What Can Be Done For Shoulder Pain After Sleep?

The shoulder is the most mobile joint in your body.  It’s a complex joint with many tendons, ligaments and muscles working together like a well-oiled engine.  If one small part fails to work properly it can have knock on effects on the whole shoulder area.  It can also be an easy part of the body to injure, because the socket of the shoulder joint is shallow compared to the bigger ball of the upper arm. It is supported by a joint capsule which is reinforced by ligaments. Muscles around the shoulder joint also help to support it. The shoulder is the joint that allows the greatest range of movement and consequently the greatest instability.Our experts at Ballsbridge Physiotherapists Clinic are trained in a range of treatments from manual therapy to dry needling.  Physiotherapy can do a lot to address the pain clients feel when they wake up.

Why do I have Shoulder Pain in the Morning?

There are many reasons why you may have shoulder pain after sleeping.  Some are listed below:

• You may suffer from frozen shoulder, when you have a significantly reduced range of normal activity in any direction.  You will be unable to lift the shoulder and it feels stiff and locked. Frozen shoulder often feels worse in the morning.  The good news is that physiotherapy can be helpful in addressing the pain and lack of movement.
• Other causes of shoulder pain which can be aggravated in the morning are impingement syndrome, rotator cuff tendon tears, shoulder arthritis and biceps tendon tears.
• Lack of exercise can lead to the stiffening of muscles or joints.  They can stiffen while sleeping which can cause pain when you wake. The shoulder can be particularly susceptible.  Along with taking more exercise, your physiotherapist can work with you to tackle the pain and movement issues.
• Poor posture can affect your shoulders at night, resulting in morning pain due to muscle tension and strain.
• Bad support while sleeping, such as bad mattresses or pillows can result in poor quality sleep and resulting discomfort on waking.

Whatever the reasons for pain, whether at the top of the arm, the clavicle or the scapula, your physiotherapist can work with you to determine why you suffer after sleeping.  At Ballsbridge Physiotherapy Clinic the highly skilled staff will be able to develop techniques for a restful night and a more relaxed morning.