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Let's see what is available over-the-counter for shoulder pain.

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To relieve this pain, we will try a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pain reliever, ice, pain relieving creams or patches and above all resting the shoulder.

With this in mind, see what is recommended below.

Woman holding her shoulder in pain


NSAIDS

Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS) are useful to reduce the inflammation and pain. These should also help with stiffness.

Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Aspirin are good examples.

 

Pain relief creams/patches

Pain relief creams and patches are counter-irritants or counter-stimulants that help mask pain by causing other sensations in the area it was applied to. Sensations such as the feeling of warmth or cold.

Woman applying pain patch

They cause irritation or inflammation in one location (skin) with the goal of reducing another irritation or inflammation in another location (muscles, joints, tendons).

These creams or patches contain capsaicin, methyl salicylate, camphor, or menthol

A good example approved by the FDA for over-the-counter pain relief is Salonpas. Others will do just as good or better. Be sure to compare these patches and creams using the comparison tool of this app.

 

Worth doing

1. Cold packs reduce inflammation and swelling. Heat  relax the muscles and increase circulation.

2. We recommend ice or cold compress within the first 48 to 72 hours of  shoulder pain and heat thereafter. Cold will reduce inflammation that occur early on in a sprain.

3. Exercises

 

Last updated by pharmacist on : 03/26/2018

Compare:


Pain Patches Pain Creams

 

 

Know this about the safe and effective use of this recommendation.
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Our disclaimer

  • Recommendation is the opinion of a registered US Pharmacist currently practicing as a community pharmacist.
  • Recommendation is not an attempt to discuss all possible self care or treatment approach to this health challenge.
  • The responsibility of the recommending pharmacist is limited to this question:
    "If a patient presents with these symptoms, what will you recommend and why?"
    It is not an attempt to publish an article on the treatment of any condition. Just what would you tell a patient who present with so and so in the usual course of your practice.
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