Everyone wakes up feeling some pain in their joints or muscles from time to time. But waking up with shoulder stiffness and pain regularly could be a sign of a more serious issue.
Unfortunately, shoulder pain is all too common. In fact, medical studies report that up to 70% of people will experience shoulder pain in their lifetime. Achy or stiff shoulders can be linked to a minor problem that’s easily remedied. In other cases, your doctor may have diagnosed a condition or ailment that will benefit from physical therapy.
Why is my shoulder stiff and achy when I wake up in the morning?
Joint tissues often become irritated throughout the day. By the evening, when your mind is tired, you might not even notice it. Staying immobile while you sleep slows your circulation, which makes it harder for your body to remove inflammatory chemicals. The result is that when you wake up in the morning, your joints are stiff and achy.
Additionally, stiff and achy shoulders can be made worse by your sleeping position. Side-sleepers in particular are likely to wake up with increased shoulder stiffness and pain. This is because they sleep on their shoulders in ways that put a lot of strain on these joints.
Medical conditions that can cause stiff and achy shoulders
If your doctor has diagnosed you with a medical condition that makes your shoulders feel stiff and painful, physical therapy can probably help. Here are some of the most common shoulder issues that can be treated with the guidance of a physical therapist:
All these conditions can cause pain and stiffness in your shoulders. A physical therapist can work with you to improve the range of motion in your affected shoulder. Additionally, they can help you find ways to reduce your shoulder pain so you can enjoy a better quality of life.
Find help for stiff and achy shoulders at Excel Sports & Physical Therapy
Tired of living with stiff and achy shoulders? Our team at Excel Sports & Physical Therapy can help you find a therapy plan to reduce your shoulder symptoms. We’ll start with a free screening designed to reveal the source of your stiffness and pain. Then, our team will build you a personalized therapy plan intended to decrease your symptoms.
Can’t get into one of our physical therapy clinics? Don’t worry! We offer therapy services that allow you to get help right from your home, including virtual care and at-home therapy sessions.
Contact our team today for more information about how we can help with your shoulder issue or to schedule your free screening.
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