Shoulder pain
Shoulder pain: rotator cuff, frozen shoulder, and overuse
Article written and reviewed by a pharmacist graduated from the Faculty of Paris.
Key point: Shoulder pain is common after 40, but also affects active people, athletes, and anyone doing repetitive or overhead work. Early, smart care helps prevent long-lasting stiffness.
Most shoulder pain comes from rotator cuff tendons, frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis), or overuse. The goal is to reduce pain, protect the joint, and restore mobility gradually.
Helpful products for shoulder pain relief
1) Shoulder brace / support (relative rest)
👉 Shoulder brace (see product)
2) Hot & cold pack (matches FAQ)
Ice helps during painful/inflammatory phases. Gentle heat may help later with muscle stiffness (when inflammation is lower).
👉 Hot & cold pack (see product)
3) Topical pain relief gel
👉 Topical pain relief gel (see product)
4) Kinesiology tape (light support)
👉 Kinesiology tape (see product)
5) Massage ball (muscle tightness around the tendon)
👉 Massage ball (see product)
FAQ – Shoulder pain
Why is shoulder pain worse at night?
Night pain is common with rotator cuff tendinitis or frozen shoulder. Lying down increases joint pressure.
Should I completely rest my shoulder?
No. Relative rest is usually better. Long immobilization may worsen stiffness, especially in frozen shoulder.
Heat or ice?
Ice helps during painful/inflammatory phases. Gentle heat may help muscle stiffness later (not during active inflammation).
How long does it last?
Simple tendinitis may improve in weeks. Frozen shoulder may take months to fully recover.
When should I see a doctor?
After a fall, with major weakness, severe persistent night pain, or no improvement after 10–15 days.
Conclusion
Shoulder pain should not be ignored. In most cases, progress comes from relative rest, the right use of ice/heat, topical care, and gradual mobility. The key is consistency: calm the pain first, then rebuild movement without sudden overload.
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