Arnica (Arnica montana). Commission E recognizes arnica flowers for anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, and it approves topical use to treat joint disorders.

Dosage

– Several times a day, we apply to the shoulder compresses or poultices soaked in an infusion prepared by putting 2 g of dried flowers in 100 ml of boiling water (remove from heat, infuse 5 to 10 minutes and let cool before use).

– You can also soak the compress or the poultice in a solution composed of tincture of arnica and water, at the rate of 1 part of tincture to 3 to 10 parts of water.

– Arnica-based ointments can also be found on the market. These preparations should contain 20 to 25% tincture or 15% arnica oil to have an effect.

 Devil’s claw (Harpagophytum procumbens). Commission E and ESCOP have recognized the effectiveness of the root of this African plant in relieving arthritis and musculoskeletal pain.

Dosage

Consult our Devil’s Claw sheet for the dosage.

 White willow (Salix alba). The bark of the white willow contains salicin, the molecule that is at the origin of acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin®). It has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Although it has been used for thousands of years to treat tendon conditions, no clinical trials have been conducted to confirm this use.

Dosage

Consult our White Willow file.

 Manual therapies. Most of the time, part of the problem is directly related to the tendon in the shoulder, while another is maintained by a disorder of cervical origin (in the neck area). Manual therapies (osteopathy, chiropractic, physiotherapy) can often be helpful. Thus, manipulations of the cervical vertebrae or relaxation of muscle tension can provide relief from shoulder pain, because they correct a dysfunction that may be contributing to the problem.