Medical Treatment

• Ice the affected area 20 minutes at a time every several hours for at least the first 24-48 hours. Wrap ice in a towel to protect your skin. Change to heat treatments for the next several days.
  
  
• Elevate and immobilize the affected extremity.
  
  
• Use slings and splints to keep the injured area of shoulders and arms from moving. For other parts of the body, use compression with Ace bandages to reduce swelling. Crutches may be helpful.
  
  
• Begin an exercise program to build muscle strength and range of motion with a physical therapist after the acute phase.