4 Tips to Stop Shoulder Pain Naturally (and NOW)
June 06, 2023
Shoulder pain is one of the most common reasons to visit a chiropractor. It often arises due to dysfunction in the shoulder joint or surrounding soft tissues. Because chiropractors treat the musculoskeletal system, they have the services to determine the precise cause of shoulder discomfort and the remedies for them. But, sometimes, you need shoulder pain relief, and you need it now, and getting to a chiropractor isn’t available to you at the moment.
Whether you’re active or sedentary, shoulder pain can disrupt your life, making work, exercise, and even the slightest movements hard or impossible. This post gives you four natural, safe, and effective ways to end shoulder pain at home or work.
Tip 1 to End Shoulder Pain: Stretch the Shoulder
Sometimes simplicity is best. A little shoulder stretch session may be all you need to get some flexibility and range of motion back, plus it delivers the valuable circulation of blood, oxygen, and nutrients to the injury for optimized healing.
Shoulder stretches that can help you find pain relief include:
• Across the chest stretch: Extend one arm at shoulder height diagonally across your chest, bend the other arm to cradle the extended one by lining up both elbows one atop the other, and pull back with the bent arm as you keep the front of your body facing forward.
• Hands behind your head stretch: Place both hands behind the head, interlocking the fingers, extend your elbows outwards, inline with the shoulders, and parallel to the ground, then pull the elbows back.
• Child’s pose: With your knees on the ground and hip-width apart, sit your hips back so they’re resting close to the heels of your feet, and keeping your arms on the floor, actively stretch them out in front of you.
• Neck roll: Start with your chin down toward your chest, then tilt your head to one side and hold for one minute, then the other side.
Start gently and build up to more active stretches, but don’t overdo it. You should always pay attention to how your body reacts to the stretches. If pain is heightened, stop immediately.
Tip 2 to End Shoulder Pain: Apply Ice and Heat
Ice and heat work great together, accomplishing two different but complementary goals when done the right way.
Ice: Ice reduces swelling and internal inflammation by constricting blood vessels and decreasing circulation to the injured area. Ice application should be made as soon as possible after an injury. Ice will also numb the area providing pain relief.
Heat: Heat will improve circulation, which contributes to healing (after inflammation is reduced) and relax muscles, restore range of motion, and provide soothing qualities to the body and mind. Heat will also reduce pain.
Start by icing the shoulder; once your swelling has improved, add heat to the treatment plan. Keep each on the area for no more than 15-20 minutes, around three times per day.
Tip 3 to End Shoulder Pain: Rest the Shoulder
You may be putting pressure on your shoulder muscles and other soft tissues without realizing it. From how you sit at your desk to gaming to weightlifting to household chores, if your shoulder is aching, discontinue your current activity and give it the break it needs.
Resting the shoulder when it hurts may sound obvious, but far too many people think toughing it out or pushing through the pain is a good idea. It’s not. At least not without the help of a chiropractor.
If you’re at work, home, the gym, or anywhere except under the guidance of a medical provider, your pain should entice you to stop what you’re doing and rest the shoulder immediately.
Tip 4 to End Shoulder Pain: Massage the Shoulder Muscles
Our shoulders carry a lot of our mental and emotional stress, and if that’s not the reason for your shoulder pain, it isn’t helping it.
Applying gentle massage techniques to your shoulder and neck can be very beneficial.
These benefits include:
• Helps to activate the recovery process
• Decreases stress
• Nurture relaxation and circulation
• Improves range of motion
• Strengthens and stabilizes the muscles
Your shoulder health is important, so don’t let it go untreated. Try some of these tips for safe pain relief, then make an appointment with your local chiropractor to start a responsible healing process.
Visit Tangelo for Lasting Shoulder Pain Relief
These natural at-home remedies for shoulder discomfort are a great resource to help you find fast relief and get through the day, and they can also enhance the healing process. However, you need longer-lasting results that not only help with pain but actually heal the injury.
Our chiropractic team offers in-clinic services, as well as take-home exercise and stretches, and postural and movement guidance to help maximize your results. We know you need full function to participate in your daily routine; we’ll design a wellness strategy to get you comfortable and moving with ease.
Our chiropractors use various chiropractic solutions to improve shoulder function, including:
• Active Release Technique (ART)
• Cupping
• And more
Don’t let your shoulder pain keep you from your everyday activities. Contact either of our Seattle or Portland chiropractic clinics today, and get the long-lasting shoulder pain relief you deserve.
