The shoulder joint is one of the largest and most complicated joint systems in the body, but that’s not something we often think about until it causes us pain. Because of the complex ball and socket mechanics, sometimes the tiniest wrong movement can result in a shoulder injury that keeps you up at night.
But if you’re struggling to heal this pain, even with professional help, it’s worth having some natural shoulder pain remedies in your back pocket—in addition to rest and medication.
Here’s how to remedy shoulder pain at home with just a few simple supplies.
1. Heat Therapy
This is one of the best natural remedies for shoulder pain, and it involves little effort. Simply apply heat to your shoulder, ensuring that the intensity of the heat is medium rather than high. This opens up blood vessels and even reduces muscle spasms.
To do home heat therapy, use an electric hot pack or a microwave heat pack and apply it to your shoulder in 10-15 minute increments. If you don’t have either, you can make a homemade heating pad or stand in a hot shower.
2. Apply Ice to Your Shoulder
If heat therapy doesn’t appeal to you, ice therapy is a shoulder and back pain remedy that can help numb the pain. With this method, you’ll use a cold pack wrapped in fabric, applying it for about 10-20 minutes at a time. Make sure to give yourself an hour-long break before returning the ice pack on your shoulder.
If you skip the fabric, remember that ice should not be in direct contact with your shoulder (or any skin) for more than five minutes to avoid frostbite.
3. Stretches
When it comes to home remedies for shoulder pain, this may not be the first place your mind goes, especially if your pain is intense. However, stretching your shoulder joint and the surrounding muscles can in some cases ease tension and help lessen your pain, and a stronger and more flexible joint can in turn help you prevent future injuries.
However, if you experience any pain during your stretches, you should stop immediately and consult a professional. If you’re working with a chiropractor for shoulder pain issues, they should be able to offer you a specialized exercise routine that can stretch and strengthen your shoulder without causing you pain.
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Try These Natural Shoulder Pain Remedies
While you should certainly talk to a doctor if you have a serious injury, especially one that doesn’t get better with rest and medication, these at-home shoulder pain remedies are a great way to heal and prevent shoulder pain. Taking care of the joint and allowing it to repair itself from stressors can speed up your recovery time, so make sure to give yourself enough time for these strategies to do their magic.
Looking for more of the health and fitness tips you need in a pinch? Check out our other blog posts for more helpful insights.
