Therapy

The treatment for shoulder pain is always directed against the cause of the complaints. The earlier a treatment for shoulder pain is started, the better the chances of recovery. The person affected can often help to alleviate the pain or even make it disappear completely by means of active movement and muscle strengthening.

Taking painkillers such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, e.g. Voltaren®) and cold packs can help against shoulder pain, especially in the early stages. Physiotherapy, active muscle strengthening, chiropractic therapy, acupuncture, TENS treatments or the direct administration of anti-inflammatory drugs to the painful area can also be used to treat shoulder pain. The so-called Blackroll can also be used for shoulder pain.

A joint prosthesis can be used for severe wear and tear of the shoulder joint. If, for example, an injury to the rotator cuff is the cause of the pain, it may be necessary to spare the shoulder for a while to promote the healing process. In severe cases, surgery can also be performed.

The therapy of a frozen shoulder includes, in particular, physiotherapeutic treatment with the aim of making the shoulder mobile again. There are also treatment options using electricity, electromagnetic waves or ultrasound to combat the painful shoulder. There are numerous surgical techniques that can be used for certain causes of shoulder pain. For example, surgery can correct the shape and position of the humerus, suture tendons, reposition muscles, loosen adhesions, remove diseased bursae or tissue, and much more.

Homeopathy

Some of those affected would first like to resort to homeopathic remedies to alleviate their complaints. Homeopathic remedies are free of side effects, their benefit is controversial among medical professionals. However, homeopathy can be worth a try, especially for mild and occasional complaints, before other measures have to be taken.

However, the cause of shoulder pain should be clarified by a doctor before this type of self-medication is used. Ferrum phosphoricum (iron phosphate) is said to help combat tension and inflammation in the shoulder area and is usually used for several days and weeks. Arnica is said to have a similar, additionally decongestant effect. Rhus toxicodendron, the oak-leaved poison sumac, helps with chronic joint diseases such as arthrosis and arthritis and can alleviate the resulting discomfort in the shoulder joint.