Why do we get pain at night in Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder is a condition in which the shoulder joint becomes stiff and painful. The exact cause of frozen shoulder is not known, but it is believed to be due to inflammation and scarring of the shoulder joint capsule. While the pain associated with frozen shoulder can occur at any time of the day, many people experience increased pain at night. In this blog, we will explore the reasons behind why we get pain at night in frozen shoulder.
The shoulder joint is a complex structure that consists of bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. When inflammation and scarring occur in the joint capsule, it can cause the shoulder joint to become stiff and painful. The stiffness in the shoulder joint can make it difficult to move the arm, and the pain can be quite severe. There are several reasons why you may experience night pain in frozen shoulder:
1. Sleep Position:
One of the main reasons why people experience increased pain at night in frozen shoulder is due to the position they sleep in. When we sleep, we tend to stay in one position for an extended period. This can put pressure on the shoulder joint, which can increase the pain. For example, if you sleep on your side, the weight of your body can put pressure on the affected shoulder, causing pain.
2. Increased Inflammation:
Another reason why people experience increased pain at night in frozen shoulder is due to the body’s natural inflammatory response. Inflammation is a natural response to injury or infection, and it can cause pain and swelling. In frozen shoulder, inflammation is believed to play a significant role in the development of the condition. During the night, the body’s natural inflammatory response is more active, which can increase the pain in the affected shoulder.
3. Stress:
In addition to the position we sleep in and the body’s natural inflammatory response, stress can also play a role in the pain associated with frozen shoulder. Stress can cause the muscles in the shoulder and neck to become tense, which can increase the pain in the shoulder joint. Many people experience increased stress levels at night, which can contribute to the pain they feel in their shoulder.
Frozen Shoulder Treatment:
Treating frozen shoulder pain at night involves a multifaceted approach. One of the most important things you can do is to try to sleep in a position that does not put pressure on the affected shoulder. This may mean sleeping on your back or using a pillow to support your arm. You may also want to consider using heat or ice therapy before bed to help reduce inflammation and pain.
Physical Therapy is an essential part of treating frozen shoulder. A physical therapist can help you stretch and strengthen the muscles in your shoulder, which can improve your range of motion and reduce pain. Physiotherapist would also recommend exercises that you can do at home to help manage your pain and improve range of motion.
In some cases, medications may be required to manage the pain associated with frozen shoulder as well. In more severe cases, your doctor may recommend corticosteroid injections to help reduce inflammation and improve your range of motion.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, frozen shoulder is a painful condition that can cause significant discomfort, especially at night. The pain at night in frozen shoulder is often due to the position we sleep in, the body’s natural inflammatory response, and stress. Treating frozen shoulder pain involves a multifaceted approach, including physical therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes such as sleeping in a position that does not put pressure on the affected shoulder. If you are experiencing pain at night due to frozen shoulder, it is essential to speak with your physiotherapist to determine the best course of treatment for your specific needs. If you are looking for frozen shoulder treatment in Bengaluru then do visit us. We provide world-class frozen shoulder treatment at our physiotherapy clinic in Bengaluru.
Also Read: How to sleep with a frozen shoulder
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