TL;DR: How to Relieve Rotator Cuff Pain at Night
Rotator cuff pain at night can be relieved by using ice or topical treatments like MEDISTIK before bed, avoiding sleep positions that put pressure on your shoulder, and incorporating light stretching and good posture into your daily routine. Rotator cuff pain is a dull ache in the shoulder caused by issues like tendinitis or tears, and it often worsens at night.
What Is Rotator Cuff Pain?
Rotator cuff pain refers to a pain you may feel in your shoulder in the muscles and tendons. Rotator cuff pain can be a dull ache in the front or side of your shoulder, which can worsen with movement. You may feel rotator cuff pain at night, and common causes include:
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Tendinitis from overuse
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Tendon tears from injury or aging
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Limited range of motion
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Clicking sensations in the shoulder
How to Relieve Rotator Cuff Pain at Night: Expert Advice
Rotator cuff pain bothering you at night? Here is our expert advice on how to relieve rotator cuff pain at night.
Dr Kevin Kraemer says, “In the early stages, focus on managing the pain and inflammation through exercise and stretching, over-the-counter medications, and prescribed anti-inflammatories and painkillers. In later stages of recovery, heat or ice therapy may offer more relief.”
Dr Liisa adds, “I recommend patients apply ice to the affected area for 10 minutes before heading to bed. I also highly recommend application of topical products like MEDISTIK to assist with pain management.”
As for sleep positions, the experts agree that you should avoid sleeping on your painful rotator cuff wherever possible. “Sleeping on your back can minimize pressure on the shoulder, or if side sleeping is preferred, lie on the unaffected shoulder and use pillows to support your arm.” - Dr Liisa. Dr Kevin Kraemer adds that you can use a pillow to help prop up your shoulder or maintain a comfortable position throughout the night.
And to set yourself up for a restful night’s sleep, Dr Liisa recommends “Mild stretching before be,d which can help improve range of motion, reduce stiffness, and alleviate pain before sleep. Be sure to maintain good posture throughout the day and avoid aggravating activities.”
Looking for advice on neck pain? Read more: How to cure neck pain at home
Key takeaways for How to Relieve Rotator Cuff Pain
So, how to relieve rotator cuff pain at night? We asked the experts.
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Manage pain with ice and topical treatments like MEDISTIK
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Avoid sleeping on the affected shoulder
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Incorporate gentle stretching and maintain good posture
