In many cases, shoulder pain cannot be prevented (e.g., injury, degenerative disorder). However, people can take several steps to reduce the likelihood of new injuries, or to prevent old injuries from recurring. These include:

• Practicing good posture and ergonomics at work and home to reduce risk of repetitive strain injuries and sudden trauma. For example, forearm support boards may help prevent shoulder, arm and neck pain and injury in computer users.

• Using ice (cryotherapy) and ibuprofen after exercising if there is a history of shoulder pain.
  
  
• Working with a physical therapist or physician to design an exercise routine that can stretch and strengthen rotator cuff tendons (tough, inelastic fibrous tissue that connects muscle with its bony attachment) and shoulder muscles.
  
  
• Performing range-of-motion exercises when recovering from tendinitis. This can help prevent development of frozen shoulder.
  
  
• Using proper technique when participating in athletics to prevent shoulder problems.
  
  
• Completing stretching exercises before and after athletics to reduce the chance of shoulder pain.