How To Prevent And Treat Shoulder Pain

Cold Compresses And Ice Packs

Heat and cold therapy are often used to help manage pain. However, there are different circumstances in which patients will want to use each one. Some types of shoulder pain can be alleviated by cold compresses and ice packs, as long as individuals use them responsibly. Cold therapy is helpful for short-term relief from sharp pain. It also has a strong mitigating effect on inflammation. If the shoulder pain is caused by an acute injury or inflammation rather than a chronic condition, using ice packs can help. Patients should make sure to wrap the ice pack in a towel or cloth to avoid burning their skin. Packs of frozen vegetables can also work as an ice pack, but these should also be wrapped in cloth. Patients can apply the compress to the painful area for anywhere from fifteen to twenty minutes a few times a day. However, they should be careful not to overdo it. Overusing cold therapy can cause injury to the skin or underlying tissues. It's normal for the skin to be a little pink, but strong redness is a sign it's time to stop.

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