Treating Shoulder Pain Part 1

There are several types of treatment for shoulder pain. The main treatment options include:

• Avoiding activities that make your symptoms worse
• Painkillers
• Anti-inflammatories
• Physiotherapy – where physical methods, such as massage and manipulation, are used to promote healing
• Surgery (in some cases)

The treatment that you have may depend on the cause of your shoulder pain (see Shoulder pain - causes) and your symptoms. For example, as well as pain, you may also have reduced strength or movement in your shoulder. In this case, a combination of different treatments may be used.


Avoiding Activities

Depending on what is causing your shoulder pain, your GP may recommend that you avoid certain activities or movements that may make your symptoms worse.
For example, in the early, painful stage of frozen shoulder, your GP may suggest that you avoid activities that involve lifting your arms above your head. However, you should continue using your shoulder for other activities because keeping it still could make your symptoms worse.
If you have shoulder instability, your GP may recommend that you avoid any movements that are likely to make the instability worse, such as overarm throwing.
If you have sprained your acromioclavicular joint (the joint at the top of your shoulder), your GP may suggest that you avoid moving your arm across your body. You may also be given a sling (a supportive bandage) to wear to support your arm for up to a week after your injury.

Painkillers

If your pain is mild, taking painkillers such as paracetamol or codeine may be enough to control it. Always follow the dosage instructions on the packet to ensure that the medicine is suitable and that you do not take too much.
If your shoulder pain is more severe, your GP may recommend or prescribe a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen, diclofenac or naproxen.


As well as easing the pain, NSAIDs can also help to reduce swelling in your shoulder capsule. They are most effective when taken regularly rather than when your symptoms are most painful.
Cautions

Side effects can sometimes occur when using NSAIDs. They may include:

• Nausea (feeling sick)
• Diarrhoea
• Headaches
• Dizziness

Before taking NSAIDs, you should speak to your GP if you have any of the following:

• asthma – a long-term condition that can cause coughing, wheezing and breathlessness
• high blood pressure (hypertension)
• kidney problems 
• heart problems

Oral Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids are medicines that contain steroids, which are a type of hormone. Hormones are powerful chemicals that have a wide range of effects on the body, including reducing swelling and pain.
You may be prescribed corticosteroid tablets for frozen shoulder. Some evidence suggests that these may provide short-term pain relief for a few weeks. However, it is not clear whether corticosteroid tablets are any better than the other treatment options, such as corticosteroid injections.

Read Part 2 Here