Research conversation: Treating shoulder pain

Hemiplegic shoulder pain refers to pain in and around the shoulder that develops as a direct result of neurological disease. It is associated with poor recovery of the affected arm, reduced quality of life, and increased risk of depression. Despite its impact, there are currently limited guidelines on how best to manage it.

Avgi Christodoulou from UWE Bristol, alongside patient partner Claire Angell, will share research on co-creating a virtual reality treatment to help support the management of hemiplegic shoulder pain in people with stroke.

Join the meeting

Zoom link: https://bristol-ac-uk.zoom.us/j/92016001391?pwd=SobVTdPwpQmtEgwuqja2QvTlw9GaXy.1

MeetIng ID: 920 1600 1391

Passcode: 954252

About the speakers

Avgi holds a BSc in Physiotherapyand brings over 13 years of experience across NHS and private rehabilitation settings, with experience in specialist and clinical lead roles. She has prioritised professional development throughout her career, completing advanced training in areas such as respiratory practice, vestibular rehabilitation and sports medicine. Her interest in research and innovation grew during her MSc in Stroke Medicine at UCL, where she collaborated with bioengineers on robotic rehabilitation solutions, guiding her towards specialising in neurological physiotherapy. In 2023, she was awarded the Dean’s Scholarship to undertake a PhD at the University of the West of England, where she is developing technology to manage hemiplegic shoulder pain. Her long-standing experience in neurological and musculoskeletal practice also informs an initiative supporting athletes with neurological disease returning to high-level sport. Avgi is committed to improving access, participation and outcomes for people with disabilities.

Claire is a stroke survivor of eleven years who began volunteering with the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Stroke reconfiguration programme Board in 2016 when she heard about the inequalities of care that existed across the stroke care pathway. Claire was involved in co-designing the reconfigured BNSSG stroke care pathway that went live between 2022-2023 and now sits on the BNSSG Stroke Clinical Oversight Group as the Lived Experience Lead. Claire is also a Co-Director for the Bristol Health Partners Stroke Health Integration Team (HIT) and chairs the Stroke HIT Lived Experience Group. She has been involved in a number of research projects as a Patient Partner and uses her lived experience to assist and inform various health organisations and charities in projects that aim to improve care and rehabilitation for other stroke survivors and their families.