Shoulder Subluxation and Toileting Control

by Suman Ghosh

QuestionHi! My Father is a hemiplegia patient (left side) after stroke. He can not move his hand at all. Some time he asks, "Who's hand is this?". After 7 weeks he had a fall on his shoulder and complained of extreme pain on the affected upper arm. We have used shoulder immobilizer, but it developed spasticity. Please suggest.

Another problem is he does not have control over passing motion or urine. It's now 8 weeks after the stroke. Is there any exercise to help him over getting control over toileting.

Thank You
Suman Ghosh

Answer: Regarding your question on toileting, you can visit my webpage, www.stroke-rehab.com/bowel-and-bladder-incontinence.html.

As far as shoulder pain, did you make sure that your father's shoulder wasn't injured during the fall? Were x-rays done or the shoulder examined by a physician after the fall. If the shoulder was examined after the fall and nothing was damaged from the fall, then I recommend range of motion as tolerated and mobilizing the scapula (shoulder blade). For more information about how to mobilize the shoulder blade or deal with the spastic arm, you can read www.stroke-rehab.com/scapular-mobilization.html and www.stroke-rehab.com/treatment-of-flaccidity-and-spasticity-after-stroke.html