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You can usually do things to ease shoulder pain yourself. See a GP if it does not start feeling better after 2 weeks.
You usually need to do these things for 2 weeks before shoulder pain starts to ease.
It can take 6 months or longer to recover from shoulder pain.
stay active and gently move your shoulder
try shoulder exercises for 6 to 8 weeks to stop pain returning
stand up straight with your shoulders down and gently back
sit with a cushion behind your lower back
rest your arm on a cushion in your lap
use pain relief so you can keep moving – try painkillers like paracetamol and ibuprofen, and heat or cold packs
Try either a:
do not completely stop using your shoulder – this can stop it getting better
do not do things that seem to make it worse
do not make up your own strenuous exercises or use heavy gym equipment
do not slouch when sitting – do not roll your shoulders or bring your neck forward
A pharmacist may suggest:
Watch video exercises for shoulder pain from the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy
These can be signs of something serious, like a broken or dislocated bone, or a torn (ruptured) ligament or tendon.
You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.
A GP will examine you to work out what's causing your shoulder pain.
They might send you for tests (such as an X-ray) to check the cause.
They'll suggest a treatment based on the cause, for example:
The number of physiotherapy sessions you may have depends on the cause of your shoulder pain.
If you're still in pain after your sessions end, go back to the GP. They might prescribe more physiotherapy or suggest another treatment.
Physiotherapy is available through the NHS, but waiting times can be long. You can also pay to get physiotherapy privately.
If you have shoulder pain, you might be able to refer yourself directly to services for help with your condition without seeing a GP.
To find out if there are any services in your area:
Shoulder pain that does not improve after 2 weeks might be caused by something that needs treatment.
But do not self-diagnose. See a GP if you're worried.
| Shoulder symptoms | Possible causes |
|---|---|
|
Shoulder symptoms
Pain and stiffness that does not go away over months or years |
Possible causes
Frozen shoulder, arthritis (osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis) |
|
Shoulder symptoms
Pain that's often worse while using your arm or shoulder |
Possible causes |
|
Shoulder symptoms
Tingling, numb, weak arm, feels like the shoulder is clicking or locking |
Possible causes
Shoulder instability, sometimes because of hypermobility |
|
Shoulder symptoms
Sudden very bad pain, cannot move your arm (or it's difficult), sometimes changes shape |
Possible causes
Dislocated shoulder, broken bone (such as a broken arm or broken collarbone), torn or ruptured tendon |
|
Shoulder symptoms
Pain on top of the shoulder (where the collarbone and shoulder joint meet) |
Possible causes
Problems in the acromioclavicular joint, like dislocation or stretched or torn ligaments |
