Home care for shoulder pain includes:

• Apply cold compresses:
• Apply for 20-30 minutes, every 4 hours, for the first few days.
• Apply warm compresses:
• Apply for 20-30 minutes, every 4 hours, after 2 days
• Rest:
• Wear a sling as directed.
• Long term immobilization in a sling can lead to frozen shoulder.
• If you wear a shoulder sling for longer than two weeks make sure you perform shoulder range of motion exercises twice a day to avoid frozen shoulder.
• Perform shoulder stretching exercises:
• As directed by your doctor
• Apply nonprescription pain rubs:
• ArthriCare
• Arthritis Pain Relieving Rub
• Aspercreme
• Ben-Gay
• Capzasin-HP
• Sportscreme
• Acetaminophen for pain
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications for pain:
• Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Nuprin, NeoProfen)
• Ketoprofen (Actron, Orudis, Oruvail)
• Naproxen (Anaprox, Naprosyn, Aleve)
• Take prescribed medications as directed:
• Don't skip doses of your medication. This makes them less effective.
• Be aware of the common side effects that may be caused by your medication.

Medications commonly used to control pain and inflammation in adults with shoulder pain include:

• Acetaminophen
• Controls pain, but has no anti-inflammatory properties
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs:
• Aspirin
• Ibuprofen
• Naproxen
• Ketoprofen
• Narcotic pain medications:
• Require a doctor's prescription
• Generally reserved for moderate to severe pain or severe pain

• Acetaminophen decreases fever and pain, but does not help inflammation.
• Adult dosing is 2 regular strength (325 mg) every 4 hours or 2 extra-strength (500 mg) every 6 hours.
• Maximum dose is 4,000 mg per day.
• Avoid this drug if you have alcoholism, liver disease or an allergy to the drug. See the package instructions.
• Common brand names include Tylenol, Panadol, and many others.

• Aspirin decreases pain, fever and inflammation.
• It is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID).
• Adult dosing is two regular strength (325 mg) every 4 hours with food.
• There are numerous products that contain aspirin.
• Follow the package instructions and NSAID precautions (below).

• Ibuprofen decreases pain, fever and inflammation.
• It is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID).
• Adult dosing is 200-400 mg every 4-6 hours.
• Do not exceed 1,200 mg per day without a doctor's recommendation.
• Brand names include Advil, Motrin and Nuprin.
• Follow the package instructions and NSAID precautions (below).

• Naproxen decreases pain, fever and inflammation.
• It is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID).
• Adult dosing is 200 or 220 mg twice a day with food.
• Do not exceed 500 mg per day.
• Its brand name is Aleve.
• Follow the package instructions and NSAID precautions (below).

• Ketoprofen decreases pain, fever and inflammation.
• It is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID).
• Adult dosing is 12.5 mg every 4-6 hours with food.
• Do not exceed 75 mg per day.
• Its brand name is Orudis KT.
• Follow the package instructions and NSAID precautions (below).

• Avoid using alcohol when taking any of these medications.
• Do not mix prescription and non-prescription NSAIDS unless directed to do so by your doctor.
• NSAIDS can interact with other blood thinners, such as Coumadin, and cause bleeding complications.
• Ask your doctor before using an NSAID if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Ask your doctor before using an NSAID if you have a history of:
• Allergy to aspirin
• Asthma
• Peptic ulcer disease
• Stomach ulcers
• Esophageal ulcers
• Bleeding problems
• Liver disease
• Kidney disease

Notify your doctor if you have shoulder pain and any of the following:

• Arm numbness (unilateral)
• Arm weakness (unilateral)
• Arm swelling
• Worsening shoulder pain
• Worsening shoulder swelling
• Worsening shoulder tenderness
• Worsening shoulder redness
• Deformed shoulder
• Inability to move the shoulder
• Persistent shoulder pain for more than 1 week
• Arm skin redness and pain
• Fever over 101 degrees F (38.3 C)

Last Updated: Jan 4, 2011 References
Authors: Stephen J. Schueler, MD; John H. Beckett, MD; D. Scott Gettings, MD
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