If you suffer from shoulder problems, you know how hard it can be to get a good night’s sleep. Whether you have a chronic condition like arthritis or bursitis or an acute injury like a rotator cuff tear or a dislocation, shoulder pain can keep you awake and affect your quality of life. Now, we will explore some of the common causes of shoulder pain, how they affect your sleep, and what you can do to treat them and sleep soundly.

Common Shoulder Injuries & How They Affect Your Sleep

The shoulder joint is a complex structure that allows your arm to move freely. It consists of three bones (the humerus, the scapula, and the clavicle), four muscles (the rotator cuff), and several ligaments and tendons that connect them. The shoulder joint is also surrounded by a capsule of fluid that lubricates and cushions it.

Some Of The Most Common Shoulder Injuries Are

  • Rotator cuff tear: This occurs when one or more of the rotator cuff muscles or tendons tear, either partially or completely. This can result from overuse, trauma, or degeneration. Symptoms include weakness, reduced range of motion in the shoulder, and of course, pain.
  • Shoulder dislocation: This happens when the head of the humerus pops out of the socket of the scapula, either partially or completely. This can be caused by trauma, such as a fall or a blow to the shoulder. Symptoms include severe pain, swelling, bruising, and deformity of the shoulder.
  • Shoulder impingement: This occurs when the space between the acromion (a bony projection on the scapula) and the rotator cuff narrows, causing inflammation and compression of the rotator cuff tendons. This can result from overuse, poor posture, or arthritis. Symptoms include pain, stiffness, and difficulty raising the arm above the head.
  • Shoulder arthritis: This is a degenerative condition that affects the cartilage that covers the ends of the bones in the shoulder joint. This can cause friction, inflammation, and pain in the shoulder. Different types of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout, can affect the shoulder. Symptoms include pain, swelling, stiffness, and reduced range of motion in the shoulder.
These shoulder injuries can make it hard to find a comfortable sleeping position, especially if you prefer to sleep on your side or your back. Sleeping on your injured shoulder can increase pressure and pain in the joint. Sleeping on your opposite shoulder can cause imbalance and strain in your neck and spine. Sleeping on your back can cause your shoulder to slump forward and aggravate your condition.

Physical Therapy Approach For Treating Shoulder Problems

If you have shoulder problems that interfere with your sleep and your daily activities, you may benefit from physical therapy. Physical therapy is a form of treatment that uses exercises, manual techniques, modalities, and education to improve your physical function and well-being.

Physical Therapy Can Help You With

  • Reducing inflammation and pain in the shoulder
  • Restoring the range of motion and strength in your shoulder
  • Improving your posture and alignment
  • Preventing further injury or complications
  • Enhancing your sleep quality and comfort

Some Of The Physical Therapy Exercises For Shoulder Problems Include

  • Shoulder pendulum: This exercise involves swinging your arm gently in circles while leaning forward with your hand on a table or chair. This helps to loosen up your shoulder joint and increase blood flow to the area.
  • Shoulder blade squeeze: This exercise involves squeezing your shoulder blades together as if you are trying to hold a pencil between them. This helps to strengthen your upper back muscles and stabilize your shoulder joint.
  • Shoulder rotation: This exercise involves rotating your arm inward and outward while keeping your elbow bent at 90 degrees and close to your body. This helps to improve your shoulder mobility and flexibility.
  • Shoulder elevation: This exercise involves raising your arm to the side or in front of you as high as you can without pain. This helps to stretch your shoulder muscles and tendons.

If you want to try physical therapy for shoulder pain, you can visit the Miracle Physical Therapy and Massage Center in the Michigan area. Physical therapists can tailor a treatment for you. Do not hesitate to ask for professional help.

Conclusion

Shoulder problems can be a major source of pain and distress that can affect your sleep quality and quantity. However, with physical therapy, you can treat your shoulder problems effectively and safely, and enjoy the benefits of a good night’s sleep. Physical therapy for shoulder pain can not only help you treat your current problem but also help you improve your overall health and develop good habits.