Shoulder pain is common among people who work with their arms extended in front of them - be it typing on a computer keyboard, cooking, carrying children, lifting heavy objects or washing dishes.
Some other causes of shoulder pain include a broken arm or collarbone, bursitis, a dislocated shoulder, frozen shoulder, osteoarthritis, a rotator cuff injury, sprains and strains along with torn cartilage, to name a few. Other much less common causes are a tumor, an infection, or a nerve-related problem.
In cases of severe shoulder pain, unusual behavior or vomiting, seek medical attention immediately.
# Cold Compress- Wrap some ice cubes in a thin towel.
- Hold it against the painful area for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Repeat every 2 hours for the first 48 hours.
# Heat Therapy- Fill a hot water bag with hot water and place it on the affected area for 10 to 15 minutes. Repeat a few times a day until you get complete relief.
- Alternatively, stand in the shower and run warm to slightly hot water on your shoulder for 5 to 10 minutes, twice daily. While enjoying the hot shower, try to stand still so the heat from the water permeates the affected area.
# Massage- Before beginning the massage, take a hot bath or shower for 10 minutes to relax the tight muscles.
- Apply some warm olive, coconut or mustard oil on the affected area.
- Massage the oil over the area using firm yet gentle strokes for several minutes.
- To finish up the massage, glide both your hands down the back in long, flowing strokes.
- Put a warm towel on the affected area for 30 minutes.
- Do massage a few times daily until the pain subsides.
# Stretching- Standing up straight, raise your shoulders and hold this position for 5 seconds or more.
- Squeeze your shoulder blades back and together, and hold this position for 5 seconds.
- Pull your shoulders blades downward and hold this position for 5 seconds.
- Relax and repeat this stretching exercise for 10 minutes.
- Do this 3 or 4 times a day.