Swelling pain in the shoulder usually occurs in your rotator cuff, four muscles that merge in your shoulder between the humerus and acromiom bones. Pain and swelling in this area is normally a result of tendonitis. Arthritis can also occur in the cartilage between your bones. You may also have bursitis which is the inflammation of the bursa sack that carries synovial fluids, which are used to cushion the humerus and acromiom bone. Despite the specific condition, there are a number of treatments that your can use to cure any of these shoulder conditions.

First, it is important to rest your shoulder for a few days. This includes refraining from doing any workouts or physical activities. During this time, start taking 2 ibuprofen or naproxen pills every 4-6 hours. These medications are Cox-2 inhibitors which controls swelling and pain by limiting the effects of Cox-2 enzymes on prostraglandins (body chemicals). Furthermore, within the first 48 to 72 hours, you need to use ice on your shoulder. Ice is most effective if used at 20-minute intervals every 3 to 4 hours. You need to apply ice directly against the source of the pain in your shoulder. Ice limits blood flow to the shoulder joint through vasocontriction, a narrowing of the blood vessels in that area. This temporarily reduces inflammation and swelling. Once both swelling and inflammation are under control, you can use a heating pad or soak your shoulder in warm water to increase blood flow to the shoulder joint. Blood carries nutrients (i.e. vitamin C) and oxygen to the shoulder which are necessary for healing.

Massage can also be used to treat swelling pain in your shoulder. Massage can relax nerves and muscles in your shoulder as well as increase blood flow. In addition to massage, certain stretching and resistance exercises can also expedite the healing process of your shoulder. One exercise you can do is grab the back of your elbow and pull your shoulder toward your chest. Hold that position for 15-30 seconds, then relax. You can also bend over and loosely hang the arm of your affected shoulder downward. Start circling your arm around in a clockwise motion for a minute or two, then go clockwise. You can also clasp your hands behind your back and stretch your rotator cuff tendon. Ultimately, healing shoulder pain will take some time. Stick to all of the aforementioned treatments consistently.

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