Shoulder pain is a common and frustrating problem for people who have had a stroke. It can make simple tasks like reaching for a cup or washing hands very difficult. A large review looked at a treatment called repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, or rTMS. This method uses magnetic fields to gently stimulate the brain. The goal is to help the brain recover better after a stroke.
The study combined data from over 500 participants. Results showed that the magnetic pulses significantly reduced pain intensity. People also showed better scores on tests measuring how well they could move their arms and perform daily activities. The treatment appeared safe with no serious side effects reported in this review.
However, the researchers noted that more high-quality studies with longer follow-up are needed. We do not yet know the best settings for the magnetic pulses or how long the benefits last. Despite this, the findings support adding this treatment to standard stroke rehabilitation plans.