How to Sleep in Shoulder Pain?

Shoulder pain can be immensely painful, disrupting life and even affecting sleep. The truth is that without relief, sleeping peacefully is not possible. So, what are some ways that can help relieve pain for a sound sleep?

In this article, we first talk about the causes of shoulder pain, the best position to relieve shoulder pain, and 5 ways to relieve pain for better sleep quality.  

What Are the Causes of Shoulder Pain?

One or several factors might be at play in causing shoulder pain. Shoulder pain intensity also varies based on the condition it is being caused by. 

For some, shoulder pain is a chronic condition due to weakening muscles or micro tears from overuse. This sort is pain is usually a dull, consistent pain. Conditions like frozen shoulder also cause pain. In this condition, the shoulder capsule thickens and tightens. People with osteoarthritis might also suffer from pain if their shoulder joint is affected. This results in pain when the shoulder joint is moved.   

People who have a poor posture might also suffer from shoulder pain in the long run. However, this kind of pain is mostly a dull ache. Conditions like bursitis, in which the fluid-filled sac is inflamed, cause sharp pain. 

People with shoulder pain from overuse, injury, or conditions like Bursitis might not be able to grasp and hold onto things properly. This significantly affects their quality of life and can be frustrating to experience. 

The cause of the pain is an important consideration in the treatment opted for it. In most cases, physical therapy is recommended to alleviate shoulder pain. Massage might also help if the problem stems from muscular or ligament damage. 

What Is the Best Sleeping Position to Relieve Shoulder Pain?

If you have shoulder pain, experts recommend sleeping on your back. This position evenly distributes your weight and minimizes pressure on the shoulder joints.

If you are used to sleeping on your side, use the side which doesn’t pain. For instance, if your right shoulder is paining, sleep on your left side.

You could also use an orthopedic pillow to support your neck while you sleep. When your neck and shoulders are aligned, it relieves pressure on them, allowing you a good night’s rest. 

What Methods Can Relieve Shoulder Pain?

Here are some of the most common methods that can help you relieve shoulder pain:

1. Painkillers

Over-the-counter painkillers might work if you’re experiencing shoulder pain because of overuse. However, if you have an underlying condition that causes shoulder pain, you might want to consider painkillers like ketamine for relief. Your physician should be your point of contact regarding painkillers for acute and chronic shoulder pain. 

2. Red light therapy

If you’ve been on the search for treatments to alleviate shoulder pain, you might have tried some or most of these methods. However, using a red light therapy device is a drug-free and non-invasive treatment option.

RLT gives you relief within a few minutes. Plus, if you use PRUNGO’s advanced red light therapy module, you can benefit from both red light and near-infrared light. The combination of 650nm red light and 850nm near-infrared light, penetrates deep into tissues to repair damaged cells, reduce inflammation, and promote healing​. 

Since red light therapy works at a cellular level, it promotes healing in the long run. Plus, since it is non-invasive, you can use it in conjunction with other treatments like painkillers and physical therapy. It can also be used before bed to give you immediate relief, allowing you to enjoy sound sleep. 

3. Massage

Massage increases blood circulation to the affected area. Specialized massages like lymphatic massage help drain excess fluid buildup around the shoulder. This also helps reduce inflammation and provide pain relief. 

If you have tight muscles because of conditions like shoulder pain, massage can help loosen them too. 

4. Shoulder Stretching and Exercise

Stretching exercises go a long way in alleviating shoulder pain. For acute pain, gentle stretching and exercises from YouTube might work well. But if you have a chronic condition that is not subsiding, you need to consult a physical therapy specialist. They will recommend the best exercises for you based on your condition for relief. 

5. Cold or Hot Compresses

Cold or hot compresses can also help relieve pain. Use ice for acute injuries, like sprains or strains. Ice can also help with reducing swelling, inflammation, and numbing pain. 

Hot compress works well if your shoulder pain stems from sore muscles or a chronic condition like arthritis. It can help reduce joint stiffness and also works on increasing blood flow. Thus, it promotes healing by bringing more oxygen and nutrients to the injured area. 

Summary

Shoulder pain can be in the form of a dull ache that makes you uneasy or a sharp pain that affects your everyday life. Whichever type of shoulder pain you have, it is likely to affect your sleep. 

The first thing to do when this happens is figure out the cause of the pain. This allows you to pick from some options for pain alleviation. However, red light therapy is an effective treatment option for all types of shoulder pain. 

PRUNGO’s medical-grade red light therapy devices is one of the most effective red light therapy devices out there. This is because it uses both red light and near-infrared light to penetrate deep within the tissue and promote healing at the cellular level. Plus, with its drug-free, non-invasive nature, you can use it without a prescription from a doctor and in conjunction with other treatments too. 

FAQs

Does Red Light Therapy Relieve Pain?

Red light therapy is very effective for relieving all kinds of pain, be it acute or chronic pain. Red light therapy works by penetrating deep into the tissue and promoting mitochondrial function. This enhances the cell’s energy, promoting healing and reducing inflammation. 

What Is the Best Exercise to Relieve Shoulder Pain?

To relieve shoulder pain, gentle shoulder stretching exercises work quite well. Don’t lift heavy loads or do sudden shoulder movements if you’re experiencing shoulder pain. If the pain continues, it is best to consult with a physician or physical therapy professional for a diagnosis and the right exercises for your condition. 

Related reading: Best Medical-Grade Red Light Therapy Devices