Ashwin Lewis
Sleeping after shoulder surgery can be challenging due to the pain and discomfort. While some people opt to sleep in a recliner, it is not a medical necessity. Patients can achieve a similar effect by propping themselves up in bed with pillows or sleeping on their side with pillows for support. This article will explore various strategies for sleeping comfortably after shoulder surgery without relying on a recliner. From pillow arrangements to medication and icing techniques, we will provide you with the tools to get a good night's rest during your recovery.
How to sleep after shoulder surgery without a recliner
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sleeping position | Semi-reclined or reclined |
| Use of pillows | Prop up the injured arm with a pillow under the elbow and hand, keeping the elbow bent and the pillow snug under the armpit |
| Sleeping on the side | Sleep on the uninjured arm and stack pillows behind to prevent rolling over onto the injured shoulder |
| Sleeping on the back | Prop up the injured arm with pillows or rolled-up towels to ensure maximum blood flow |
| Pre-sleep routine | Apply an ice pack or a cold pack to the shoulder 30 minutes before bed to reduce pain and inflammation |
| Medication | Take the final dose of medication for the day when applying the ice pack so that it starts working before sleep |
| Sling | Wear a sling to support the shoulder and prevent it from moving while sleeping |
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What You'll Learn
Use pillows to prop up your injured arm
Sleeping in a reclined position is often the most comfortable option after shoulder surgery, as it puts less strain on the shoulder joint and surrounding soft tissues. However, sleeping in a recliner is not a necessity and can even be uncomfortable and risky, as one could fall onto their operated shoulder. Instead, one can use pillows to prop up their injured arm and create a similar incline in bed.
If you sleep on your back, place a medium-sized pillow under your elbow and hand to prop up your injured arm. This encourages good blood flow to the joint and surrounding muscles, which is important for healing. Make sure to keep your elbow bent and the pillow snug underneath your armpit. You can also use a pillow, cushion, rolled-up blanket, or towel to fill the space between your arm and body, keeping your elbow bent. This position works even with a physician-prescribed shoulder sling.
If you sleep on your side, sleep on your uninjured arm and stack pillows behind you to prevent you from rolling onto your injured shoulder in your sleep. Soft pillows are preferable for this strategy, as your arm will sink into them instead of rolling off.
Regardless of your sleeping position, it is important to follow your surgeon's post-operative treatment plan and remember that your sleeping arrangement may depend on the type of surgery you had.
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Sleep in a reclined position
Sleeping in a reclined position is considered the best position for most people recovering from shoulder surgery. This is because it puts less strain on the shoulder joint and the surrounding soft tissues. It is also much easier and less painful than sleeping flat on your back.
To get into a reclined position in bed, you can bolster your lower back and mid-back with a few pillows. Soft pillows are better than firm pillows as your arm will sink into them instead of rolling off. You can also use pillows or rolled-up towels to prop up your injured arm, ensuring your elbow is bent and the pillow is snug under your armpit. This will help to encourage good blood flow to the joint and surrounding muscles, which is important for healing.
If you have a reclining chair, you may find it more comfortable to sleep in this instead. However, if the side lever is on the same side as your surgical shoulder, you may find it difficult to reach. In this case, you could try placing a piece of PVC piping over the lever to create a longer arm, or opt for an electric control mechanism.
As your shoulder soreness and stiffness subside, you can slowly lower yourself into a flatter, more horizontal position. You will likely need to sleep in a semi-reclined position for at least six weeks, or even a few months, after surgery.
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Apply an ice pack before bed
Sleeping after shoulder surgery can be challenging due to the pain and discomfort. Here are some detailed tips on applying an ice pack before bed to help you sleep better:
Applying an ice pack to your shoulder before bedtime can effectively reduce pain and inflammation. Aim to apply the ice pack for around 30 minutes before you plan to go to sleep. This timing will help you fall asleep more comfortably, and you can also take your final dose of medication for the day at the same time. The medication will then start working before you go to bed, making it easier to fall asleep.
You can use a traditional ice pack, a bag of frozen vegetables, or a cold pack wrapped in a towel. Alternatively, consider investing in a cryocuff or iceman, which are specifically designed to deliver numbing pain relief to the shoulder area. These options are readily available online and can be a good choice if you prefer not to take pain medications.
It is important to remember not to fall asleep with the ice pack still on your shoulder. Remove it before you go to bed to avoid skin irritation or potential frostbite. You can also ask your doctor or healthcare provider for advice on how long to apply the ice pack and any specific instructions for your recovery.
In addition to using an ice pack, you may find it helpful to prop up your injured arm with pillows or rolled-up towels to promote good blood flow to the area. This combination of ice therapy and proper positioning can significantly improve your comfort and sleep quality as you recover from shoulder surgery.
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Take pain medication before bed
Sleeping after shoulder surgery can be challenging due to the pain and discomfort. Here are some tips to help you sleep better without a recliner:
- It is essential to manage your pain effectively to get a good night's sleep. Take your prescribed pain medication as directed by your doctor. If you are experiencing breakthrough pain, talk to your doctor about adjusting your medication or exploring alternative options.
- Timing is crucial when taking pain medication. Aim to take your final dose of the day approximately an hour before bedtime. This way, the medication will have started working by the time you go to bed, providing relief from pain and making it easier to fall asleep.
- If you are reluctant to take oral pain medication, there are other options available. For example, you can apply an ice pack or a bag of frozen vegetables to your shoulder for 30 minutes before bed to numb the pain and reduce inflammation. This can be done in conjunction with taking your oral medication for added benefit.
- In some cases, your doctor may recommend a cryocuff or iceman, which are specialised ice packs that deliver targeted pain relief to the shoulder area. These can be used regularly and even overnight, providing extended pain relief while you sleep.
- It is important to remember that everyone responds differently to various medications. If you are experiencing persistent pain or unpleasant side effects, consult your doctor for alternative options or adjustments to your dosage.
- Additionally, consider incorporating gentle stretches for your elbow or shoulder before bed, as per your surgeon's instructions. These stretches can help loosen your arm, making it easier to find a comfortable sleeping position and reducing the likelihood of cramping throughout the night.
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Wear your sling in bed
Sleeping in a recliner is not a medical necessity after shoulder surgery. However, many patients find it more comfortable and less painful to sleep in a reclined position, as it puts less strain on the shoulder joint and allows for maximum blood flow to the joint and surrounding muscles. If you don't have a recliner, you can achieve a similar effect by propping yourself up with pillows in bed.
If you choose to sleep in bed after your shoulder surgery, it's important to wear your sling in bed for the first few weeks to support your shoulder and prevent it from moving while you sleep. This will help keep your arm in a safe position and prevent you from waking up in pain. Here are some tips for wearing your sling in bed:
- Wear a thin t-shirt, tank top, or no shirt to bed to prevent the sling from rubbing against your skin and causing irritation.
- Place a pillow between your torso and the sling to reduce discomfort.
- Prop up your injured arm with a pillow under your elbow and hand, keeping your elbow bent and the pillow snug under your armpit. This position works with or without a sling and encourages good blood flow to the joint and surrounding muscles, aiding in healing.
- Build a pillow barrier around you to prevent rolling over onto your injured shoulder. You can use pillows, cushions, or rolled-up blankets or towels.
- If you sleep on your side, sleep on your uninjured arm and stack pillows behind you to keep you from rolling onto your injured side.
- If you sleep on your back, prop your healing arm up with pillows to ensure maximum blood flow and line both sides of your body with pillows to prevent rolling over.
Remember to follow your surgeon's post-operative treatment plan and ask your doctor for advice if you have any issues wearing the sling while sleeping.
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Frequently asked questions
No, it is not necessary. There is no medical evidence that sleeping in a recliner is necessary after shoulder surgery. Sleeping in a recliner is a choice.
Sleeping in a reclined position is generally considered the best position after shoulder surgery. You can achieve this position by placing pillows under your lower and middle back. You can also prop your injured arm with a pillow under your elbow and hand.
Applying an ice pack or a bag of frozen vegetables to your shoulder before bed can help reduce pain and inflammation. Taking your final dose of medication for the day at the same time as you apply the ice pack can help ease the pain before you go to sleep.
You will most likely need to sleep in a semi-reclined position for at least six weeks after surgery, sometimes longer, depending on the type of surgery you had. As your pain subsides, you can slowly lower yourself deeper into a horizontal position until it’s finally comfortable again.
You should avoid lying flat on your back as this position is often the most irritating to post-operative shoulders.
