Techniques for Alleviating Rotator Cuff Discomfort During Night-Time Hours
Enduring a Night with a Torn Rotator Cuff: Strategies for Pain Relief
Shoulder injuries, particularly rotator cuff tears, can cause discomfort during the day but may exacerbate significantly at night. A torn rotator cuff consists of muscles and tendons that aid in arm movement and lifting. These injuries occur when a tendon separates from the bone, often due to repetitive movements or accidents such as falls.
Common symptoms of rotator cuff tears include difficulty raising the arm, popping or clicking sounds in the shoulder, overall weakness, and shoulder pain that becomes more intense at night. The increased pain at night may be due to reduced activity, which leads to heightened awareness of the injury.
Here are three tips from physical therapist Kelly Kinsey, MSPT, AT, to alleviate nighttime pain associated with a torn rotator cuff:
- Modify sleeping positions: Lying down can exacerbate rotator cuff pain due to gravity pulling on the injured area. To minimize this, support the injured arm with pillows when sleeping on the back or resting it on a pillow wall when sleeping on the side.
- Utilize hot or cold therapy: Experiment with both cold and heat therapies to determine which provides more relief. Cold therapy is often more effective for acute injuries, while heat may soothe chronic pain.
- Take pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage swelling and ease pain. Consult with a healthcare professional before starting any medication regimen.
While these strategies can help, it's essential to engage in physical therapy during the day to improve shoulder function and reduce nighttime pain. Additionally, modify activities that place stress on the affected shoulder, and consider gentle stretches before bed to maintain flexibility and reduce stiffness. For severe pain, consult a healthcare professional about potential injection therapies. As always, personalized advice is crucial for adequate pain management.
Engaging in physical therapy during the day can help improve shoulder function and reduce nighttime pain related to a torn rotator cuff. It's also advisable to participate in gentle stretches before bed to maintain flexibility and reduce stiffness. Furthermore, exploring health-and-wellness practices such as fitness-and-exercise routines, warm and cold therapies, and various therapies-and-treatments, as suggested by healthcare professionals, can aid in managing the pain and enhancing overall wellness.
