You may have heard that warming a stiff shoulder can sometimes make it worse. According to the source article, this can happen when the shoulder problem is acute and inflammation is present.

Acute shoulder pain can occur with problems such as waking up with a painful neck or shoulder, or with frozen shoulder. In these situations, inflammation around the muscles, tendons, or joint may be contributing to severe pain.

Heat is commonly used for chronic shoulder stiffness, but when acute inflammation is present, warming the area may increase pain or delay recovery according to the source.

The article suggests that if warming makes the pain feel worse while cooling feels more comfortable, the symptoms may be more acute in nature.

Acute shoulder pain can have several possible causes, including an awkward sleeping position, frozen shoulder, overuse, or nerve-related problems.

A normal sleeping position keeps the spine and neck in a gentle curve. Sleeping in an awkward position may overstretch the muscles around the neck or place excessive pressure on the facet joints.

This can lead to acute inflammation and pain in the neck or shoulder. In more severe cases, headache may also occur.

Frozen shoulder—often referred to in Japanese as “forty shoulder” or “fifty shoulder”—can also cause acute shoulder pain. Age-related changes in the tissues around the joint may be associated with inflammation around the shoulder.

In addition to significant pain, it may become difficult to raise the arm or reach behind the back.

Overusing the shoulder and neck muscles may also contribute to acute pain. Hard exercise, long hours of desk work, or prolonged driving can keep the same muscles working for extended periods and may lead to inflammation.

Nerve problems may also cause acute shoulder or neck pain. The source mentions conditions such as a herniated disc and cervical spondylosis.

A herniated disc can compress a peripheral nerve when disc material protrudes, while cervical spondylosis may irritate or inflame nerves due to changes in the bones of the neck.

When acute inflammation is involved, cooling the painful area may help reduce heat and discomfort.

The main purpose of icing described in the source article is to help calm inflammation. An inflamed muscle or tendon may feel warm, and cooling can help lower the temperature of the area.

However, excessive cooling may reduce circulation and make the muscles feel stiff. The source recommends using cooling mainly when the pain is severe and during roughly the first one to three days after symptoms begin. After the pain settles, it says warming may become more appropriate.

Cooling the wrong area may not help and can make unaffected muscles feel tighter. Focus on the area where pain and inflammation are present.

Apply cooling directly over the painful area rather than cooling a large area of the shoulder unnecessarily.

The source explains that cooling tissue without inflammation may make muscles feel stiff and reduce circulation, while cooling the inflamed area may help ease pain.

The source article introduces three simple ways to cool the shoulder when acute pain is associated with problems such as an awkward sleeping position or frozen shoulder.

Wrap a commercial ice pack or cold pack in a towel or handkerchief before applying it to the painful area. Do not place it directly against the skin for a long period because of the risk of cold injury.

The source recommends cooling for approximately 15 to 20 minutes at a time.

A cooling patch is another option mentioned in the source. Ingredients such as menthol, camphor, or mint oil can create a cooling sensation, while some products also contain anti-inflammatory pain-relief ingredients.

You can also make a cold towel by soaking a towel in cold water and wringing out the excess water.

Apply the towel to the painful, inflamed area for around 10 minutes, as described in the source article.

When shoulder pain is acute and inflammation is present, warming the area may make symptoms worse according to the source article.

For problems such as an awkward sleeping position or frozen shoulder, cooling the painful area with an ice pack, cooling patch, or cold towel may feel more comfortable during the acute stage.

If daily fatigue is building up, why not enjoy professional relaxation at home?

With HOGUGU, a therapist can visit your home or accommodation, so you can receive professional massage and relaxation care without having to visit a salon. Reservations can be made through the app 24 hours a day, making it convenient after work, on weekends, or when you simply do not feel like going out.

HOGUGU therapists have passed a strict screening process with an acceptance rate of around 10%, allowing users to choose from carefully selected professionals.

HOGUGU has recorded more than 335,439 on-demand relaxation bookings and over 225,090 reviews as of August 2026. You can compare therapist profiles, treatment menus, and prices in advance to find an option that suits your needs.

Real experience reports and app-exclusive coupons are available here.

See detailed instructions on how to use HOGUGU.

This article contains some promotional content.

Source reference in the original article: Japanese Orthopaedic Association, “Frozen Shoulder (Periarthritis of the Shoulder).”

日々の疲れが溜まっている方は、お家でプロのリラクゼーションを受けてみませんか？