If shoulder pain keeps you awake at night, it could be more than just muscle strain—it may be a rotator cuff injury. The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and their tendons that stabilize the shoulder and allow for a wide range of motion. Injuries to this structure are common, especially with age or repetitive overhead activities, and can cause pain that worsens at night. At the practice of Steven C. Thomas, MD and Donald W Pennington, DO, our board-certified surgeons specialize in orthopedic procedures in the Las Vegas area.
Why Rotator Cuff Injuries Hurt More at Night
Several factors make nighttime pain worse:
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Lying on the injured shoulder increases pressure on inflamed tendons.
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Blood flow changes during rest can increase swelling.
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Lack of movement overnight can cause stiffness.
Common Causes of Rotator Cuff Injuries
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Repetitive overhead motions (throwing, painting, swimming)
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Heavy lifting
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Falling onto an outstretched arm
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Degeneration of tendons with age
Symptoms of a Rotator Cuff Injury
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Pain when lifting or lowering the arm
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Weakness in the shoulder
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Difficulty reaching behind the back
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Clicking or popping sounds during movement
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Night pain that disrupts sleep
Treatment Options
Non-Surgical:
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Rest and avoiding aggravating activities
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Ice therapy to reduce inflammation
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Physical therapy to strengthen surrounding muscles
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Anti-inflammatory medications
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Corticosteroid injections for severe pain
Surgical:
If symptoms don’t improve with conservative treatment, surgical repair of the torn tendon may be needed. Arthroscopic surgery is common, using small incisions for faster recovery.
Prevention Tips
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Maintain good posture to reduce shoulder strain
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Warm up before physical activity
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Strengthen rotator cuff and upper back muscles
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Avoid repetitive overhead lifting without breaks
Contact Us
Shoulder pain at night can signal a more serious injury like a rotator cuff tear. Our orthopedic specialists can diagnose the cause and create a treatment plan to relieve your pain and restore function. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.
Contact Surgeons Dr. Thomas and Dr. Pennington at the Knee and Shoulder Institute in Las Vegas, NV to Schedule an Appointment:
If you would like to schedule an appointment or learn more about the Knee and Shoulder Institute procedures & treatments,contact the office today click here.
Serving patients from and around greater Las Vegas, Lake Havasu, Bullhead City, Mesquite, Pahrump, Nevada