Are restless nights making you dread bedtime? Does the thought of tossing and turning with shoulder pain fill you with anxiety?
You’re not alone. Shoulder pain from sleeping is a common plight that robs many active adults of the restful slumber they need and deserve.
The Emotional Toll of Sleep Disrupted by Shoulder Pain
There’s a silent epidemic affecting sleep quality across the globe—shoulder pain from sleeping. It’s more than just a physical nuisance; it’s an emotional thief, stealing away the restorative power of good sleep. The discomfort can leave you feeling restless, frustrated, and weary before the day has even begun.
But here’s the silver lining: with the right approach, peaceful sleep doesn’t have to be a thing of the past.
How Does Bad Quality Sleep Affect Your Life?
When shoulder pain disrupts your sleep, the ripple effects can touch every aspect of your life. Poor sleep quality can lead to a cycle of fatigue, mood swings, decreased productivity, and even exacerbate your pain. It’s a vicious cycle, but one that can be broken.
At Preferred Physical Therapy, we understand the crucial connection between restful sleep and overall health. That’s why we’re dedicated to helping you find relief so you can wake up feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the day.
5 Tips To Alleviate Shoulder Pain From Sleeping
Shoulder pain from sleeping doesn’t have to be your nightly norm. Here are five expert tips from the field of physical therapy to help you find relief:
1. Assess Your Sleeping Position
The position in which you sleep can significantly impact shoulder pain.
For many, sleeping on the back can distribute weight evenly and relieve pressure on the shoulders.
If you’re a side sleeper, avoid resting on the painful shoulder, and consider placing a pillow under the arm to support the shoulder’s natural position.
2. Choose the Right Pillow
An unsupportive pillow can be the culprit behind your shoulder pain from sleeping.
Consider a pillow that’s designed to support the neck and shoulders’ natural alignment.
Memory foam pillows that conform to your shape or a specially designed shoulder support pillow can make a world of difference.
3. Incorporate Shoulder-Strengthening Exercises
Weak shoulder muscles can lead to instability and pain.
By incorporating shoulder-strengthening exercises recommended by your physical therapist, you can build resilience in the muscles surrounding the shoulder joint, reducing the likelihood of pain while you sleep.
4. Apply Heat or Cold Therapy Before Bed
Applying heat can relax tight muscles, while cold therapy can reduce inflammation.
Depending on the nature of your shoulder pain, a pre-bedtime routine of heat or cold application can prepare your shoulder for a night of rest.
5. Establish a Pre-Sleep Stretching Routine
Gentle, therapeutic stretching before bed can ease muscle tension and promote relaxation.
Try stretches like the “Pendulum” or “Cross-Body Reach” to gently work the shoulder area without overexertion.
By following these tips, you can start to ease shoulder pain from sleeping and enhance the quality of your rest.
At Preferred Physical Therapy, we specialize in creating personalized treatment plans that address the unique causes of your shoulder pain.
Our goal is to guide you back to comfortable, restful nights.
Embrace a Night of Pain-Free Sleep
Shoulder pain from sleeping doesn’t have to dictate the quality of your life.
With the right guidance and self-care strategies, you can transform your nights from painful to peaceful.
If you’re ready to say goodbye to sleepless nights and hello to mornings filled with vitality, we’re here to help.
Visit our Shoulder Pain page at Preferred Physical Therapy to learn more about our tailored approach to managing shoulder pain, or contact us to schedule a
December 7, 2017
August 26, 2019
