The best position to sleep in is the one that doesn't put pressure on your affected arm, which means sleeping either on your back or on the unaffected side. You might also be advised to sleep in a reclined position, as it puts less pressure on the injured rotator cuff and promotes healing.
Back sleepers. Lying on your back is probably best for your rotator cuff. While you have more places to put your arms without damage, keeping them at your sides is preferable. If you put your arms up over your head, you may stretch the muscles and tendons of your rotator cuff.
Sleep in a Reclined Position
As your pain subsides and your shoulder heals, you can slowly lower yourself deeper into a horizontal position until it's finally comfortable again. You will most likely need to sleep in a semi-reclined position for at least six weeks after surgery, sometimes longer.
There are a few reasons why sleeping after shoulder surgery is difficult. Part of the issue may come down to the procedure itself. You may be processing the surgery or feeling anxious about healing. You may also have pain medication with side effects that can make sleep more difficult.
The best position for most people with shoulder surgery is the reclined position because it reduces tension in the shoulder joint and the surrounding soft tissue. Lie on a reclined position on the bed with a few pillows to strengthen your lower and middle back.
You should wear your sling when you sleep. Driving: Operating a motor vehicle may be difficult due to you inability to use your operative arm. If you should have an accident or get pulled over while wearing a sling, the authorities may consider that driving while impaired.
If you've recently had shoulder surgery, you are likely aware of the fact that you experience more pain in bed, at night. There are several reasons for this: When we sleep, it's common to bend one or both arms under the pillow, or sleep on our side, or naturally shift to the fetal position.
Yes. You should only be removing your sling for dressing and bathing. This helps keep you from unconsciously putting your arm in a bad position and waking up in a world of pain. If you are having issues wearing a sling while sleeping, talk to your provider as they may have some tips or tricks.
This observation is supported by a study showing that in patients who have had rotator cuff surgery, strength in the shoulder muscles is not fully recovered until nine months after the surgery. As a result, it is normal to expect some continued symptoms of pain or soreness after rotator cuff surgery for several months.
Rotator cuff repair surgery is done to fix a tear in the rotator cuff. It can also include cleaning the space between the rotator cuff tendons and the shoulder blade. This is called subacromial smoothing. You will feel tired for several days.
First two weeks:
At this point, there should be no active movement of the shoulder, and there should be nothing placed in the hand while the arm is in the sling. Patients who are compliant with the sling and range of motion exercises typically have fewer complications later in the process.
Voltaren Gel is an effective topical treatment for joint pain caused by arthritis and other conditions, but it is not the best product for shoulder pain. Shoulder pain is often caused by muscular or tendon inflammation, which require different treatment than the inflammation caused by arthritis.
Sleeping on your back. This is the best way to offload your shoulders. Maintain a comfortable neck position by using pillows. Sleeping in an inclined position (such as a reclining chair, raising the head of the bed, or by using pillows) can also help keep you from rolling onto your side.
Swelling and Bruising.
Tissue injury, whether accidental or intentional (e.g. surgery), is followed by localized swelling. After surgery, swelling increases progressively, reaching its peak by the third day. It is generally worse when you first arise in the morning and decreases throughout the day.
A rotator cuff surgery is a major surgical intervention in the shoulder, and the reason that there is pain after surgery is the amount of normal surgical trauma. Cutting, drilling, cauterizing, and suturing tissues create pain and inflammation.
You won't want to wear a bra for at least two weeks because of discomfort at the incision. Plain cotton panties are best.
It's a potent medication that is very effective for many people and is often used for arthritis pain. For superficial joints – like hands, wrists and even knees – it can be very effective. However, the joints of the cervical spine in the neck, and most of the shoulder joint, are deeper than the Voltaren can penetrate.
Laying on your back won't put pressure on the injured shoulder or force it into an awkward position. For the first few days or weeks, when symptoms are at their worst, consider sleeping on a wedge pillow or in a recliner. Sleeping on a slight incline will help you avoid rolling on to your side or stomach in your sleep.
Rotator Cuff Repair surgeries are notoriously painful! Many patients say it is the worst pain they have ever experienced. To make matters worse, you are bound up in a sling after surgery and can't move the arm to try to “find a comfortable spot”.
One-and-a-half months after surgery, patients who did not wear a sling had increased shoulder motion, including external (outward) rotation and active elevation. Both groups showed continued improvement at three months, but shoulder elevation remained greater in the no-sling group.
Self-care. Wear the sling or immobilizer at all times, unless the surgeon says you do not have to. It is OK to straighten your arm below your elbow and move your wrist and hand. But try to move your arm as little as possible.