Why Shoulder Pain at Night Is So Common
Do you lie down at night, ready to relax, only to be met with shoulder pain that keeps you tossing and turning? If shoulder pain at night is stopping you from getting the rest you need, you’re not alone—and there are real solutions that work.
Nighttime shoulder pain can make even the coziest bed feel like a torture chamber. But there’s a reason why it starts when your head hits the pillow—and more importantly, ways to fix it.
Real Story: How Nancy Beat Nighttime Shoulder Pain
Nancy is an active adult who loves gardening, playing pickleball, and spending time with her grandkids. But when shoulder pain at night started robbing her of sleep and energy, she reached out for help.
“This has been the best experience I have ever had with physical therapy. They’re knowledgeable, hands-on, and I’ve improved so much. I can stay active and keep doing what I love.” – Nancy, Preferred Physical Therapy Patient
Thanks to personalized physical therapy, Nancy’s sleeping better—and you can too.
Top Causes of Shoulder Pain at Night
Why does shoulder pain seem worse at night? Here’s what’s going on:
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✅ Lack of Movement – Lying still causes inflammation and stiffness to settle in.
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✅ Unsupported Sleeping Positions – Sleeping on your side or stomach can compress shoulder joints.
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✅ Increased Awareness – With no distractions, your brain zeroes in on the pain.
Common Diagnoses That Cause Shoulder Pain at Night:
🔴 Rotator Cuff Tendinitis & Bursitis
Inflammation from repetitive movements like lifting, reaching, or swinging a paddle. Tight Shoulder? This May Be The Cause
🔴 Shoulder Impingement Syndrome
A pinching pain that worsens when you lift your arm—especially painful when lying down. This Is One Of the Most Common Shoulder Injuries
🔴 Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)
A tightening of the joint capsule that makes it hard to move or find a comfortable sleep position.
Ignoring shoulder pain at night doesn’t make it go away—it often leads to chronic issues and poor sleep health. Read about Frozen Shoulder from Mayo Clinic
5-Step Plan to Relieve Shoulder Pain at Night
Ready to sleep through the night again? Try these 5 steps:
1. Adjust Your Sleeping Position
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✅ Best: Sleep on your back with a pillow supporting your arm.
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❌ Avoid: Lying on the painful shoulder or placing your arm above your head.
2. Improve Your Pillow Setup
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Use a firm pillow to keep your neck aligned.
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Place a small pillow or towel roll under your painful arm.
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Side sleeper? Add a pillow between your knees to reduce spinal twist.
3. Add Gentle Movement During the Day
Daily shoulder mobility helps reduce nighttime stiffness. Try:
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✔️ Shoulder blade squeezes
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✔️ Pendulum swings
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✔️ Wall slides
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(Bonus: Do these for 5 minutes before bed!)
4. Use Heat and Ice Wisely
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🔥 Heat before bed to loosen tight muscles
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❄️ Ice in the morning to reduce overnight inflammation
5. See a Shoulder Pain Specialist
If your shoulder pain at night has lasted more than 2 weeks or is waking you up nightly, don’t wait.
Schedule an evaluation with Preferred Physical Therapy to find relief.
When to Get Help (and How We Can Support You)
At Preferred Physical Therapy, we specialize in helping active adults over 40 live pain-free without pills, injections, or surgery. Whether you’re battling rotator cuff issues, frozen shoulder, or general inflammation, we can help you:
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✅ Sleep through the night
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✅ Move pain-free during the day
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✅ Stay active in retirement and beyond
Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Shoulder Pain Disrupt Your Life
Sleep isn’t just rest—it’s recovery. When shoulder pain at night robs you of it, it affects every part of your life: your energy, mood, and even your immune system.
The good news? There’s help—and it works.
Just like Nancy, you can feel better, move better, and get back to enjoying your life. Whether you’re playing pickleball or picking up your grandkids, you deserve a body that lets you do what you love.
Ready to Sleep Pain-Free?
Book your shoulder pain consultation today and take the first step toward better sleep and better days.
👉 Schedule Your Appointment Now
Keep Reading: Can A Desk Job Cause Shoulder Pain?
Frozen Shoulder: Why Your Shoulder Feels Stuck and Painful (And How to Fix It)
Dr. Nick received an associates degree in sports medicine from BYU-Idaho he then attended Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Exercise Science. Following BYU, he received his Doctorate of Physical therapy from the University of Utah in Salt Lake City.
Dr. Nick’s greatest passion is seeing his patients recover from injury and return to their activities that bring them joy.
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