Can I Use Voltaren on My Shoulder? A Guide to Safe Application

October 8, 2025 •

4 min read

Shoulder pain is the third most common musculoskeletal complaint, with a point prevalence ranging from 7% to 26%. If you're seeking relief, you may wonder: can I use Voltaren on my shoulder? This article explores that question.

Quick Summary

Voltaren Gel is a topical NSAID for arthritis pain in joints like hands and knees. While not officially FDA-approved for shoulder use, it is sometimes used off-label for shoulder pain from strains or sprains.

Key Points

Official Use: Voltaren (diclofenac gel) is FDA-approved for arthritis pain in hands, wrists, elbows, knees, ankles, and feet.
Shoulder Use is Off-Label: The FDA has not evaluated Voltaren for use on the shoulder, hip, or spine.
How It Works: As a topical NSAID, it reduces local pain and inflammation with less systemic absorption than oral NSAIDs.
Safety Risks: Like all NSAIDs, it carries a risk of serious cardiovascular events and gastrointestinal bleeding.
Application: Apply the amount directed by your healthcare provider to clean, intact skin, using the dosing card if provided.
Consult a Doctor: Always speak with a healthcare provider before using Voltaren off-label for shoulder pain.
Alternatives: Other options for shoulder pain include oral NSAIDs, other topical analgesics, and heat or ice therapy.

Understanding Voltaren and Its Intended Use

Disclaimer: This information is for general knowledge and should not be taken as medical advice. Consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.

Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel contains diclofenac sodium 1%, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It works by inhibiting the production of substances in the body that cause pain and inflammation. The gel is designed to deliver targeted relief directly to the affected joint with less systemic absorption compared to oral NSAIDs, which can help limit side effects like stomach irritation.

The FDA has officially approved Voltaren gel for relieving joint pain caused by osteoarthritis in the hands, wrists, elbows, knees, ankles, and feet. The official drug label explicitly states that Voltaren Gel has not been evaluated for use on the spine, hip, or shoulder. This lack of evaluation is why you may see warnings against using it on these areas.

Off-Label Use for Shoulder Pain

Despite the lack of official FDA evaluation for shoulder use, some sources acknowledge its application for shoulder pain resulting from sprains, strains, or sports injuries affecting tendons, ligaments, or muscles. This is considered an "off-label" use. Some evidence suggests that diclofenac gel applied to the shoulder may be effective. However, it's crucial to consult a healthcare provider before using this medication on areas for which it has not been officially studied and approved.

How to Apply Voltaren Gel

If a healthcare provider recommends using Voltaren for your shoulder, proper application is key. Voltaren gel typically comes with a dosing card to ensure you use the correct amount.

Measure the Dose: For an upper body joint, you typically measure the appropriate amount of gel using the provided dosing card as directed by your healthcare provider.
Apply to the Area: Apply the measured gel directly to the clean, dry, and intact skin of the painful shoulder area. Do not apply to open wounds, infections, or rashes.
Rub it in Gently: Use your hands to gently massage the gel into the skin until it disappears.
Wash Your Hands: After application, wash your hands thoroughly to avoid accidental contact with your eyes or mouth.
Wait Before Dressing or Showering: Avoid wearing clothing over the treated area for at least 10 minutes, and wait at least one hour before showering or bathing to allow the medication to absorb.

Do not apply heat or bandages over the treated area. It's recommended to follow your healthcare provider's instructions regarding the frequency of application.

Important Safety Information and Potential Side Effects

As an NSAID, Voltaren carries significant warnings. It can increase the risk of a fatal heart attack or stroke, especially with long-term use or in individuals with heart disease. It should not be used right before or after heart bypass surgery (CABG).

NSAIDs can also cause serious gastrointestinal issues like stomach bleeding, ulcers, and perforation, which can be fatal and may occur without warning. The risk is higher in older adults and those with a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding.

Common side effects at the application site include:

Redness
Itching
Dryness or scaling
Rash

Comparison of Pain Relief Options

When considering treatment for shoulder pain, it's helpful to compare different options.


Treatment Type	Pros	Cons	Best For
Topical NSAIDs (Voltaren)	Targeted relief; Lower risk of systemic side effects (e.g., GI issues) compared to oral NSAIDs.	Potential for local skin irritation; Not officially approved for shoulder use.	Localized arthritis pain, acute musculoskeletal injuries.
Oral NSAIDs (Ibuprofen, Naproxen)	Systemic relief; Effective for widespread inflammation.	Higher risk of GI bleeding, heart attack, and stroke.	Moderate to severe pain where topical treatment is insufficient.
Topical Analgesics (Menthol/Capsaicin)	Provides numbing or cooling/heating sensation.	Does not have anti-inflammatory properties; may mask pain without treating the cause.	Mild pain relief, muscle soreness.
Heat/Ice Therapy	Non-medicinal; Ice reduces inflammation, heat relaxes muscles.	Provides temporary relief; does not address underlying chronic conditions.	Acute injuries (ice), muscle stiffness (heat).

Studies show that topical NSAIDs can provide a similar level of pain relief to oral NSAIDs for both acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions but with a better safety profile, particularly concerning gastrointestinal side effects. For this reason, guidelines often recommend topical NSAIDs as a first-line treatment, especially for older adults.

Conclusion

While Voltaren Gel is officially indicated for osteoarthritis pain in joints like the hands and knees, it is sometimes used off-label for shoulder pain from muscle or tendon injuries. The FDA has not evaluated its safety and efficacy for the shoulder. Due to the potential for serious cardiovascular and gastrointestinal side effects associated with all NSAIDs, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional before using Voltaren on your shoulder. A doctor can help determine the cause of your pain and recommend the safest and most effective treatment plan for your specific condition.

For more comprehensive drug information, you can visit the FDA's drug database.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the FDA has not evaluated or approved Voltaren Gel for use on the shoulder, hip, or spine. Its use for shoulder pain is considered off-label.

The amount to use should be determined by your healthcare provider, especially for off-label use on the shoulder. For FDA-approved uses on upper body joints like the wrist or elbow, a typical amount is measured using a dosing card.

Relief may begin within a few days, but it can take consistent application for up to 7 days to experience the full effect.

No, it is not recommended to use Voltaren gel in combination with oral NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen unless specifically directed by your doctor, as this can increase the risk of adverse effects.

The most common side effects are application site reactions, such as skin redness, itching, dryness, scaling, or peeling.

You should not use Voltaren if you have had an allergic reaction to aspirin or other NSAIDs, or right before or after heart bypass surgery. People with a history of heart disease, stomach ulcers, or kidney disease should consult a doctor before use.

Topical NSAIDs like Voltaren generally have a lower risk of systemic side effects, such as stomach irritation, compared to oral NSAIDs because less of the drug is absorbed into the bloodstream. However, serious risks still exist.