HSP workouts, or Hemiplegic Shoulder Pain workouts, are designed to improve shoulder strength, especially in individuals recovering from conditions like stroke that cause weakness or pain in one shoulder. These workouts focus on targeted exercises and therapies that help restore muscle function, reduce pain, and improve joint stability.
One key way HSP workouts improve shoulder strength is through neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES). NMES uses electrical impulses to activate muscles that may be weak or partially paralyzed, encouraging muscle contraction and strengthening over time. Research shows that applying NMES with specific parameters—such as a frequency of 10 to 36 Hz and pulse widths between 200 to 300 microseconds—can reduce shoulder subluxation (partial dislocation) and improve muscle function in the affected shoulder after stroke. This helps rebuild strength and supports better shoulder alignment and movement[1].
In addition to NMES, HSP workouts often include gentle resistance exercises and positioning strategies to prevent further injury and promote muscle activation. Proper positioning helps avoid complications like spasticity and joint deformities, which can worsen shoulder pain and limit recovery. By maintaining correct posture and gradually increasing load on the shoulder muscles, these workouts encourage muscle hypertrophy (growth) and strength gains without causing excessive joint stress[3].
Some rehabilitation programs also incorporate blood flow restriction training (BFRT), which uses controlled pressure to partially restrict blood flow during low-intensity exercises. This method has been shown to enhance muscle strength and size effectively, even with lighter weights, making it suitable for individuals with limited shoulder function or pain. BFRT can complement HSP workouts by promoting muscle growth while minimizing discomfort and risk of injury[2].
Overall, HSP workouts combine electrical stimulation, careful exercise selection, and positioning management to improve shoulder strength. These approaches help restore muscle control, reduce pain, and support functional recovery in people affected by hemiplegic shoulder pain.
Sources
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10833196.2025.2583436?src=
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12605898/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12611660/
