The 30 Second Fix to How to Fix Shoulder Pain at Night

Shoulder pain while sleeping is one of the most common complaints physical therapists hear, and once you understand the mechanics behind it, the fix is surprisingly simple.

Why Do Your Shoulders Hurt at Night?

In this video, Mike Santamaria, a Physical Therapist from JAG PT, explains that when you stand or sit upright, your shoulder joint doesn’t bear direct weight. However, the moment you lie down, that changes. Depending on which side you sleep on, that side will now take on direct pressure that your shoulder joints were never designed to handle for hours at a time. This constant pressure, is the real reason so many people experience shoulder pain at night.

How Do you Stop Your Shoulders From Hurting at Night?

At JAG PT, the answer to night time shoulder pain is simple: grab a pillow, place it under your head and hug it gently against your chest while lying on your side. This simple adjustment offloads pressure from the shoulder joint and mimics the muscular support your shoulder naturally loses the second you lie down. The best part? It takes less than 30 seconds to set up before bed, and for many people, it’s the difference between tossing and turning all night and finally getting uninterrupted sleep. If you know someone losing sleep over shoulder pain, send this video their way.