Hi, my husband has either a torn ligament or tendon in his shoulder. He is already on pain meds for a back condition and there isn't much the doctor can do for him. When he lies down in bed at night it starts hurting him much worse and he ends up not sleeping most of the night. I was wondering it is safe to massage his shoulder with the torn stuff or not and if anyone has any pointers on what he might be able to do to relieve the pain. He is already alternating heat and ice.

Massaging the area isn't going to do much, won't do any harm though. What will help is stabilizing the area with a compression bandage which you can purchase at your pharmacy. The hard part is getting a way of wrapping it, but after taking a good look and a few tries, I am sure you will find a way.

It takes about 12 weeks to see an improvement. As for the pain, I can only suggest something you have probably already tried, like an antiinflammatory which will ease the inflamed joints from the torn ligament. Try ibuprophen, motrin extra strength.

Tick

If it's really torn versus a microtear then he needs to see a doctor. At least start with a sports physio who can tell you if physio is enough to help the body naturally repair it or if a medical intervention is required.