How to Ice Your Shoulder

When you experience a shoulder injury, it's important to take care of it properly so it can heal quicker. Using a sling and performing certain exercises are helpful in regaining the use of your shoulder. Icing your shoulder is also a necessary treatment, and for it to be effective, it must be done correctly.

Things You'll Need

• Plastic bag
• Ice cubes
• Cloth

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Instructions

• 1

  Fill a plastic bag with ice cubes.

• 2

  Wrap the bag of ice cubes in a cloth.

• 3

  Place the ice pack on your shoulder, and keep it there for 20 minutes. Do not keep ice on your shoulder for longer than 20 minutes. According to Sports Injury Bulletin, using ice for too long actually increases blood flow to the injury, which can cause more pain and swelling.

• 4

  Wait at least an hour before you apply another ice pack. According to Nismat, this time in between icing your shoulder allows it to warm back up so the next ice pack doesn't cause increased blood flow to the injury.

• 5

  Repeat this icing process every couple of hours for the first 24 hours after your injury. According to Common Sports Injuries, this will help prevent the shoulder from swelling.