11 Ways To Relieve Shoulder Pain Without Medication
Shoulder pain, whether caused by poor posture, a health problem, or an injury, can limit upper body mobility and be an annoyance in daily life.
Some of the most common causes of shoulder discomfort are joint difficulties, stiffness and swelling, muscle tears, severe activity-related shoulder injuries, and arthritis. Managing shoulder pain is critical, given how much we rely on our arms and shoulders for mobility throughout the day.
Of course, there are medication options, such as anti-inflammatories, but if you want more natural and drug-free pain treatment, keep reading!
1. Exercise & Strengthen
When people are in pain, they often "go into their shells" and avoid physical exertion. The truth is that, in the vast majority of cases, supervised fitness under the supervision of a fitness professional or personal trainer is one of the most effective paths to pain-free living.
Often, the pain is the result of an injury caused by a lack of muscular strength and stability in the shoulder joint. A controlled fitness program aimed at strengthening the shoulder and surrounding muscles will help you attain a more stable and robust shoulder joint, reducing the risk of future injury. Consult with a physical therapist about which exercises you can and should do for shoulder pain relief.
2. Use ice therapy
Ice therapy or a cold compress, especially for recent injuries, can reduce swelling and inflammation in the shoulder joint while also relieving discomfort. In general, the strategy for applying ice is to place ice on the injured shoulder for approximately 10 minutes at 2-hour intervals for 48 hours.
3. Apply a hot compress
Heat can also help reduce pain from previous injuries. Hold the hot compress against your shoulder for 10 minutes to increase blood flow and clear the area. You can do this a few times each day as needed, and if you go back to your last soothing warm bath, you'll notice that heat is an excellent relaxant and is frequently used as a pain reliever.
4. Use aromatherapy with lavender oil
Lavender has long been a favored herb for its soothing aroma and relaxing properties. Mix 5-7 drops of lavender essential oil into your bathwater and soak for half an hour. Lavender is an excellent relaxant that may both calm the mind and soothe the body.
5. Make a turmeric ointment
Turmeric is an antioxidant that can also reduce inflammation and pain. To produce an ointment, combine 1 tablespoon of coconut oil and 2 tablespoons of turmeric powder. Apply this to the affected area, let it dry for a few minutes, and then wash it off. It's worth a shot!
6. Try ginger
Ginger is a regularly prescribed natural medicine for reducing swelling and pain while also increasing blood flow to speed up healing.
7. Soak in a bath with Epsom salt
Epsom salt contains magnesium sulfate and can help alleviate tension and pain. Dissolve two cups of Epsom salt in your bathwater and soak for around 25 minutes, focusing on your shoulders. And, let's be honest, who doesn't enjoy the opportunity to take a peaceful bath?
8. Try lime juice
Lime juice works well as a home treatment for arthritis discomfort. Squeeze the juice of one lime into a glass of water with some honey. Try this drink every day and see if it helps!
9. Make mint balm
Mint provides a calming sensation that helps to numb shoulder pain. Pound and grind a few mint leaves, then gradually add water to make a paste. Smear this on your aching shoulder muscles—it seems strange, but many people swear by it!
10. Have a shoulder massage
Massage therapy is one of the most effective ways to relieve body discomfort and relax tense muscles. Dilute essential oils with a carrier oil to warm the region and promote blood flow. Any reason for a massage, eh?
11. Try Tens Therapy
TENS therapy works by desensitizing your body's perception of pain, effectively inhibiting pain transmission for some time after use. It is an excellent technique to self-manage pain while your body recovers.