“Which is better for shoulder strain?”
I was working in the yard moving heavy bags of topsoil...that were wet making them heavier. Forgetting that I am 68 but in decent shape, I was moving some of them by just grabbing the top of the bags like you would a suitcase to carry. Now, my right shoulder has some pain, especially when moving my arm in certain ways. I have been using some ICE off and on.
My question- which is better given my age (I take no prescription meds.) Ibuprofen by mouth or Voltaren gel applied to arm/shoulder? I'm hoping to avoid the risk to the stomach. I know I should not use both.
My question- which is better given my age (I take no prescription meds.) Ibuprofen by mouth or Voltaren gel applied to arm/shoulder? I'm hoping to avoid the risk to the stomach. I know I should not use both.
Male | 68 years old
Complaint duration: 7 days
Medications: Only eye drops
Conditions: None
5 Answers
SportsMedicineSpecialistSportsMedicineSpecialist
Ice, range of motion and eventually strengthening exercises. If in severe pain a short course of ibuprofen / naxproxen can help but avoid for more than 10 days. Can try topical but might not penetrate enough. If still lingering, consider PT or getting a PRP injection to prevent progression
I like the Gel for the reasons you stated.
If you have no allergies to any medications, you could alternate ibuprofen (take with food and pepcid), tylenol, and in addition, you could use topical voltaren gel. Ice 20 min every 2-3 hours.
Mark Burt, M.D.
Mark Burt, M.D.
Home stretching is very important to work on motion ASAP. I would take both an oral NSAID like motrin for 7-10 days as well as topical creams as needed, up to 2-3 times daily. Both are okay for the short term.
In this situation, I believe the Ibuprofen would be more effective.
Christopher B. Michelsen, MD, FAOA, FAAOS, FACS
Christopher B. Michelsen, MD, FAOA, FAAOS, FACS
