Shoulder injury

After 48-72 hours

By this point your shoulder may feel slightly better. It’s now time to start moving it. Making gentle movements such as swinging your shoulder forwards and backwards in a swinging motion can help. You can progress this into lifting forwards, to the side and backwards and holding at the top of the movement.

Help with pain management

Simple painkillers can be used after injury, most of which can be bought over the counter in shops, supermarkets or pharmacy’s. Examples are:

• Paracetamol
• Ibuprofen

You may have been prescribed an alternative painkiller, please refer to specific advice for that tablet if this is the case.

Recovery after a shoulder injury

Most injuries take 2-3 weeks to recover but can sometimes take up to 6 weeks to be completely comfortable.

You may have been provided with a follow-up appointment with a shoulder specialist or physiotherapist. It is important that you keep your appointment to make sure your shoulder fully recovers.

Further advice

If you have any ongoing concerns or queries about your shoulder injury you should contact NHS 111 or your local GP. If your concern is urgent or an emergency, attend your local Emergency Department.