What to do about shoulder pain at night

Most of us have had some shoulder discomfort in the night before, but usually this discomfort comes from sleeping in an awkward position. However, there can be other, more serious reasons why your shoulder is painful at night. 

Shoulder pain is a problem that many people have experience with. After all, medical sources report that as many as 70% of people will have shoulder pain in their lifetime. Some issues that could be causing your nightly shoulder pain include bursitis and rotator cuff injuries. Shoulder pain can also be referred from your neck as a direct result of your sleeping position. Physical therapists can help you learn exactly what’s causing your shoulder pain. These specialists can also help you learn what you can do to reduce shoulder pain at night. 

Three tips that can help reduce shoulder pain at night

Often, people with shoulder pain experience it while doing a normal daily task like reaching for their coffee cup. Others might also feel shoulder discomfort while they’re trying to sleep. 

Some ways that you can help decrease shoulder pain at night include: 

1. Changing your sleeping position — Although many people find sleeping on their side comfortable, shoulder pain can make this sleeping position agonizing. In many cases, you can reduce your shoulder pain by changing to a different sleeping position. For instance, you could try sleeping on the side that’s not painful, or you might try sleeping on your back. Varying the thickness of your pillow may also help.

2. Supporting your body with a pillow — There is an option you can try if you just can’t sleep unless you’re on your painful side. Place a pillow between your body and the painful arm can help relieve pain and reduce pressure on the shoulder. 

3. Go to physical therapy — These other two tips can be useful for decreasing your pain. However, physical therapy can help treat the source of your pain. Addressing the root cause of your pain can help make other treatment tips more effective. It can also help reduce your pain faster, and physical therapists can help you find ways to prevent your pain from returning. 

Advent Physical Therapy can help treat your shoulder pain at night

Not sure where to turn for physical therapy that can help reduce your nightly shoulder pain? Our therapy specialists at Advent PT have the expertise to help you with your pain. We’ll start by performing a free screening intended to reveal the root cause of your shoulder pain. Then, our team will create an individualized therapy plan for you that focuses on decreasing your pain and preventing its recurrence. 

Is your shoulder pain keeping you stuck at home? Our physical therapists understand that! We offer at-home care and virtual therapy sessions that you can do right from your home. Even better, you can start getting our help without contacting your doctor for a referral. 

Contact our team today for more information about how we can treat your shoulder pain or to schedule an initial appointment.