The Best Shoulder Ice Packs

Whether you have injured your shoulder on the basketball court or during a fall, a shoulder ice pack can provide relief. Most ice packs offer comprehensive coverage to alleviate the pain, bruising, and swelling of sprains and strains, as well as a whole range of other shoulder conditions. Check out our list of the best shoulder ice packs and get back to enjoying your favorite activities.

What Shoulder Problems is An Ice Pack Used for

Icing can be beneficial for a wide variety of shoulder injuries. Here are just a few.

• Sprains and strains
• Overuse injuries
• Inflammation
• Bruises
• Muscle contusions
• Tendonitis
• Bursitis
• Rotator cuff injury

Tips for Using a Shoulder Ice Pack

• How Long Should I Ice my Shoulder?

  Icing should be done immediately after an injury, so it is a good idea to keep an ice pack in your freezer in case of an emergency. An ice pack should only be kept on the affected area for a maximum of fifteen to twenty minutes, with the treatment repeated every three or four hours.

• What is better for Shoulder Pain—Heat or Cold?

  This depends on the type of shoulder injury. Icing numbs pain and reduces inflammation, while heat soothes sore muscles and joints. Generally, cold therapy should only be applied during the first three days after a trauma.

  Contrast therapy, which involves alternating ice and heat, is also often used to help recovery after an injury. If you are unsure about what line of treatment you should follow, speak with your doctor.

• Does Icing Reduce Inflammation?

  Inflammation reaches its peak phase between 48 and 72 hours after an injury. Applying an ice pack during that period helps to reduce swelling by constricting blood vessels and reducing blood flow to the affected area. It can also temporarily minimize nerve activity to alleviate pain. Over the counter drugs, such as Ibuprofen, can also help to reduce inflammation.

• What Happens if You Leave an Ice Pack on for Too Long?

  Ice constricts blood vessels, reducing blood circulation in the affected area. This, in turn, reduces the level of oxygen and nutrients in the body, and can actually slow healing. Ice should only be left on the affected area for a limited period of time, as it is important to let the area warm up before the ice is reapplied.

  You should always place a barrier, such as a towel, between an ice pack and your skin to avoid tissue damage or frostbite.

Weighing All the Factors

All things considered, our title of the best shoulder ice pack goes to Arctic Flex’s cold shoulder brace for its comfort and pliability. NatraCure’s hot/cold compression shoulder support and Thermopeutic’s shoulder ice wrap came close second and third, however. Take a look at our list of the best shoulder ice packs to learn which one is best for your specific requirements.