the SSNB group. For ROM outcome of the SSNB group, the increase in fl exion at the second and fourth weeks was 18.96 ± 11.73 and 34.93 ± 17.58 and in abduction was 22.26 ± 15.48 and 41.12 ± 22.02, respectively. SSNB produced faster relief of pain and more effective restoration of ROM compared with U/S. Conclusion The present study suggested that SSNB is a safe and effective treatment for hemiplegic shoulder pain. It was more effective than therapeutic U/S in reducing pain score and improving ROM and upper limb function