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Having shoulder pain on left side biceps
Recent 2 months because of bad sleeping posture folding left shoulder and slept long hours I guess started. Severe shoulder pain progressively increased.
Unable to raise or lift objects with the help of left shoulder is paining stop driving vehicles as well. Please suggest how this can be rectified and dos and fonts for faster recovery
Answers (19)
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This advice is based on the information provided and is for educational purposes only. It does not replace a physical examination or medical diagnosis.
Your shoulder pain most likely started from prolonged sleeping in an awkward position, which can strain muscles, irritate nerves, or even affect joint structures like the capsule. Over time, this can lead to worsening pain, stiffness, and difficulty in lifting your arm or doing daily activities like driving.
Sometimes, such pain may also uncover or worsen an existing issue (like muscle weakness, prior minor injury, or nutritional deficiency). Since different shoulder structures control different movements, pain during specific actions suggests that certain tissues are irritated or injured.
Next Steps
Get a detailed physiotherapy assessment to identify the exact structure involved Rule out causes like: Muscle strain vs joint stiffness Nerve irritation Underlying deficiencies or past injuries Based on assessment, start a targeted rehab program (mobility + strengthening) Seek medical evaluation if: Pain is severe or worsening You cannot lift your arm at all Pain persists beyond a few weeks despite care
Health Tips
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Doâs Use ice packs if thereâs swelling or sharp pain Use heat (hot fomentation) if stiffness is more than swelling Keep the shoulder gently moving within pain-free range Maintain good sleeping posture (avoid compressing the shoulder) Support the arm with a pillow while sleeping â Donâts Avoid movements that cause sharp or unbearable pain Donât lift heavy objects or do overhead activities Donât completely immobilize the shoulder for long (can worsen stiffness) Avoid self-medicating or ignoring persistent pain
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This sounds like Acute Bursitis, likely triggered by sustained compression (sleeping on the shoulder) that has now progressed to significant inflammation. When you cannot lift your arm or drive, it indicates that the "rotator cuff" muscles are being pinched or are too inhibited by pain to function.
Next Steps
The Pendulum Swing (Relief Exercise): Lean over a table, supporting yourself with your good arm. Let your painful left arm hang straight down like a dead weight. Gently swing it in tiny circles.Frequency: 2 minutes, 4 times a day. able Slides (Forward Reach) Sit at a table. Place your left hand on a towel. Slowly slide the towel forward as far as you can without sharp pain, then slide back. Goal: To regain elevation without fighting gravity. Wall Crawls:Stand facing a wall. Use your fingers to "walk" up the wall slowly. Goal: To gradually re-educate the brain that lifting the arm is safe. Ice TherapyApply an ice pack to the top/front of the shoulder for 15 minutes every 3-4 hours. Why: Since the pain is "progressive" and "severe," there is active inflammation that heat might worsen initially.
Health Tips
Keep your elbow tucked near your side when reaching for light objects (like a glass of water). â DO: Posture Correction. Keep your shoulder blades squeezed slightly back and down; "slumping" forward closes the shoulder joint space and increases pain. â DON'T: Avoid "Overhead Reaching." Do not try to reach for items on high shelves or put on a tight T-shirt by lifting the arm high; use your good arm to assist. â DON'T: Do not test your strength by lifting heavy bags or weights right now. This can turn a strain into a partial tear. â DON'T: Do not sleep with your arm tucked under your head/pillowFor a structured and faster recovery, you can consult me ONLINE for a personalized physiotherapy and rehab plan..
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Pain is for too long period is whole shoulder rom is affected
Are you diabetic, hypertensive and having thyroid.
If not get these reports done
Next Steps
Start pain reliving therapy near your physiotherapist clinic
Progress towards ROM exercise for shoulder
Health Tips
For more information feel free to consult
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Hey there!
Usual if it is due to sleeping position it resolves within 7 days. For proper assessment kindly book online session with me.
Regards
Your physio
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I would suggest you to use hot pack and see if the pain reduces and kindly update me the difference, so that we can discuss to proceed with further treatment options
Next Steps
It requires a thorough assessment to decide what to be done further I can tell you that only post consultation
Health Tips
avoid unnecessary use of the affected limb
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Don't panic apply hot fermentation and do ROM exercises if pain elevated stop the exercise apply diclo gel for relaxation.
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Based on your symptoms, it looks like your shoulder pain may be due to prolonged poor sleeping posture, which has gradually led to stiffness and possible muscle or tendon involvement. Since the pain has been present for 2 months and you're now unable to raise your arm or lift objects, this should not be ignored.
Next Steps
Apply hot fomentation for 15–20 minutes, 2–3 times daily
• Avoid sleeping on the painful (left) shoulder
• Avoid lifting heavy objects or sudden movements
• Try gentle pain-free shoulder movements (do not force through pain)
• Use proper pillow support while sleeping
Exercises (only if tolerable and pain-free):
• Pendulum exercises
• Shoulder shrugs
• Gentle wall climbing (finger walk)
Health Tips
Don't lift heavy objects
• Don't sleep on affected shoulder
• Don't force overhead movements
• Don't ignore pain for long
I would strongly recommend starting physiotherapy sessions. Early treatment can significantly speed up recovery.
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Avoid overhead lifting & painful movements
• Use hot pack 10–15 mins, 2–3 times/day
• Sleep on opposite side with pillow support
• Keep arm supported (don’t let it hang)
Since pain is severe & affecting daily activity, proper assessment is needed.
I can consult online and guide exact exercises & recovery plan 👍
Dr Rajesh Pal, PT, PhD
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Good afternoon. Based on your chief complaint, it appears that a prompt physiotherapy assessment is required. I would strongly recommend initiating treatment at the earliest to prevent progression and support optimal recovery. Please feel free to schedule an appointment at your convenience.
Next Steps
Consult Physiotherapist as soon as possible .You can consult me as well 😊as I have speciality in orthopaedics.
Health Tips
Precautions:Avoid jerky and sudden movement to shoulder
-Avoid heavy weight lifting to affecting side
- Avoid sleeping to affecting side
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Go for an MRI of the shoulder joint to rule out acromial joint effusion or rotator cuff injury.
Apply ice pack twice a day, avoid lifting any objects, immobilize the joint, share the mri report after the test.
So that proper treatment can be suggested.
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Based on your history, this looks like a combination of shoulder impingement / rotator cuff strain with possible biceps tendon involvement, likely triggered by prolonged poor sleeping posture and aggravated over time
Next Steps
Rest but donât completely immobilize
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Your symptoms suggest shoulder impingement / rotator cuff irritation, likely due to poor sleeping posture and prolonged strain.
For faster recovery:
✔️ Avoid overhead activities & lifting
✔️ Use hot pack (10–15 min, 2–3×/day)
✔️ Start gentle pendulum exercises + pain-free ROM
✔️ Correct sleep posture (avoid lying on painful side)
Next Steps
Since pain is severe and affecting lifting/driving, you may need guided physiotherapy with strengthening progression.
Health Tips
With the right rehab, this is very manageable.
You can connect for a structured recovery plan, thnq
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Dr. Ritika Saini (PT)
Physiotherapist
1 yrs exp
Gurgaon
Your symptoms likely indicate a shoulder impingement or rotator cuff strain from poor posture. Treatment includes pain relief (hot packs), avoiding painful and overhead activities, keeping the arm supported, and starting gentle movements followed by gradual strengthening exercises. Early controlled movement and posture correction will help speed up recovery. If you want some exercise plan feel free to consult and we will start your treatment sessions.
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Dr. Avijit Das (PT)
Sports and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist
4 yrs exp
Kolkata
Hi please take an online consultation for best diagnosis and treatment
Next Steps
Maybe rotator cuff strain.
Health Tips
Rest
Ice compression
Isometric external rotation shoulder joint exercise
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Dr. Neetu Rathi (PT)
Physiotherapist
17 yrs exp
Gurgaon
Greetings from Rid of Pain Physiotherapy
U need to consult the best physiotherapist nearby. Start the exercise under the guidance and advice of the physiotherapist only.
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Dr. Juveendran P (PT)
Physiotherapist
4 yrs exp
Thrissur
First you want to change ur sleeping posture lying postion don't turn to that side and sleep avoid it by using pillow .use contast bath like icing and hot pack 2 minute ice 4 minute hotpack
Next Steps
you should diagnose a physio and use electrotherapy modalities
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Ms. Shefali Gandotra (PT)
Physiotherapist
20 yrs exp
Jammu
Please consult online for proper assessment.
Next Steps
Hot packs followed by muscle relaxant gel for local application
Health Tips
Pendular exercises
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Dr. Afsa Rafiq (PT)
Physiotherapist
5 yrs exp
Srinagar
For proper treatment and diagnosis please consult online ,
Next Steps
Use ice pack
Avoid heavy lifting
Maintain proper sleeping posture
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