Shoulder pain can impact anyone. It may affect cartilage, ligaments, muscles, nerves, or tendons. It may also include the shoulder blade, neck, arm, and hand.
Early therapy is critical. Shoulder pain may take eight weeks or more to heal. At-home shoulder pain treatment options may aid in recuperation.
Easy remedies at home
Treating shoulder discomfort frequently entails reducing inflammation (swelling and redness) and strengthening muscles. Here are numerous strategies to care for yourself and relieve shoulder pain.
Anti-inflammatory medication
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) serve to reduce pain and inflammation. Over-the-counter medications include aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen. Rotator cuff problems, tendinitis, arthritis, and other shoulder injuries all benefit from inflammation reduction.
Cold compress
Cold compresses might assist in minimizing swelling in the shoulder. Cooling also relieves intense pain. Use an ice pack for up to 20 minutes, five times a day. Use a frozen gel pack, ice cubes in a plastic bag, or frozen peas. Wrap the cold pack with a nice cloth. Do not place a cold pack directly on the skin.
Compression
Wrap an elastic medical bandage across the shoulder to decrease swelling and soreness. Use a cold compression bandage or a standard ACE bandage. You can also get a shoulder bandage at the pharmacy. Wrap it snuggly, but not too tightly. You do not want to restrict blood flow. If your arm or hand becomes numb, tingly, or bluish, release the compression bandage.
Heat therapy
Heat relaxes tense muscles and relieves stiff shoulders. It can relieve muscle discomfort and arthritis in the shoulder. Use a hot water bottle, a heating pad, or a heated gel pack.
Muscle relaxants
Muscle relaxants may be useful in treating pain caused by muscle tension or spasms around the shoulder joint. Cyclobenzaprine, tizanidine, and baclofen are examples of commonly used muscle relaxants. You will need your doctor's prescription.
Remember that muscle relaxants cause drowsiness and should not be taken while driving or using machinery.
Pain medication
Acetaminophen and aspirin are medications that can help relieve pain. This helps you deal with the injury and sleep better while you recover.
Side effects from pain drugs include stomach upset and heartburn. Consult a doctor if you are taking them for more than four weeks.
You can also use topical pain relief gels and lotions, which do not have the same side effects as oral pain medications. The US Food and Drug Administration has approved diclofenac in two formulations for the treatment of osteoarthritis. It is available in both 1 percent diclofenac sodium gel and 1.5 percent diclofenac sodium solution.
Rest and activity modification
Stop or alter the activity that may be causing the shoulder ache. It's crucial to move the shoulder carefully. This helps to maintain the shoulder muscles' strength and flexibility.
Shoulder exercises and stretches
Regular exercises and stretches can help your shoulder remain strong and flexible. A few things to remember before starting exercises:
- If you get more shoulder pain, discontinue any further exercise. It may be too early for you to attempt.
- Maintain your form. Exercising wrongly might potentially create or exacerbate shoulder issues.
- Warm up before intense stretching. Light shoulder rolls, moderate motions, or even a warm shower can all help warm up your muscles before exercising and stretching.
When to see a doctor
If you have a major shoulder injury, you will need both therapy and home treatments. Consult your physician if you have any of the following:
- Pain - especially if it does not subside with rest and medication.
- Repeat difficulties - when you experience shoulder pain more than once.
- Stiffness - when you are unable to lift or rotate your arm normally.
- Weakness - when your shoulder, arm, or hand is weaker than the unaffected side.
- Separated or dislocated shoulder - If your shoulder is dislocated or feels like it might slip out.
