Why Rest Isn't Fixing Your Shoulder Pain
When your shoulder starts hurting, resting it seems like the obvious solution. And for some injuries, a period of rest may certainly be appropriate. But if you've been avoiding shoulder movement and the joint seems to be getting stiffer rather than better, prolonged inactivity may be part of the problem.
Your Shoulder Is Designed to Move
The shoulder is capable of moving in many different directions. Regular movement helps maintain mobility in the joint and surrounding tissues.
When movement becomes limited, the tissues around the shoulder can become tighter and the joint may begin to feel increasingly stiff. That's why resting a sore shoulder may initially feel helpful, only for everyday movements to become more difficult later.
You may begin noticing discomfort when:
- Reaching overhead
- Putting on a shirt or jacket
- Reaching behind your back
- Lifting everyday objects
- Sleeping on the affected side
- Exercising or playing sports
Why Avoiding Movement Can Make You Feel Stiffer
When a movement hurts, it's natural to stop doing it.
The problem is that you may gradually begin avoiding more and more shoulder movement without realizing it. As your normal movement decreases, stiffness and tension can continue building.
That doesn't mean you should force a painful shoulder through uncomfortable movements. Instead, persistent pain or loss of mobility is a reason to have the shoulder properly evaluated.
Your Neck and Upper Back May Start Compensating
Your shoulder doesn't work alone.
When it isn't moving normally, nearby areas such as your neck and upper back may have to work harder to compensate. Dr. Luban's original article notes that this added strain may contribute to the shoulder feeling weak, restricted, or unreliable even when significant pain isn't always present.
Over time, you may find yourself dealing with a combination of:
- Shoulder pain
- Restricted range of motion
- Upper-back tension
- Neck stiffness
- Postural fatigue
- Difficulty with overhead movement
Rest Isn't Always the Whole Answer
The appropriate treatment depends on why your shoulder hurts in the first place.
Rather than simply continuing to rest a shoulder that isn't improving, evaluating how the joint moves can help identify areas of restriction and determine what type of care may be appropriate.
At Advance Center for Chiropractic, Acupuncture & Nutrition, Dr. Michael Luban takes a hands-on approach to evaluating shoulder movement along with the neck, upper back, and surrounding musculoskeletal system.
Get Your Shoulder Moving Again
If your shoulder continues to feel stiff or uncomfortable despite giving it time to rest, it may be time to have it evaluated.
Feel Better. Live Better. Take the Next Step.
Dr. Michael Luban helps patients throughout Chicago and Northfield, IL address shoulder pain, restricted movement, and related musculoskeletal concerns through personalized care.
Schedule an appointment today and take the first step toward moving more comfortably again.
