If you are experiencing a frozen shoulder, you may have noticed that the pain and discomfort intensify at night. While some people experience frozen shoulder pain constantly, others who experience it at night know that the pain can be so severe that it disrupts your sleep, making it difficult to get through the day. But why does this happen? In this blog post, we will explore why frozen shoulder hurts more at night and what you can do to ease the pain.
Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition where the shoulder joint becomes stiff and painful, making it difficult to move your arm. It usually starts with mild pain and gradually progresses over time. The cause of frozen shoulder is not fully understood, but it is believed to be due to inflammation and scar tissue formation in the joint capsule.
One reason why frozen shoulder hurts more when resting at night is because of the lack of movement during sleep. When you sleep, you naturally stay in one position for several hours. This prolonged immobility can cause the muscles around your shoulder joint to become stiff and tense, leading to increased pain.
Another reason why frozen shoulder hurts more at night is due to changes in blood flow. When you lie down, blood circulation slows down because there is less gravity pulling blood towards your feet. This decreased blood flow can cause tissues around the shoulder joint to become inflamed and painful.
Fortunately, there are ways to relieve nighttime pain associated with frozen shoulder. One effective method is gentle stretching exercises before bedtime. These exercises help increase flexibility in the joint capsule and reduce muscle tension around the shoulder area.
Another way to ease nighttime pain is through physiotherapy or chiropractic care. A physiotherapist or chiropractor can work with you to develop an individualized treatment plan that includes specific exercises designed to improve range of motion and reduce pain.
In addition, applying heat or cold therapy before going to bed can also help alleviate nighttime pain. Heat therapy helps increase blood flow to the affected area, while cold therapy can help reduce inflammation and swelling.
If you are experiencing frozen shoulder pain at night, you are not alone. The lack of movement during sleep and changes in blood flow can make the pain worse. However, there are several ways to relieve nighttime pain, including gentle stretching exercises, physiotherapy or chiropractic care, and heat or cold treatment. By working with a healthcare professional and following these tips, you can improve your quality of life and get a good night’s sleep.
