Shoulder pain is incredibly common during pregnancy and postpartum—but it often gets overlooked or brushed off as “part of being a new mom.” In reality, postpartum shoulder pain usually has clear, treatable causes.
Between feeding, holding, lifting, and carrying a baby (often for hours a day), the shoulders take on repetitive loads they weren’t conditioned for. Add in sleep deprivation, hormonal changes, and posture shifts, and it’s easy to see why shoulder pain shows up.
Feeding and Holding Positions
Feeding a baby—whether breastfeeding, bottle feeding, or pumping—often places the shoulders in prolonged, unsupported positions. Rounded shoulders, forward head posture, and sustained arm holding can overload the muscles of the neck, upper back, and shoulders.
Over time, these positions can lead to muscle tension, joint irritation, and pain with reaching or lifting.
Lifting and Carrying Your Baby Repeatedly
New moms lift their baby dozens of times a day—from cribs, car seats, strollers, and the floor. If core strength and coordination haven’t fully recovered postpartum, the shoulders often compensate.
When the core and pelvic floor aren’t providing enough support, the shoulders and neck take on extra work, leading to overuse and discomfort.
Hormonal Changes and Joint Stability
Postpartum hormones can affect joint stability and connective tissue. Increased laxity may reduce how well the shoulder joint stabilizes during movement, especially when combined with fatigue and repetitive tasks.
This can contribute to feelings of weakness, clicking, or pain during everyday activities.
Poor Shoulder Blade and Upper Back Support
The shoulder blade plays a major role in shoulder health. Weakness or poor coordination in the upper back and shoulder blade muscles can increase strain on the shoulder joint itself.
Postural changes during pregnancy and postpartum often reduce upper-back strength and mobility, setting the stage for shoulder pain once baby care demands increase.
Neck and Upper Back Contributions
Postpartum shoulder pain doesn’t always start in the shoulder. Tension or stiffness in the neck and upper back—often related to feeding posture, phone use, and sleep positions—can refer pain into the shoulder and arm.
This is why rest alone doesn’t always resolve symptoms.
How Physical Therapy Helps Postpartum Shoulder Pain
Physical therapy focuses on treating the why behind shoulder pain, not just the symptoms. For postpartum moms, treatment may include:
Education on feeding and holding positions that reduce strain
Improving posture and upper-back mobility
Strengthening the shoulder blade, rotator cuff, and upper back
Rebuilding core and pelvic floor support to offload the shoulders
Hands-on treatment to reduce muscle tension and improve movement
Gradual return to exercise and daily tasks without pain
Addressing the whole system—not just the shoulder—leads to better, longer-lasting relief.
When to Seek Help
If shoulder pain interferes with feeding, holding your baby, sleeping, or daily activities, physical therapy can help. Pain is not something you need to push through or accept as normal postpartum.
At Breathe In Motion Physical Therapy & Wellness, our therapists specialize in caring for postpartum bodies with individualized, one-on-one treatment. Our goal is to help you move comfortably, feel supported, and care for your baby without pain.
