Why Does My Shoulder Hurt More at Night?

Why Does My Shoulder Hurt More at Night?

Nighttime shoulder pain is a representative symptom of frozen shoulder or rotator cuff disease. When lying down, pressure increases inside the shoulder joint and inflammatory substances accumulate, intensifying the pain.

Why It Hurts More at Night

  • Increased intra-articular pressure: When lying down, pressure inside the shoulder joint rises, stimulating inflamed areas.
  • Reduced blood flow: Blood flow to the shoulder decreases at night, making it harder to clear inflammatory substances.
  • Body weight pressure: Lying on the painful side compresses the shoulder, worsening pain.
  • Decreased cortisol: Natural anti-inflammatory hormone cortisol decreases at night.

Conditions with Severe Night Pain

Frozen Shoulder

Characterized by throbbing pain at night as the shoulder stiffens. Often can’t lie on the painful side and wake up during sleep.

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Rotator Cuff Disease

Tendon inflammation or partial tears worsen pain at night. Especially severe when lying on the side.

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Ways to Reduce Night Pain

  • Lie on the opposite side with the painful shoulder up
  • Support arm with pillow to reduce shoulder pressure
  • Warm compress before bed to promote blood circulation
  • Gentle stretching before sleep

Fundamental Solution

Posture correction alone has limitations. Treatment that reduces inflammation and restores joint movement is needed. Circulation Therapy can fundamentally resolve nighttime pain.

Circulation Therapy Resolves Night Pain

  • Circulation HD: Reduces inflammation inside the shoulder joint and releases adhesions.
  • Circulation PT: Restores movement in stiff joints.

Losing Sleep Every Night?

Get accurate diagnosis of the cause of night pain and start customized treatment.

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