Shoulder pain can make it difficult to get through the day. You may be unable to perform more demanding tasks like lifting heavy items — and even lighter tasks, like making coffee, can cause some discomfort. In some cases, when shoulder pain is due to a serious injury, surgery may be your only option for permanent relief. However, there are some non-surgical things you can do to ease mild to moderate shoulder pain, and even to ease more serious shoulder pain while you're awaiting surgery.

Physical Therapy

Shoulder pain is often caused or worsened by weakness in certain muscles. Various tendons and ligaments are forced to make up for that weakness, and they become sore. Physical therapy can help identify and strengthen the weak muscles, relieving strain on the sore and injured tissues. You should get some relief after one physical therapy session since your practitioner will also guide you through stretches to help ease the pain. You'll get even more relief with ongoing physical therapy as your muscles strengthen. Just make sure you do all of the prescribed, at-home exercises for maximum effect.

Cortisone Injections

Inflammation and pain tend to go hand-in-hand, especially when it comes to joint pain, such as shoulder pain. If you can get the inflammation down, pain relief generally follows. Cortisone shots are a good way to interrupt the inflammation. Your practitioner will give you the shot directly in the affected shoulder tissues. The shot itself won't be comfortable, but a day or two later, once the cortisone has had a chance to work, you should experience a marked reduction in pain. If you're able to make changes to your routine and perhaps do some physical therapy, you may only need that one cortisone shot. Otherwise, you may need repeated cortisone shots to keep shoulder pain under control.

NSAIDs

Non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory medications are also really useful for managing shoulder pain. They ease the pain itself and the inflammation that's worsening your pain. Naproxen is usually a good choice as it lasts for 8 -12 hours. If the over-the-counter formulation is not giving you enough relief, your doctor may be able to prescribe you a stronger version. Sometimes, they may also recommend a topical NSAID gel, such as diclofenac sodium.

Though shoulder pain can be troublesome, there are many types of treatment available. Give the options above a try, and don't be afraid to consider shoulder surgery. For bigger issues like torn rotator cuffs, it really is the best route.