Digital patient information hub

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. Progress this into lifting forwards, to the side and backwards and holding at the top of the movement.

Help with pain management

Simple analgesics 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 pain killer, 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.

Accessible Information

If you need this information in another format or language and are in the hospital, please ask a member of staff. If you are accessing this leaflet online or on your phone you can see our Google Translate automated guidance on the Digital Patient Information Hub home screen.

Smoking

Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is a smoke-free organisation. You are not permitted to smoke or in use e-cigarettes in any of the hospital buildings or grounds.

Published by
, Bradford Royal Infirmary, Duckworth Lane, Bradford BD9 6RJ.

Date of publication: Jun 2024
Review Date: Jun 2026
MID Ref: 24061203