Nerve Block Injection Plus Physical Therapy for Post-Stroke Pain

This trial is testing a procedure called stellate ganglion block — an injection that calms overactive nerves in the upper arm — combined with physical therapy for stroke patients who develop severe, long-lasting pain and stiffness. About half of the participants will receive the nerve block injection plus 10 sessions of physical therapy, while the other half will receive physical therapy alone. Researchers will measure pain levels, arm function, and quality of life at several time points to see if this treatment combination works better than therapy by itself.

Many stroke survivors develop a painful condition in their weakened arm that makes recovery harder and reduces their quality of life. While physical therapy is standard treatment, some patients still struggle with pain that gets in the way of regaining arm strength and independence. This trial wants to find out whether adding this nerve-blocking injection might break the cycle of pain and help patients recover better.