Shoulder pain can be due to an injury or gradually increase over time. A soft tissue injury is an injury to the muscle, ligament or tendon. Full recovery can take six to 12 weeks.

If you have been provided with a sling, it is important this is used for a short period of time only and a maximum of seven days. Evidence shows longer use can slow recovery. The sling should be used as advised and should never be worn to bed or while laying down.

First 48 to 72 hours

Rest your shoulder, in a sling if one has been provided or rest on a pillow when sitting. It is important to keep moving your fingers and wrist:

• Open and close your fingers 10 to 15 times, four to five times a day.
• Move your hand up and down so your wrist bends 10 to 15 times, four to five times a day.

Take regular pain relief, such as paracetamol. Always read the instructions and take accordingly or seek advice from a pharmacist or GP.

After the first 48 hours, ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatory medication may be added. Always read the instructions and take accordingly or ask for advice from a pharmacist or your GP. Ibuprofen tablets/capsules should not be used as well as gel or cream which also contains ibuprofen.

An ice pack or bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a towel can be applied to the affected area for a maximum of 10 to 15 minutes, three to four times a day. Not everyone finds ice helpful and after the first 48 hours a heat pad may be beneficial. This could be something such as a hot water bottle or microwavable bean bag, care must always be taken and the instructions for use followed to prevent burns.

After the first 72 hours

It is important to start moving your shoulder as soon as your pain level allows to try and prevent the joint from becoming stiff. There are a number of basic shoulder exercises which you can try. You may feel some mild discomfort when you first start the exercises, take things slowly and if you do experience any pain, stop and contact your GP for further advice.