Shoulder Pain at Night? It Could Be a Rotator Cuff Problem

Shoulder pain that wakes you up at night is one of the most common complaints we see. One of the frequent causes is a problem with the rotator cuff – the group of tendons that stabilise and move your shoulder.

Why does it hurt more at night?

Lying on the affected side puts pressure on the inflamed or torn tendon. Lack of movement at night also lets inflammation build up, making the pain feel worse.

Other signs to watch for

• Pain while lifting the arm to the side or overhead
• Weakness while carrying things or reaching up
• Difficulty combing hair or wearing a shirt
• Clicking or crackling in the shoulder

What are the treatment options?

Tendinitis and many partial tears improve with rest, medicines, physiotherapy and sometimes an injection. Full-thickness tears, or tears that do not improve, may need arthroscopic rotator cuff repair – a keyhole procedure where the tendon is re-attached to the bone.

Don't wait too long

Torn tendons can retract and become harder to repair with time. If your shoulder pain has lasted more than a few weeks, get it evaluated by a shoulder specialist.