Topical agents like Tiger Balm and Salon Pas patches can provide considerable temporary relief for sore muscles. The relief does not last more than an hour or two, but that can feel like a lifetime with a sore shoulder. An aggressive approach to recovery for joint and back pain related to muscle causes (as diagnosed by a physician) often includes medication, topical therapy, stretches and sometimes physical therapy. See more information about muscle pain in the HEALTH TOPICS page