Shoulder pain can develop suddenly, following a heavy strain or forceful motion, or gradually, due to overuse or bad posture. Because the rotator cuff area of the shoulder is so complex, distinguishing among muscle, tendon and bursa ailments can be difficult.
A medical diagnosis can determine the extent of the damage, but ongoing pain relief and rehabilitation will have to take place at home. Home treatments for pulled shoulder muscles will apply to tendinitis and bursitis healing as well.
Restricted Exercise
When symptoms such as shoulder pain, swelling and shoulder muscle weakness arise, performing normal daily activities can cause further tissue damage. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests taking a break from work, household duties and exercise for the first day or two.
Resting protects the shoulder from more harm and allows home treatments to take effect. As inflammation passes, a gradual return to activity will promote circulation and strengthen the affected area. Sports performance should be suspended until pain symptoms are gone.
Pain Medications
A doctor's exam may include a pain medication prescription or, in severe cases, a steroid injection in the rotator cuff area. Pain relief for moderate shoulder pulls, or strains, can be achieved with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
The MayoClinic.com website recommends aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen or acetaminophen to ease shoulder pain in any rotator cuff injury. Patients should take this medication, which also suppresses inflammation, regularly until swelling subsides.
Cold Therapy
Cold compresses also address swollen shoulder muscles and inflammatory pain. Unlike medicinal remedies, this home treatment carries no side effects and can be used many times a day for as long as necessary. This is especially helpful to chronic pain sufferers with overuse injuries.
The University of Buffalo (UB) Sports Medicine group suggests using a cold pack for 30 minutes every 4 hours while swelling and shoulder pain are present. Afterwards, cold therapy can be alternated with hot therapy. Reusable gel packs can provide both types of compress.
Surgery
Many overuse injuries cause substantial damage over time. University Sports Medicine, a clinic in Buffalo, New York, reports that a fully torn muscle may need surgical repair. The adjacent joint, tendons or ligaments may also be involved. A medical exam will include imaging tests to help determine whether surgical treatment is necessary.
Rehabilitative Exercise
Pain and shoulder muscle weakness restrict patients' rotator cuff mobility. Being inactive can cause the shoulder joints to stiffen. MayoClinic.com urges patients to begin moving, stretching and exercising gently as soon as possible.
Home treatment can restore the shoulder's range of motion in mild to moderate cases of muscle pulls. Professional physical therapy may be necessary for more serious injuries or following surgery.
