Are you struggling to get a full night’s sleep because of persistent shoulder pain? It’s estimated to affect nearly 18% to 26% of adults in the U.S. Shoulder pain can interrupt daily activities; it can also make getting enough rest especially challenging. That’s why finding the right treatment is essential. But the right kind of treatment usually requires identifying the cause of your shoulder pain. That’s why we’ve listed some of the top causes of shoulder pain at night and what treatment options there are to relieve it.

What are some of the top causes of shoulder pain at night?

There are many reasons why someone might develop shoulder pain that persists through the night. These include:

• Tendinitis — Tendinitis is a condition that involves the tissue connecting muscle to bone, called tendons, becoming irritated or inflamed. Tendon inflammation is usually the result of injury or repetitive overuse. Tendinitis has been known to develop with age, however. It’s also worth noting that certain medical conditions, like diabetes, can increase a person’s risk of developing tendinitis.
• Bursitis — Bursitis is a condition that is characterized by inflammation of the bursae. The bursae are the sacs that cushion the joints, and they’re filled with fluid. These sacs can be found in between your joints and the muscles, tendon, and bones that make up the area of your joints. When the bursae in the shoulder joints become inflamed, they can make the shoulders painful during daytime movement and even during sleep at night.
• Tendinosis — Tendinosis involves repetitive movements that cause the tendons to become overused. The tendons deteriorate over time with overuse and become stiff and painful, losing much of their range of motion. Many people who have occupations that involve performing the same movements several times each day will develop tendinosis. Failing to rest the affected tendons and not getting treatment for them can lead to pain during both the day and night.

What are some of the treatments available to those who have shoulder pain at night?

There are several types of treatments that someone with shoulder pain at night can use to find relief. These treatment options include:

• Physical therapy — Physical therapy is a great treatment for those who struggle to get a full night’s sleep because of their shoulder pain. Physical therapists use exercise, specialized techniques, and tools to benefit those with shoulder pain. These benefits include improved range of motion, increased strength, knowledge of how to avoid overuse and re-injury, and reduced recovery time.
• Modified sleep positions — One way to reduce shoulder pain at night is by changing how you lie in bed during the night. Your sleeping position may contribute to your shoulder pain, especially if you lie on your side or affected shoulder. You may find that sleeping on your back may improve your pain.
• Anti-inflammatory medication — Anti-inflammatory medications, like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can temporarily reduce pain. They may be useful for those who need immediate pain relief to help them sleep through the night with less pain. However, NSAIDs are not typically effective at reducing pain long term. Patients with shoulder conditions like rotator cuff tears and shoulder impingement should see a medical provider such as a physical therapist for long-term treatment.
• Corticosteroid injections — Corticosteroid injections are a type of treatment used to reduce inflammation. They’re injected into localized areas of the body. They can be helpful for temporarily reducing pain and swelling in areas of the shoulder. However, the injections typically only last for a few weeks at a time and can be administered in limited quantities.
• Surgery, in severe cases — Surgery is an additional option for those who are struggling to reduce their shoulder pain at night. This option is typically reserved for conditions that haven’t responded as well to more conservative options, like NSAIDs and modifying sleep positions. Physical therapy can be used to prepare for and recover from surgical procedures and may even prevent the need for surgery altogether. It may also be beneficial for patients who have severe cases of shoulder injury. However, surgery may not be the most effective option for every person. In some cases, surgical procedures can lead to complications or prolonged recovery. 

Find treatment for your shoulder pain at Franklin Rehabilitation 

Don’t let your shoulder pain prevent you from getting the sleep you need any longer. Care from the right physical therapy clinic is often the key to regaining control over your life after experiencing shoulder pain. Are you ready to take control of your condition and its symptoms? Consider making an appointment request today for a free screening with one of our experts. At Franklin Rehabilitation, our physical therapists are uniquely qualified to treat shoulder pain. Let us help you take the steps you need to start feeling better.

Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.