How to Overcome Pain in Your Shoulders from Improper Sleep Positions

December 11, 2020 6:40 am Published by Leave your thoughts

Shoulder pain isn’t something to ignore. Too many people have grown accustomed to discomfort in the morning, but that doesn’t mean it’s normal. It could be a warning sign of injury or chronic diseases like osteoarthritis. Those who want to fix shoulder pain after sleeping should consider the following shoulder pain treatment tips and speak to their doctor in Napa County, CA about physical therapy.

Develop a nighttime routine

If chronic shoulder pain is keeping you up at night, get into the habit of reducing your symptoms right before bed. Doctors recommend icing your shoulder for 20 minutes, especially if the pain has resulted from osteoarthritis or a rotator cuff injury. While this is only a temporary fix, the ice will bring down inflammation and help you fall asleep.

You can also try a dose of ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatory medication that’s available over the counter. Don’t take medication too early in the day—otherwise, it will wear off by the time you crawl into bed. Check with your doctor in Napa County, CA before combining over-the-counter medications with prescribed drugs to make sure they don’t interfere with each other.

Try new sleeping positions

Other shoulder pain treatment tips involve adjusting the way you sleep. This takes some getting used to, because most people tend to sleep in the exact same position their whole lives. In fact, repetitive sleeping patterns could be the source of your shoulder pain! Those who favor one side put pressure on either the left or right shoulder joint, which deteriorates the muscles and causes inflammation.

You might be able to fix shoulder pain after sleeping in a new position. If pain occurs only in the left or right side, switch to sleeping on the uninjured shoulder. However, people who learn to sleep on their back can take away the pressure altogether and reduce the risk of further injury. This method works best in an upright, reclined position or with a pillow under the injured shoulder.

Attend physical therapy sessions

Sometimes a little bit of ice and pain medication combined with a new sleep position isn’t enough to fix shoulder pain after sleeping. Speak with your doctor in Napa County, CA about other shoulder pain treatment tips if different positions do little to alleviate the pain. Many doctors recommend physical therapy to reduce pain and get your shoulder back to normal.

Physical therapy offers countless health benefits and is great for patients who can get by without invasive surgery. A physical therapist will teach you gentle stretches and exercises that gradually nurse the shoulder muscles back to health. These exercises promote increased blood circulation, which speeds up the recovery process. Plus, the strength you gain from physical therapy will reinforce the shoulder joints and prevent future injury.

Don’t let shoulder pain take away your precious sleep. The specialists at Focus Forward Wellness & Physical Therapy in Napa County, CA heal shoulder injuries and help clients overcome years’ worth of joint pain. Get in touch with us today and begin your path to recovery!

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