If you experience shoulder pain due to an injury, or even if it comes on for no reason, start applying the RICE principle immediately. RICE stands for rest, ice, compress and elevate.

• Rest the shoulder so that you don't cause further damage. Only move your shoulder in ways that don't cause more pain.
• Ice is important as it prevents swelling from coming into the painful area. You should ice immediately after the pain begins and at least four times per day for the next two days. Icing before bed time can also help you sleep better.
• Compression in the first one to two days after an injury helps to keep excess swelling from occurring.
• Elevate your shoulder by keeping the elbow supported during sitting and driving. This eases the pressure and strain to the injured tendons and joints.

• Ice stops new swelling from entering an area, but does not get rid of old swelling, so apply ice immediately after the pain starts or anytime you irritate the pain.
• A bag of ice cubes can be applied directly on the skin, but a gel pack should not. Place a thin t-shirt between the gel pack and your skin.
• Remove the ice or gel pack when your skin first begins to feel numb.
• Anyone with poor circulation or diabetes should be especially careful when icing because the risk of skin damage is much greater.