How to Treat a Bruised Shoulder

A bruised shoulder can be painful, but it is seldom a cause for a trip to the doctor. With a few simple steps, you can treat a bruised shoulder and relieve the discomfort at home. Read on to learn how to treat a bruised shoulder.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Ice
• Plastic bag
• Over-the-counter pain reliever

1. Immediately after the injury, apply pressure to the area with your hand. A bruise is a collection of blood under the skin and pressure can slow or stop the bleeding.
2. Place ice in a plastic bag and wrap in a towel. Apply the ice to the bruised shoulder for 20 minutes.
3. Every four to six hours, take the recommended dose of an over-the-counter pain reliever like Tylenol or Advil. If you are prone to an upset stomach, take the pain medication with food or milk.
4. Perform range of motion exercises throughout your recovery process. Lift you arm over your head and circle the arm form the shoulder. Do gentle stretching exercises to keep your muscles limber. Stopping all activity while your recover can result in stiffness and a longer recovery time.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not apply ice directly to the skin. It can cause frostbite.
• Only apply the ice pack for 20 minutes out of each hour.