*Welcome to the OutUK series looking at gay men and their health brought to you in association with the NHS* website.**
	Each week we'll tackle a different topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We'll have features and advice on everything from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit. You can follow any of links provided below for more information direct from the NHS website, or view any of our Previous A to Z Features.

You should also know that OutUK has produced a special report about: Coronavirus Covid-19.

[Previous Feature]

This Week - J : Joint Pain in Shoulder

How to ease shoulder pain yourself

You usually need to do these things for 2 weeks before shoulder pain starts to ease.

It can take 6 months or longer to recover from shoulder pain.

Do

stay active and gently move your shoulder
try shoulder exercises for 6 to 8 weeks to stop pain returning
stand up straight with your shoulders down and gently back
sit with a cushion behind your lower back
rest your arm on a cushion in your lap
use pain relief so you can keep moving - try painkillers like paracetamol and ibuprofen, and heat or cold packs

Don't

do not completely stop using your shoulder - this can stop it getting better
do not do things that seem to make it worse
do not make up your own strenuous exercises or use heavy gym equipment
do not slouch when sitting - do not roll your shoulders or bring your neck forward

A pharmacist can help with shoulder pain

A pharmacist may suggest:

the best painkiller - this might be tablets, or a cream or gel you rub on your skin
other ideas for pain relief and things you can buy to help, like heat and cold packs
seeing a GP if you need to

Find a pharmacy

Video exercises for shoulder pain

Watch video exercises for shoulder pain from the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy

See a GP if:

shoulder pain is getting worse or does not improve after 2 weeks
it's very difficult to move your arm or shoulder

Refer yourself for back or joint help

In many areas you may be able to get help, such as physiotherapy, from NHS community musculoskeletal (MSK) services without needing a referral from a GP.

Get NHS help for back or joint problems

Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:

you have sudden or very bad shoulder pain
you cannot move your arm
your arm or shoulder has changed shape or is badly swollen
you have pins and needles that do not go away
there's no feeling in your arm or shoulder
your arm or shoulder is hot or cold to touch
the pain started after an injury or accident, like a fall
you develop severe pain in both shoulders
you feel feverish or unwell

These can be signs of something serious, like a broken or dislocated bone, or a torn (ruptured) ligament or tendon.

You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.

Treatments for shoulder pain

A health professional will examine you to work out what's causing your shoulder pain.

They might send you for tests (such as an X-ray) to check the cause.

What treatment you need depends on the cause, for example:

stronger medicine or injections to ease pain and swelling
physiotherapy or exercises to do at home
things to avoid to stop the pain getting worse or returning
seeing a specialist for tests or treatment

Physiotherapy for shoulder pain

The number of physiotherapy sessions you may have depends on the cause of your shoulder pain.

If you're still in pain after your sessions end, go back to your GP or refer yourself back to a community musculoskeletal (MSK) service. They might prescribe more physiotherapy or suggest another treatment.

Physiotherapy is available through the NHS, but waiting times can be long. You can also pay to get physiotherapy privately.

Get NHS help for back or joint problems

Causes of shoulder pain

Shoulder pain that does not improve after 2 weeks might be caused by something that needs treatment.

But do not self-diagnose. See a GP if you're worried.

Video: shoulder pain

In this video, an expert explains how to prevent and ease shoulder pain and when to get help.

Media last reviewed: 10 October 2024
Media review due: 10 October 2027

[Previous Feature]

We'll have more information and advice next week on another topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We have covered many subjects in this series and you can catch up with all of our Previous A to Z Features. If you want to find out more about this week's subject you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic.
Photos: LightFieldStudios and one of VladOrlov, Stockcube, darak77, ajr_images or rawpixel.com.