How to sleep with a shoulder sling.

How to sleep with a shoulder sling Panorama Physical Therapist, Kaitlyn Thompson gives a few tips Breaking your shoulder or recovering from shoulder surgery can significantly impact your sleep. This can be very painful. Similarly, sleeping in a position that causes your arm to twist or bend unnaturally should be avoided. Dec 9, 2018 · Coping with a Shoulder Sling One may be asked to wear a shoulder sling for various reasons. Your healthcare provider will teach you about the type of abduction pillow you will use. It is important you wear your sling in bed for the recommended time, unless you are told otherwise. Some people find Sleeping • Place a pillow behind the involved shoulder for comfort and to keep the shoulder in the neutral position during sleep. First and foremost, make sure that your doctor or physical therapist has properly adjusted your sling for optimal support and comfort. Sleep in a reclined position. Good sleep helps reduce pain, boosts your mood, and speeds up recovery. You may find it more comfortable to sleep on your back initially, with a pillow under your operated arm for support. How to Sleep With a Dislocated Shoulder. You can also use an ice compression wrap that slings around your shoulder. If you shift a lot while sleeping and believe that you’ll knock the pillows over, opt for a reclining chair. Finding a comfortable sleeping position with a broken shoulder can be challenging, but it’s crucial for both comfort and proper healing. This is especially true if you recently had rotator cuff surgery. This position will also mean that you are less likely to roll over onto the sore shoulder in your sleep. To wash your armpit, you may lean slightly forward and let your arm dangle slightly away from your side and wash with a washcloth. The ideal position will depend on the specific type and severity of the injury, as well as individual comfort preferences. In conclusion, sleeping with a shoulder sling can be uncomfortable at first, but following these tips should help you achieve a good night’s rest. If you have a recliner, plan on sleeping on it for the first few days. But you may need to experiment, as some people find wearing a sling while sleeping more comfortable. Place a pillow between the arm of the healing shoulder and your torso. Wear your sling while sleeping as shown below. Sep 27, 2024 · It is important to know how to sleep comfortably for better recovery. Slings are often used for sprains, dislocations, and tears (e. Jan 3, 2023 · Here’s the best wedge pillow after shoulder surgery. In addition to the position you choose, you can take other precautions to make sleeping more comfortable during the healing process. Do not sleep with an ice pack. This can help keep your arm stable and may Nov 3, 2020 · It can be difficult to get comfortable while sleeping with a shoulder sling. When we sleep, we are not usually aware of how much strain we may be putting on our arms and shoulders. , rotator cuff). Prop up the arm with a pillow. Your doctor will remove the damaged joint during a total shoulder replacement and replace it with prosthetic pieces. Creating an optimal sleep environment with humidity control and proper pillow selection is crucial. If you’ve had shoulder surgery and need to have your shoulder in a sling, you may find most sleeping positions uncomfortable. As it does this, the muscles tighten to keep it in place. The sling keeps the shoulder immobilized to help it heal properly and prevent further injury. Sleeping flat on your back puts too much strain on the front of the shoulder where the surgical scar is healing. This is relevant if you need to be in a sling for 3 to 6 weeks following your Nov 4, 2017 · Another tip is to line the sleeve of the sling with a soft cloth. When lying on your back, we recommend using a pillow under your injured arm for support. Oct 23, 2021 · Sleeping with slings; Why use slings; Other sling benefits; Length of usage; Proper use; Don'ts of slinging; Takeaway; According to studies, as many as 18% to 26% of adults deal with shoulder pain. 6. Martin Kelley, DPT of Penn Rehab shares SLEEPING: For the first 6 weeks your sling should be kept on while you are in bed. 3. Not only does the sling help the shoulder to rest in a comfortable, protected position, it acts as a reminder for you not to lift with the recently repaired shoulder. With my left arm in the sling it now meant that everything on that side of me was now inaccessable (I had not thought about this before the op) so its a good idea to move the table/locker to the side of your good arm before the Sleeping post shoulder surgery can mean sleeping with your arm in a sling or with you on an incline for four to six weeks. The sling of the hand supports the shoulder and counteracts the effects of gravity, which exacerbates postoperative shoulder pain. We recommend that you lie on your opposite side. Slings and immobilizers hold and safeguard the shoulder during healing. Wear Your Sling. For comfort when sleeping, lay on your back and prop a pillow behind your elbow to keep it from sagging. Post-septoplasty, specific sleeping positions can promote healing and comfort Jul 13, 2017 · A sling removes tension off of repaired surgical tissue and protects soft tissue after shoulder surgery. Wearing a sling is what keeps you from overworking your shoulder or moving it too much while it heals. For more post-op shoulder tips, che One of the main challenges of sleeping with an arm sling is finding a comfortable position that won’t put too much pressure on your injured shoulder or arm. To get into a reclined position while in bed, bolster your lower back and mid back with a few pillows. To prevent this, slightly roll over to the opposite side of the injury and place a pillow vertically under the back of your shoulder to the bottom of Jun 26, 2024 · Total shoulder replacement surgery is often the best option for patients suffering from a serious shoulder injury or pain caused by degenerative arthritis. You may also find it more comfortable to sleep in a semi-sitting position. Propping yourself on pillows will keep you from turning over and sleeping on the recovering shoulder. Orthopedic This video covers some tips about how to get into a better sleeping position after shoulder surgery while wearing a sling. You should regularly move the elbow and wrist to avoid Mar 12, 2024 · Sleeping is the most common activity you need to heal and develop daily, so doctors advise sleeping with a sling after shoulder surgery or shoulder arthroscopy. The most difficult thing to have to deal with after a shoulder dislocation is sleep. Mar 10, 2025 · Ice your shoulder for 15-20 minutes before bed. SLEEPING: Please try to wear the sling while you are sleeping for 4-6 weeks after surgery- this provides good support to the shoulder. Apr 17, 2024 · If your shoulder required surgery, you may be instructed to use the sling for 4 to 6 weeks. Why do I need to wear a shoulder abduction pillow? A shoulder abduction pillow may be used to prevent your shoulder from turning in toward your body. We recommend you sleep on your back or unaffected side. • Exercise will minimize adhesions and Sleeping can be a little uncomfortable if you try to lie on your injured shoulder. Wearing the sling at night helps prevent you from rolling onto the affected area or into a position that damages the shoulder. Oct 18, 2023 · How to sleep with a broken shoulder in a sling (or without)? What is the best sleeping position for broken humerus? I draw upon my experience as a physical therapist to assist you in finding the best positions while awaiting healing! Feel free to share your experiences, insights, or questions in the comments section below! Aug 26, 2024 · Optimal Sleeping Positions for a Broken Shoulder. You may remove the waist portion of the sling to sleep if you are too uncomfortable, but try to keep your shoulder near your body (placing pillows around and behind the shoulder may help). The first step to sleeping comfortably with an abduction sling is adjusting your sleeping position. If you need to wear a sling all day, continue to wear it when you go to bed. Experiment for Comfort: Pay attention to how your shoulder feels when sleeping without the sling. Nearly every doctor will tell you this is not advisable. Sleeping directly on the injured arm or allowing it to hang off the bed can lead to increased pain and potential complications. While sleeping inclined, you will need to place a pillow under the postoperative shoulder joint to prevent the humeral head from trying to slip out of place, which causes the muscles to tense to hold the . Feb 25, 2019 · 2. Aug 15, 2024 · Shoulder sling immobilization comes at a cost. The best position for most people with shoulder surgeries to sleep in is in a reclined position because it puts less strain on the shoulder joint and surrounding soft tissues. For example, watch the video below to understand how a sling helps your shoulder recover while sleeping. Other Tips for Sleeping Comfortably. SLEEPING: For the first 6 weeks your sling should be kept on while you are in bed if you had a rotator cuff Sleeping. Ice your shoulder before going to sleep to numb the Step-by-step instruction on how to don and doff an Shoulder Abduction Sling from a seated position while healing from shoulder surgery Please sleep with the sling on. The shoulder strap can be bulky and uncomfortable, so whenever I'm sitting still or sleeping in a recliner, I unhook the strap which is quite a relief. Exercise and ice • Exercise as instructed by your therapist. This will help you sleep pain-free. Wear your Sling while Sleeping. If you are a sleep thrasher, you may not want to do that, or maybe your type of sling won't allow for it. If you do not require a sling during the day, but need to immobilize your shoulder while you sleep, put a sling on your sore shoulder before you go to bed. Should I sleep with my shoulder sling? 5. The first few weeks are often the most challenging when trying to sleep after a shoulder surgery. If you notice you’re experiencing severe pain or not getting good sleep and feel tired during the day during these initial weeks, see your doctor for help. Try propping your arm with pillows, sleeping on your back, propping your whole upper body, or sleeping in a reclining chair. Adjust Your Sleeping Position . Remember to adjust your sleeping position, use pillows for added support, avoid pressure points, maintain proper sling placement, take pain medication as needed and stay hydrated throughout the day Dec 31, 2024 · Sleeping Well After Surgery: To sleep better after shoulder surgery, consider using a shoulder sling to stabilize your arm during sleep, reducing the risk of sudden movements that could cause pain. Feb 10, 2023 · Sleep on your uninjured side; Wear your sling at night for the first week to protect your shoulder from movement and keep it properly positioned while you sleep; Plan your medication schedule, so you take your pain medication about 30 minutes before bedtime. Wearing your sling after surgery and while sleeping will help to keep the arm stable during the healing process. If you lay down, it’s going to hurt. Sleep with your sling. Sleeping with a sling may be a bit uncomfortable, as you may have to adjust your normal sleep position in order to protect your arm while dozing. Jun 5, 2024 · Ditch the sling for sleep! Dr. Sleeping on Your Back Aug 25, 2022 · You may wonder how to use an arm sling or how to wear an arm sling properly. If you experience increased pain or discomfort, consider May 4, 2025 · A shoulder abduction pillow is a device used to protect your shoulder after surgery or trauma. Sleeping with a Shoulder Sling. Nov 30, 2022 · The elbow band keeps the shoulder rigid which is what is important, but I could sleep better with my arm resting straight on my thigh. Martin Kelley, DPT of Penn Rehab explains the role a After post-op sleep, some water and a bite to eat it suddenly became very obvious just how restricted I now was. We recommend that you try sleeping in a recliner or in a reclined position in bed. Aug 26, 2024 · While wearing a sling during sleep is generally not recommended due to the risk of developing a frozen shoulder, some individuals may find it helpful to wear a loose sling for the first few nights to remind them not to move the affected arm. It is often very difficult to sleep in the week or two following rotator cuff surgery. If this sounds like a traumatic experience, that’s because it is. g. This is because stomach sleeping often positions the arms above the head, putting undue tension on the shoulder. Sep 9, 2024 · Focus on sleeping in a semi-reclined position, using firm pillows for support, managing your pain, and wearing your shoulder sling at night. If sleeping is not going well, talk with your doctor about whether wearing the sling at night is absolutely essential. Use Cold Therapy. Once your shoulder is back in joint you will be given a sling to support your arm; this will be used for 2 to 6 weeks whilst the injury heals. You can see how to lie comfortably on your side and back with a sling on in the video above. In the Jan 31, 2023 · Wear a sling at night to immobilize your shoulder. Applying an ice pack shortly before bedtime can control pain that may limit your sleep. Nov 10, 2023 · Back-sleeping with the head elevated is often recommended, and side-sleeping on the opposite side of the deviation can improve breathing. Nov 4, 2024 · The sling should be worn throughout the day but can be taken off at night or when bathing. Wearing a sling to bed may also help. It keeps the sling from irritating your skin. ; Ice compression wraps can be purchased at sports stores and Nov 22, 2021 · How best to sleep after having shoulder surgery is one of the most common things we talk to patients about during appointments after their surgery. Nov 16, 2018 · Keep in mind that even with the best treatments, it could take up to 12 weeks for your shoulder to heal. When you sleep on a bed, the arm within the sling will naturally want to fall back, or outwards. Sleeping With A Sling After Rotator Cuff Surgery Wearing a sling whilst sleeping after rotator cuff surgery can help to stabilize the shoulder, prevent any sudden painful movements, and allow the shoulder to heal. Choose the Right Sleeping Position Jun 26, 2024 · This will also help to keep you from moving around too much, keep things stable, and your shoulder as comfortable as possible. Your doctor may Mar 31, 2020 · Support and protection of the shoulder are important after injuries and surgery. It helps keep your arms in position as you move around and engage in daily activities and protects the shoulder from sudden movements while asleep. You need to keep the sling on for the first week, including at night, but you can remove it daily for personal hygiene and dressing. Aug 27, 2024 · Injuries: If you hurt your shoulder, elbow, arm, or wrist, you might need to be put in a sling for a while as you recover. Finding the right sleeping position and using appropriate supports, such as pillows or a shoulder sling, can help you achieve a restful night’s sleep while protecting your healing shoulder. May 8, 2025 · Sleep in a reclined position. While some people may be asked to wear it only for a short duration, some others may be asked to wear it for several weeks. Comfortable Sleeping After Shoulder Surgery – Strategies. A reclined sleeping position, achieved through an adjustable bed or reclining chair, can help minimize movement and pressure on the shoulder during Strategically using pillows as support can help relieve tension and pain on your neck and back when wearing a sling. The quick answer, after having surgery on your shoulder, you may be asked to wear a sling for anywhere from 6-10 weeks. Again, you should never change the type of sling you use without consulting your surgery team first. Pain while sleeping after a rotator cuff surgery is one of the biggest complaints we receive. Many patients wonder if they can take their sling off to sleep. If you move around at all in your sleep, you could move your shoulder into a painful position that may worsen your injury. Wrap an ice pack in a towel and rest your shoulder against it while sitting or lying down. This allows for proper blood circulation and prevents you from moving onto the post-operative shoulder experiencing pain. Slings have the potential to pitch the shoulder into an unnatural forward position. Wearing your sling or rotator cuff brace for sleeping during the day and night is critical to your healing. If sleeping on your side, having a pillow or Jul 27, 2017 · A sling also allows arm and shoulder muscles to relax to prevent muscular tightness, which could hamper healing and increase pain. Instead, try sleeping on your back or non-affected side. Aug 26, 2024 · It’s crucial to avoid harmful sleeping positions that could exacerbate your injury or hinder the healing process. Getting the immobilizer on and … More Shoulder Slings and Immobilizers Applying your sling: Start in sitting with your arm supported on a pillow; Slide the sling over your wrist and thumb into the thumb-loop; Slide the sling over your forearm so that your elbow fits snuggly into the corner of the sling; Take the shoulder strap across your back and over your injured shoulder A simple sling. 1. Every patient’s recovery is unique, but developing a good sleep routine early on can help ensure a smoother healing process. Sleep either on your back or on whichever side doesn’t have May 29, 2020 · Sleeping Tip #3: Wear sling during the day: After shoulder surgery, your surgeon will recommend you with a shoulder sling that you can wear during the day for several weeks. Basically, a shoulder sling will help support your arm after an injury or surgery. While every patient and surgery may be slightly different, there are certain rules of thumb you can try to obtain a good rest, which is important so you have energy for daily activities and therapy left and right (by looking over each shoulder) side to side (by ear-to-shoulder movements) Sleeping. During the early stages of recovery, you may struggle with sleep due to pain, discomfort, or the need to keep your operated shoulder immobilized. Nov 4, 2021 · This is particularly true when it comes to the shoulder. Mar 16, 2022 · Sleep inclined with your shoulder in a sling for protection and keep your shoulder immobilized while the healing process starts after surgery. Arm injuries requiring a sling are more common than you might think, ranging from simple fractures to more complex injuries involving the shoulder or elbow. • Some people find it more comfortable to sleep in a recliner to keep the shoulder in a neutral position. You want to avoid sleeping on the side that has the affected arm in the sling as this can cause discomfort and pain. Here are some tips to sleep comfortably during reverse shoulder replacement recovery. No matter how you ended up wearing a shoulder sling, living with it is not easy at all. . Remove the ice pack before you go to bed. This can reduce pain and inflammation. Kevin Kruse explores comfortable and safe alternatives to wearing a sling while sleeping after shoulder surgery, promoting a better night's rest. If you’re sleeping on your back, the extra weight from your shoulder sling will put pressure on your shoulder and increase the pain. Wear Your Sling: You will likely be wearing a sling during the day, but it is sometimes helpful to wear while you sleep as well. Aug 26, 2024 · The challenges of sleeping with a broken arm in a sling are numerous and often frustrating, but with the right approach, you can find comfort and promote healing during your recovery period. If you were given one of these, you will have to pay extra attention to how your arm moves when you sleep. The surgery itself may interfere with your sleep-wake cycle. With a Sling. Without proper sleep, you might experience more pain and stress. This video will provide details about how to sleep safely following a shoulder surgery, replacement, rotator cuff repair, labral tear (shoulder labrum) or in Adrienne Loukopoulos, Occupational Therapist discusses the best sleeping positions post shoulder surgery or injury. Muscles, tendons, and ligaments tend to accommodate to the position that they are placed in, even if they are forced into a position for relatively short periods of time. Those of you who have had shoulder surgery know that wearing a sling or immobilizer for several weeks is one of the least favorite parts of the recovery process. Ordinary pillows can be used to give yourself comfort and support (feather pillows are easier to use than foam ones). Dec 27, 2022 · To get the best sleep after shoulder surgery, sleep in a reclined position and support the shoulder with a pillow under the arm. In addition, many patients have increased shoulder pain lying flat on their back. zzgqpq pvit ysruhrs vew rfxiav ahozb yuxwf arnufep kihmqr btcsnu wijtwr kvrew tvcvuwiq ako nbrg