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Your shoulder is the most moveable joint in the body, but also one of the most unstable, making it prone to injury and discomfort. Whether mild or more severe, shoulder pain can prevent you from being there for those who depend on you. Understanding your shoulder pain can help you find relief.
Shoulder injuries can be serious. It's important to visit your doctor to determine the right treatment plan for your pain.
SYMPTOMS OF SHOULDER PAIN
It’s always a good idea to consult your doctor about shoulder pain symptoms you’re experiencing, but especially if you can’t move your arm or shoulder or experience sudden or intense pain, lasting bruising or swelling, or an obvious abnormality in the arm.
COMMON SHOULDER PAIN CAUSES
The shoulder joint is highly dependent on the surrounding bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments to hold it in place. As a result, several factors can cause shoulder pain. Here are the four most common.
TIPS FOR SHOULDER PAIN RELIEF
The key to relieving shoulder pain is to get on top of it right away; healing can take weeks or months. The good news is that shoulder pain can sometimes be treated at home with methods to soothe inflammation and build muscle strength. So, what is good for shoulder pain?
OVER-THE-COUNTER MEDICATIONS
An over-the-counter pain reliever, like Aleve® Back & Muscle Pain or Aleve® Tablets, can help relieve minor pain. Just one tablet can help manage pain for up to 12 hours.
Topical pain relievers like AleveX™ Pain Relieving Lotion with Rollerball Applicator can also provide powerful, long-lasting relief from minor pain. AleveX™ contains the active ingredient Menthol and Camphor.
OVER-THE-COUNTER MEDICATIONS
An over-the-counter pain reliever, like Aleve® Back & Muscle Pain or Aleve® Tablets, can help relieve minor pain. Just one tablet can help manage pain for up to 12 hours.
Topical pain relievers like AleveX™ Pain Relieving Lotion with Rollerball Applicator can also provide powerful, long-lasting relief from minor pain. AleveX™ contains the active ingredient Menthol and Camphor.
REST
Avoid moving your shoulder in a way that makes it feel worse, and rest your shoulders as much as you can by using arm rests on chairs and putting your hands in your pockets. If your rotator cuff is the problem, try keeping your elbows at your sides. Try to move the shoulder gently to help keep the muscles flexible.
REST
Avoid moving your shoulder in a way that makes it feel worse, and rest your shoulders as much as you can by using arm rests on chairs and putting your hands in your pockets. If your rotator cuff is the problem, try keeping your elbows at your sides. Try to move the shoulder gently to help keep the muscles flexible.
COLD THERAPY
Applying a cold compress for 15-20 minutes up to five times a day can help relieve pain and reduce swelling. Frozen gel packs and leak-proof plastic bags of ice are good options; just be sure to wrap the cold pack in a towel or old T-shirt instead of placing it directly on the skin, which can be painful and cause damage. See your doctor right away if the pain persists or gets worse.
COLD THERAPY
Applying a cold compress for 15-20 minutes up to five times a day can help relieve pain and reduce swelling. Frozen gel packs and leak-proof plastic bags of ice are good options; just be sure to wrap the cold pack in a towel or old T-shirt instead of placing it directly on the skin, which can be painful and cause damage. See your doctor right away if the pain persists or gets worse.
HEAT THERAPY
Applying a warm compress, like a heating pad or warm water bottle, can help relax tense muscles and stiff shoulders, especially when arthritis is the cause of shoulder pain.
HEAT THERAPY
Applying a warm compress, like a heating pad or warm water bottle, can help relax tense muscles and stiff shoulders, especially when arthritis is the cause of shoulder pain.
COMPRESSION
To help reduce swelling and aches, try wrapping the shoulder snugly in an elastic medical bandage or specialized shoulder wrap. Just don’t wrap it tight enough that your arm starts to feel tingly or numb.
COMPRESSION
To help reduce swelling and aches, try wrapping the shoulder snugly in an elastic medical bandage or specialized shoulder wrap. Just don’t wrap it tight enough that your arm starts to feel tingly or numb.
MASSAGE
Rub against the grain at the most painful spot on the shoulder. Do this for about a minute a few times a day to help alleviate pain and swelling. If you find this uncomfortable, ice beforehand to numb the area. If your pain spot is hard to reach, ask a family member to do the massage or visit a massage professional.
MASSAGE
Rub against the grain at the most painful spot on the shoulder. Do this for about a minute a few times a day to help alleviate pain and swelling. If you find this uncomfortable, ice beforehand to numb the area. If your pain spot is hard to reach, ask a family member to do the massage or visit a massage professional.
SELF-CARE AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE
Self-care practices like low-impact exercise or stretching, meditation and journaling can help manage shoulder pain. Some people also find relief exploring alternative medicine such as chiropractic care, relaxation techniques or aromatherapy.
SELF-CARE AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE
Self-care practices like low-impact exercise or stretching, meditation and journaling can help manage shoulder pain. Some people also find relief exploring alternative medicine such as chiropractic care, relaxation techniques or aromatherapy.
In some cases, shoulder injuries are too severe to manage with home remedies alone. Your doctor might recommend treatments like prescription steroid injections to reduce shoulder inflammation, physical therapy, using a sling or shoulder immobilizer, shoulder surgery to repair torn tissue or shoulder joint replacement surgery.
Shoulders do a lot of hard work, and when you’re in pain, it can feel like your shoulders are working overtime. Thankfully, there are many ways to help reduce shoulder pain so you can get back into your daily routine, showing up for what really matters.
References
Dignity Health. Shoulder pain.
Athwal GS, Widmer B, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Shoulder pain and common shoulder problems.
Iftikhar N, Healthline. Treating and managing shoulder pain.
Pietrangelo A, Healthline. Why does my shoulder hurt?
