Version July 2025
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What are discharge instructions? —
Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of yourself after getting medical care in the emergency department ("ED").
What should I know? —
You came to the ED for shoulder pain. The upper arm bone, collarbone, and shoulder blade make up the shoulder joint. Ligaments, muscles, and tendons help hold the joint in place and let you move your arm. Nerves and blood vessels also run through the shoulder, and fluid surrounds the joint.
Shoulder pain can happen when you damage or injure any of these structures. Most shoulder pain is caused by an injury to muscles or tendons.
How do I care for myself at home? —
Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.
You should also do the following:
●Call your regular doctor and tell them you were in the ED. Make a follow-up appointment if you were told to.
●If you were given a shoulder sling to support your arm, wear it as instructed. Or the doctor might have given you a bandage that goes around your shoulders and upper back.
●Do exercises and stretches to help with symptoms as instructed.
●Prop your shoulder on pillows, keeping it raised above the level of your heart. This helps lessen pain and swelling.
●Take non-prescription medicines to relieve pain and swelling, such as ibuprofen (sample brand names: Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (sample brand name: Aleve).
●Ice can help with pain and swelling. Place an ice pack or a bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a towel over the painful part. Never put ice right on the skin. Do not leave the ice on more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time. Use for the first 24 to 48 hours after an injury.
●Put heat on the area to reduce pain and stiffness. Do not use heat for more than 20 minutes at a time. Also, do not use anything too hot that could burn your skin.
When should I get emergency help?
●Call for emergency help right away (in the US and Canada, call 9-1-1) if:
•You have shoulder pain and also have trouble breathing or bad chest discomfort.
When should I call the doctor? —
Call for advice if:
●You have very bad pain even after taking pain medicine.
●Your hand or arm becomes weak or swollen.
●Your fingers are numb, tingly, or blue.
●You have new or worsening symptoms.
Patient education: Shoulder pain (The Basics)
Patient education: How to use a shoulder sling (The Basics)
