There are many reasons why you might have shoulder pain during pregnancy, from changes in your posture to your hormone levels. When you’re pregnant, shoulder pain may come as a surprise. People often associate lower back discomfort or hip pain with pregnancy, but shoulder pain is also a common complaint. This discomfort can occur for a variety of reasons. Some are directly related to pregnancy changes; others may be indirectly caused by lifestyle factors or preexisting conditions. Exploring some possible explanations for your shoulder pain may help you get valuable insights into your own situation.
6 potential explanations for shoulder pain during pregnancy
- Postural changes — As your body adapts to pregnancy, your posture may change to accommodate your growing belly. This shift in your center of gravity can strain your upper back, shoulders and neck. Increased weight in the front of your body may cause you to lean backward, putting pressure on your shoulders. Rounded shoulders or a forward head posture can develop as a result of weakened core muscles and tight chest muscles. These postural changes often lead to shoulder pain or stiffness, especially in the second and third trimesters. If changes in your posture are behind your shoulder pain, physical therapy may help. A licensed physical therapist can help you practice proper posture, working with you to build strength in your back and core muscles, which are crucial to maintaining good posture. Your treatment may also incorporate gentle stretches to open up tight chest muscles and relieve shoulder strain.
- Hormonal changes — Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy can contribute to shoulder pain. Specifically, the hormone relaxin plays a key role in preparing your body for childbirth. Relaxin works by loosening joints and ligaments. While this is essential for pelvic flexibility, it can affect all the joints in your body. Even your shoulder joints may become more loose. Increased laxity can make your shoulder joints more prone to instability and discomfort. Targeted strengthening exercises can be beneficial for maintaining shoulder support during pregnancy. Your physical therapist can help you find exercises that work for you.
- Sleeping position — Sleeping positions during pregnancy can significantly impact comfort and health. The University of Rochester Medical Center advises against lying on your back, especially in late pregnancy. Sleeping on your side may be recommended by your doctor. However, this position may put excess pressure on your shoulder, adding to your discomfort. To minimize pain caused by your sleeping position, you may want to use special supportive pillows. Alternating sides while sleeping might help as well.
- Stress and tension — Pregnancy can bring physical and emotional stress. This stress often leads to tension in the upper back, shoulders and neck. Stress-related muscle tension can cause persistent aching or sharp pain in your shoulders. Emotional stress may lead to habits like clenching your jaw or hunching your shoulders. These habits can worsen discomfort. Physical therapy can be key to managing stress. Your physical therapist can help you practice relaxation techniques such as light stretches. You may also benefit from hands-on manual therapy, which can release tension in tight muscles.
- Pelvic floor dysfunction — Pelvic floor dysfunction may not be the first thing you think of when experiencing shoulder pain; however, the two could be connected. The pelvic floor is a group of muscles around the pelvis. These muscles support key pelvic organs — your bowels, bladder and uterus. Dysfunction in these muscles can cause symptoms such as incontinence and referred muscle tension. Pelvic floor dysfunction may also contribute to posture changes and muscle imbalances. Over time, these changes can lead to pain in your shoulders and other areas. When addressing pelvic floor dysfunction, physical therapy rehabilitation can be beneficial. Your physical therapist can work with you to restore muscle stability and function in your pelvic floor.
- Existing conditions — Shoulder pain during pregnancy can sometimes stem from preexisting conditions. Old injuries or chronic conditions may be exacerbated by the physical changes of pregnancy. Conditions like rotator cuff tendinitis or frozen shoulder may flare up during pregnancy due to increased physical demands. Weakness in surrounding muscles can make these conditions more noticeable as your body adapts to carrying extra weight. You can work with your physical therapist to manage these conditions and prevent them from worsening during your pregnancy.
Forever Fit can help identify and address the cause of your shoulder pain during pregnancy
You can get the PT help you need throughout your pregnancy at Forever Fit. Our team is committed to providing the highest level of care to all our patients. At our Gaithersburg and Rockville, Maryland, locations, you can get access to safe and effective pelvic floor rehab and other women’s health services.
Contact our team today for more information about prenatal physical therapy or to schedule an initial appointment.