Why Does My Shoulder Hurt at Night

Common Causes of Night-time Shoulder Pain and How to Find Relief

The Prevalence of Night-time Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain is a common complaint that can significantly impact a person’s quality of life, particularly when it interferes with sleep. Night-time shoulder pain can make it difficult to find a comfortable sleeping position, leading to restless nights and daytime fatigue. Understanding the underlying causes of night-time shoulder pain is crucial for developing an effective treatment plan and finding relief.

Common Causes of Night-time Shoulder Pain

Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy

Rotator cuff tendinopathy is a condition that occurs when the tendons of the rotator cuff muscles become irritated or damaged. The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and tendons that stabilise the shoulder joint and allow for a wide range of motion. Rotator cuff tendinopathy can cause pain and stiffness in the shoulder, which may worsen at night due to increased pressure on the affected tendons while lying down.

Shoulder Impingement Syndrome

Shoulder impingement syndrome occurs when the tendons of the rotator cuff become compressed or pinched as they pass through the narrow space beneath the acromion (the bony prominence at the top of the shoulder blade). This can cause pain and inflammation in the shoulder, particularly when raising the arm overhead or lying on the affected side.

Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition characterised by pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint. It typically develops gradually and can worsen over time, leading to a significant reduction in shoulder mobility. Night-time pain is a common symptom of frozen shoulder, as the decreased movement during sleep can cause the joint capsule to become tighter and more painful.

Osteoarthritis of the Shoulder

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint condition that occurs when the cartilage that cushions the bones in the joint begins to break down. In the shoulder, osteoarthritis can cause pain, stiffness, and a grinding sensation during movement. Night-time pain may occur due to increased pressure on the affected joint while lying down, as well as decreased movement leading to joint stiffness.

Finding Relief from Night-time Shoulder Pain

Postural Adjustments and Sleep Positioning

Making simple adjustments to your sleeping position and posture can help alleviate night-time shoulder pain. Consider the following tips:

• Sleep on your back with a thin pillow under your head and a pillow supporting your arm
• If sleeping on your side, use a thicker pillow to keep your head and neck aligned, and place a pillow between your upper arm and body to reduce pressure on the shoulder
• Avoid sleeping on your stomach, as this can cause the shoulder to rotate inward and increase strain on the joint

Pain Management Techniques

Several pain management techniques can help reduce night-time shoulder pain and improve sleep quality:

• Apply ice or heat to the affected shoulder before bed to reduce pain and inflammation
• Take over-the-counter pain medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, as directed by your healthcare provider
• Perform gentle stretches or range-of-motion exercises before bed to improve flexibility and reduce stiffness

Physical Therapy and Exercise

Working with a physiotherapist can be highly effective in managing night-time shoulder pain. At MSKClinic, our experienced physiotherapists can develop a personalised treatment plan that addresses the underlying causes of your shoulder pain. This may include:

• Specific exercises to strengthen the rotator cuff and other shoulder muscles
• Manual therapy techniques to improve joint mobility and reduce pain
• Education on proper posture and body mechanics to minimise stress on the shoulder joint
• Recommendations for ergonomic adjustments in your daily life to reduce shoulder strain

When to Seek Professional Help

While some night-time shoulder pain may resolve with self-care measures, it is important to seek professional help if:

• Your pain persists for more than a few weeks or becomes progressively worse
• You experience severe pain, weakness, or numbness in the shoulder or arm
• Your shoulder pain is accompanied by fever, redness, or warmth in the joint
• Your pain significantly interferes with your daily activities or sleep quality

At MSKClinic, our team of skilled physiotherapists is dedicated to helping you find relief from night-time shoulder pain and improve your overall quality of life. If you are experiencing persistent shoulder pain that is affecting your sleep, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for a comprehensive assessment and tailored treatment plan. With the right combination of therapies and self-care strategies, you can alleviate your night-time shoulder pain and get back to enjoying restful, pain-free sleep.