Shoulder pain is common, affecting up to one in four people each year. Pain can vary from a mild ache to an intense and disabling stabbing sensation. It can be caused by a wide range of conditions including rotator cuff tears, impingement syndrome, tendinitis, bursitis, or fractures. Other factors such as age-related changes or overuse can also contribute to shoulder pain.
Although treating the cause of shoulder pain may require medication or surgery depending on the severity of the injury or issue, physical therapy is often prescribed as part of recovery.
Physical therapy helps to restore normal movement and strength in the shoulder joint while reducing inflammation and pain that accompany it. Physical therapists use manual techniques such as massage or joint mobilization to target the specific area of shoulder pain and improve the range of motion.
Additionally, physical therapists may use exercises with weights or resistance bands to strengthen the muscles surrounding the shoulder joint, improving stability and reducing pain.
By following a comprehensive treatment plan created by your physical therapist, you can help ease shoulder pain while improving your overall quality of life. Physical therapy is designed to reduce discomfort while promoting healing through improved mobility and strength in the affected area.
It is an effective way to address post-injury rehabilitation needs while minimizing the need for surgery or long-term medications. Through personalized treatments that are tailored to meet individual needs, physical therapists can provide safe and effective help for those suffering from shoulder pain.
One of the more common issues that people have when experiencing shoulder pain is the fact that it can be difficult to sleep which we will discuss below.
Why A Painful Shoulder Can Make it Difficult to Sleep
Sleeping with shoulder pain can be difficult due to a number of factors. The most common cause is the restricted range of motion when trying to find a comfortable position. This can make it difficult to move your body enough to alleviate the uncomfortable feeling in your shoulder without further aggravating the area, leading to unsatisfactory sleep.
Additionally, increased sensitivity in the area makes it difficult to ignore any minor discomfort or movements that may otherwise go unnoticed while sleeping. It’s also possible for inflammation and swelling from the injury itself to amplify any discomfort felt throughout the night, making it even more challenging to get restful sleep.
Furthermore, some people may experience difficulty falling asleep because they are anxious about their condition and worrying about how long recovery will take. Whatever the cause, difficulty sleeping due to shoulder pain can be a trying experience and may require medical attention or lifestyle changes.
5 Tips on Sleeping With Shoulder Pain
1. Sleep on your back: Sleeping on your back is the best position for sleeping with shoulder pain because it allows you to keep your head, neck, and spine in alignment. You can also add a pillow between your legs or under your knees to relieve pressure from the shoulder joints.
2. Use a body pillow: A body pillow is designed to provide full-body support, including support for the shoulders. This will help keep them in an optimal position throughout the night and reduce strain while sleeping.
3. Try a mattress topper: A mattress topper can be used to give extra cushioning and comfort around the painful area of the shoulder, helping soothe aches and pains during sleep.
4. Stretch your shoulders before bed: Doing gentle shoulder stretches before bedtime can help relax the muscles and relieve tension around the joints. This will make it easier to find a comfortable sleeping position and reduce pain while you sleep.
5. Invest in a supportive pillow: A supportive pillow that is designed specifically for sleeping with shoulder pain can help keep the shoulders in an optimal position and provide additional support and cushioning throughout the night. This will help reduce strain on the joints and ease discomfort while you sleep.
How Can Physical Therapy and Our Treatment Help You
Physical therapy is a non-invasive form of treatment used to manage shoulder pain. It involves exercises and stretches that strengthen the shoulder muscles and improve the range of motion.
Physical therapists will typically evaluate an individual’s condition, assess the appropriate treatment plan, and provide guidance on proper posture, technique, and exercise frequency. Through physical therapy, individuals can reduce their pain, control inflammation around the joint, and improve overall strength in the affected area.
Left untreated, shoulder pain can lead to further complications and impairments. Joints may become less mobile as inflammation in the surrounding tissues increases, causing muscles to weaken. Loss of motion and strength in the shoulder can lead to greater instability in the joint and further diminish the quality of life.
With prolonged immobility, ligaments, and tendons may become weaker, leading to possible joint dislocation or nerve damage.
Additionally, chronic shoulder pain can cause depression due to reduced physical activity and a feeling of helplessness.
Are You Experiencing Shoulder And Want Relief From Pain When Sleeping?
Trying to sleep with shoulder pain can feel like a nightmare. So if you want relief and you feel that you are not getting solutions on how to best treat your pain, then feel free to schedule a free phone consult or contact us to arrange a Shoulder Pain Assessment. You can also feel free to give us a call at 920.335.7227 (We still like to talk on the phone!)
We also have many more videos related to shoulder pain, things you can do to strengthen the muscles in that area to help support your shoulder, and tips on helping you stay pain-free on our YouTube channel.
If you want more information on how you can begin treating your shoulder pain, visit us at Motus Rx Physical Therapy or check out this free report.
We love to keep people in Appleton mobile, active, and off pain pills – let our expertise go to work for you to help you return to the activities you love.
Don’t forget, you can schedule a no-obligation (and free!) phone consult or visit us at our Appleton clinic as part of your Shoulder Pain Assessment. Or just give us a call at 920.335.7227.
Until next time,
Eric Wallace, PT