Treatments and remedies for shoulder pain
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When you feel pain in your shoulder, it may be time to seek out some shoulder pain treatment. Whether it’s dull or sharp and stingy, shoulder pain is no fun. We’ve put together this guide on how to get rid of shoulder pain.
Shoulders have a wide range of motion. So, when something goes wrong, shoulder pain can really hamper your ability to move freely and carry out basic, everyday tasks. In fact, ...continued movement of your arm or shoulder can often make shoulder pain worse. Shoulder pain can be caused by friction in the shoulder joint itself, or injury to the surrounding muscles, ligaments, tendons, or nerves.1 Shoulder pain can also radiate, affecting the neck, arm, and shoulder blade.
There are several shoulder pain remedies you can try out to get moving again and put a little joy back into your favourite everyday activities (hello, taking the pup for a walk around the block again!) However, if your shoulder pain doesn’t start feeling better after 7 days of shoulder pain remedies, consult a doctor to make sure there's nothing more serious at play.
Home remedies and treatments for shoulder pain
Not all shoulder pain needs a doctor’s visit. There are a few at-home shoulder pain remedies you can try out. They include:
- Rest
There’s nothing like rest to speed recovery. Repeat motion is likely to further aggravate your shoulder joint and the surrounding muscles, tendons, and nerves. Avoid using your shoulder in ways that make your pain worse. Consider resting your arm on a cushion in your lap.2 - Ice
Icing your shoulder can help reduce inflammation, as well as numb the area so that pain subsides. An ice pack, or even a bag of frozen veggies, should do the trick. Be careful not to place ice directly... on your skin. Always wrap any ice pack or frozen veggie bag in a thin towel before applying it to your skin. Do this for around 20 minutes, 4 or more times per day. If after 2 days this isn't doing the trick, consult a pharmacist.3 - Over-the-counter pain medication
Our shoulders serve us in nearly any task we undertake throughout the day. Taking a break from all activities can often be unfeasible, plain and simple. If your pain is from a sprain, strain to your muscles or tendons, using an NSAID like diclofenac (which is the ingredient in Voltaren products), which fights inflammation, and reduces pain: so you can get back to doing the little things in your day that make you happy. Read the label to check how long you should use the medication before seeking advice from a health care professional if the pain isn't getting better.
- Maintain good posture
Keep your shoulder down and gently back. Maintaining good posture will take the pressure off your shoulder muscles. In this way, you can reduce stress on your shoulder joint and relieve tension in your shoulder muscles.4
- Alternative pain treatment
Depending on the severity of your shoulder affliction your doctor may recommend ... another course of treatment beyond what you can do at home. - Recommend physiotherapy
Your doctor may recommend that you make a regular appointment to see a physiotherapist. Alternatively, he or she may provide you with some physiotherapy exercises and stretches that you can perform on your own at home. These often involve stretchy exercise bands and it's important to keep to the routine set to make the difference!
Voltaren works as they are formulated with the active ingredient Diclofenac. Voltaren targets pain at its source with a dual effect:
- Relieves pain
- Reduces inflammation, a major cause of pain
Diclofenac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Voltaren is specially formulated with microemulsions, (hence 'Emulgel') which penetrates deep through the skin to target a major root cause of pain, inflammation.
The first time you use the tube you’ll have to break the tamper-evidence seal. To remove the seal before first use, remove the transparent protective cover and then unscrew the applicator. Use the star-shape groove located at the side of the applicator to remove the tamper evidence seal of the tube. Screw the applicator back on the tube before dispensing the gel.
To open, simply pull up the white part of the applicator and squeeze the gel through onto the applicator pad to apply.
- Uncap
- Twist
- Remove Seal
- Screw & Pull
- Gently Squeeze the Tube
Gently rub or massage 2 to 4g of gel into the skin around painful or swollen area to treat an area of about 400-800 cm². Do not use more than 4 times in 24 hours. The gel should not be used for more than 7 days for back, muscle and joint injuries unless recommended by a doctor. The gel is not recommended for use in children under 16 years of age.
How to use
Voltaren Emulgel Extra Strength
For adults between 18 to 65 years:
Apply gel 2 times a day. The amount of gel applied (2 g for each application) should be measured using the dosing card supplied in the product carton. For each application the gel should be squeezed from the tube and measured up to the 2 g line on the dosing card. Do not use more than 4 g per day.
Voltaren Emulgel Back & Muscle Pain
For individuals 16+:
Apply gel 3 to 4 times a day on the affected area. The amount needed will vary depending upon the size of the painful or swollen area: 2 g to 4 g (1 g equals a strip approximately 2 cm long) gel will be sufficient to cover a 400 to 800 cm2 area. Do not use more than 4 times in 24 hours.
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Health, wellness & your pain
Pain is rarely just physical nor is it always solved by taking medicine alone. Voltaren is your ally in helping you take more control of your pain journey, from the way to sleep, to what you eat, mental wellbeing and complementary pain relief therapies.
