From pulleys to band-aids and pillows, which remedies WILL really ease sore shoulders?

Two-thirds of people in Britain will experience shoulder pain at some point in their lives. The most common causes are rotator cuff syndrome, in which the muscles that stabilize the shoulder become inflamed; and a frozen shoulder, where the tissue around the joint becomes tight. A range of gadgets claim to help relieve shoulder pain. Adrian Monti asked experts to rate a selection, which we then rated.

SHOULDER SUPPORT Brace

£19.99, ortorex.uk

CLAIM: This shoulder brace is made of thin stretchy material and can be worn under clothing for everyday use or during exercise. It is held securely over the injured shoulder and secured with a Velcro strap. It has ‘three points that hold the joint in place’ while allowing the wearer to ‘move freely and with confidence’ and ‘achieve better posture for your arm’.

EXPERT VERDICT: ‘The best thing a brace does is physically remind you that you have a shoulder problem so you are more aware of how you move the brace as you recover,’ says Leanne Antoine, physiotherapist at Distinct Physiotherapy in Radlett , Herts.

‘However, braces do not stabilize the shoulder sufficiently and thus do not help control pain or increase functional movement. They also often feel uncomfortable.

“If you are in a lot of pain, it is better to use something to take the weight off the arm, such as a supportive collar and sling, or a pillow to rest the arm on when you are sitting.”

2/10

SHOULDER SURGERY PILLOW

£29.99, Amazon.co.uk

CLAIM: This small, heart-shaped, vacuum-packed pillow (below) is placed under the armpit and held in place with a strap. It “elevates and decompresses the shoulder joint” and, by holding the arm away from the body, “helps speed recovery from shoulder injuries.” Recommended for people with limited shoulder movement, rotator cuff tears or for use after surgery.

EXPERT VERDICT: “Moving the elbow away from the body to take pressure off the tendons (that attach muscles to the bone) is something that many surgeons recommend postoperatively, for example after rotator cuff surgery,” says Carlos Cobiella, an orthopedic surgeon . at University College London Hospitals and The Shoulder Practice, in London.

‘Generally speaking, however, we would place a shoulder abduction splint – a support in the form of a sling – and not a pillow. Where I see this being useful is when you’re patted on the back and need something besides ice and rest.

‘But make sure you get a thorough examination by a doctor or physiotherapist if you are still in pain after ten to fourteen days. I’m not convinced this will significantly speed up healing and recovery.’

5/10

VIVE SHOULDER PULLEY

£11.99, Amazon.co.uk

CLAIM: A simple pulley system that attaches to interior doors – the user holds both foam-covered handles to exercise the shoulders. The maker claims it offers “effective exercises” for “shoulder rehabilitation, tendinitis, frozen shoulder and rotator cuff injury” – and “complete recovery of shoulder health.”

EXPERT VERDICT: ‘Physiotherapists often use pulleys to help patients with rehabilitation and they are usually quite effective because they allow movement without straining the muscles,’ says Mr Cobiella.

‘For example, moving your arm above shoulder height with a damaged rotator cuff is very painful. But a pulley allows you to passively maintain full motion and helps prevent long-term stiffness.

‘But first consult with a physiotherapist whether it is suitable for your condition. Then start by using it once a day for five to ten minutes.’

8/10

ORTHOPRO ELECTRIC HEATING PAD

£79.99, orthojointrelief.com

CLAIM: Another shoulder brace, which has a rechargeable battery attached to it that heats jade stone beads in the fabric, which “provide continuous heat to warm and relax muscles,” and provides a vibrating massage.

‘Speeds up recovery’ from shoulder arthritis, shoulder dislocation, rotator cuff tear and tendinitis (inflamed tendons). Not recommended for use more than twice a day for a maximum of 15 minutes each time.

EXPERT VERDICT: Physiotherapist Tim Allardyce, from Surrey Physio, says: ‘Heat can be very effective in reducing pain; Warmer joints generally feel less pain and are more mobile.

‘Adding a vibrating massage is a good idea; massage increases blood flow to the area, relieving tension and pain.

‘But, as with all shoulder injuries, this product should be used in conjunction with exercises if the shoulder is particularly stiff.

‘People may find this expensive and awkward to put on, and the adjustable strap is a bit fiddly. A hot water bottle would have a similar effect, but without the massage.’

7/10

MAGIC GEL SHOULDER ICE PACKAGE

£18.99, gelpacks.co.uk

CLAIM: A reusable flexible ice pack that “provides unparalleled pain relief with controlled compression and targeted cold therapy.” Suitable for shoulder sprains, strains, recovery after surgery and ‘soothing daily aches’. It will remain cold for about 25 minutes and you should place a cloth/towel between the suit and your skin to prevent skin burns.

EXPERT VERDICT: Ice packs work well for acute shoulder injuries, such as falling or hitting your shoulder on something hard, says Leanne Antoine.

‘They take the edge off any initial pain or worsening of an old injury and can therefore be attractive to people who do not like painkillers. They also reduce swelling and inflammation.

‘Ice is also good after surgery, but a cryotherapy cuff, which provides controlled cold compression to reduce swelling, might work better but will cost more.’8/10

MASSAGE OIL FOR FROZEN SHOULDER

50ml, £19.99, avena.co.uk

CLAIM: The oil is a ‘blend of powerful natural oils known to provide effective relief when used on a frozen shoulder’.

EXPERT VERDICT: Tim Allardyce says: ‘I have seen no strong evidence – either from studies or patient experience – that rubbing massage oil on a frozen shoulder reduces pain.

‘However, the ingredients, including blue yarrow, have been shown to provide mild anti-inflammatory relief – and the massage itself may also help some people.’

2/10

ACUMED ADVANCED PAIN PATCHES

Pack of eight, £11, acumed.co.uk

CLAIM: These patches contain zinc and copper and use magnetic therapy as a “natural method to promote pain relief.” Each patch ‘acts like a mini transmitter, sending out small energy fields that have a soothing effect and stimulate the body’s natural pain relief mechanism’.

Said to be suitable for joint, muscle or arthritic pain in the back, neck and shoulders.

EXPERT VERDICT: ‘There is evidence that copper and zinc have healing properties,’ says Mr Cobiella.

‘But it’s quite a leap to say that zinc helps create an energy field to relieve pain. I haven’t found any evidence to support this.

‘All I can say is that it has no negative effect and therefore does not cause any damage.’0/10

WOODEN TRIGGER POINT THERA PRESS TOOL

£9.90, massagewarehouse.co.uk

CLAIM: This simple-looking tool (such as a wooden dowel with a point) can be used to massage all parts of the body, including the shoulders. It can ‘reduce muscle tension’ while ‘increasing blood circulation’ and relieving ‘aches and pain’.

EXPERT VERDICT: This is great for massaging sore muscles in and around the shoulder, says Tim Allardyce. “You can vary the pressure and the design of the device gives you a good grip, so you can actually massage your own shoulder,” he adds.

‘Yes, you can use your fingers, but this allows you to apply stronger pressure. For the most benefit, use it once or twice a day for about five minutes and combine it with some shoulder stretches.

‘For less than £10 this is worth buying.’ 7/10

XEMZ OCCIPITAL RELEASE TOOL

£13.49, Amazon.co.uk

CLAIM: This triangular device (above) is made of silicone plastic and rests under the neck when you lie down. It can soothe pain in various parts of the body, including the shoulders, because it ‘penetrates deep into the occipital muscles’.

EXPERT VERDICT: Tim Allardyce says: ‘The suboccipital muscles are a group of four small muscles behind the base of the skull, a few inches away from the shoulders, so working them won’t have much impact on the shoulders.

‘But the device did help relieve the tension in my neck when I tried it.

‘The three different edges of this device work well to vary the amount of pressure on the muscles, although you could achieve the same effect by simply massaging them with your fingers.’ 4/10