Shoulder surgeries are invasive procedures typically followed by pain, swelling, and a significant reduction in motility during convalescence, which lasts several months. Regardless of the type of operation - rotator cuff repair, glenoid labrum or arthroscopic procedures - it is very difficult to maintain a comfortable position during the night and sleep well during this healing phase; however, you can follow some pointers and tips so that you can rest better after surgery.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Dealing with Shoulder Pain before Bedtime
Step 1. Apply ice packs before going to bed
Controlling pain or aches before bed allows you to doze off more easily and stay asleep, an important factor in ensuring the natural healing mechanisms do their work at maximum efficiency. By keeping ice on your sore shoulder for half an hour before bed, you can manage inflammation, numb the painful sensation, and get momentary relief - key aspects of sound sleep.
- To avoid skin irritation and chilblains, do not place any cold object without first wrapping it in a thin cloth or towel.
- Keep the ice pack or bag of crushed ice on your shoulder for 15 minutes or until it is numb and you are no longer in much pain.
- If you don't have ice, get a bag of frozen vegetables or fruits.
- The benefits of cold therapy last 15-60 minutes, just enough to be able to fall asleep.
Step 2. Take your medications as prescribed
Another key aspect to manage postoperative suffering and be able to rest is taking over-the-counter or prescription painkillers in compliance with the surgeon's directions. Regardless of whether it's a pain reliever or an anti-inflammatory, take the recommended dosage half an hour before bedtime; this time should be sufficient to feel the effects of the drug and remain comfortable in bed.
- Always take them with some food to avoid stomach irritation; eat some fruit, toast, cereal or yogurt.
- Never take them with alcohol, such as beer, wine or spirits, as this increases the chances of a toxic reaction; limit yourself to water or a juice, as long as it is not grapefruit; this fruit interacts with many different active ingredients, greatly increasing the concentration of drug available in the body, even to lethal levels.
- Most patients who undergo shoulder surgery must take strong prescription narcotics for at least a few days and, in some cases, up to two weeks.
Step 3. Use a sling throughout the day
After the procedure, your surgeon or family doctor may advise you to use this type of support during the day and for a few weeks; in doing so, you support your arm avoiding the action of gravity that pulls on the shoulder and aggravates the pain. This simple precaution allows you to limit the swelling and pain you feel at the end of the day, thus promoting better sleep.
- Place the shoulder strap around the nape of the neck in the most comfortable position for the sore shoulder.
- If necessary, you can take it off for a few short periods as long as your arm is well supported; remember to lie on your back when removing it.
- If your surgeon instructs you to never remove the bandage from your shoulder for a while, you probably can't shower for a few days; Alternatively, you can have a spare shoulder strap available to use while you wash and then wear the dry one again.
Step 4. Don't overdo it during the day
Relaxing as the shoulder recovers from injury and surgery prevents excessive pain at night and before bed. Using the shoulder strap you limit the movements of the shoulder, but still try to avoid activities that can shake the joint, for example running, step or wild games with friends; Make a commitment to seriously protect your shoulder for at least a few weeks, if not months - depending on the type of surgery you have undergone.
- Walking during the day and in the late afternoon is good for your health and blood circulation, but proceed calmly and without overdoing it.
- Remember that when you wear the shoulder strap the sense of balance is altered, so be careful not to fall and not to get involved in accidents that can inflame the joint even more and prevent you from sleeping.
Part 2 of 2: Reduce Pain in Bed
Step 1. Wear the sling even when you are lying down
In addition to using it during the day, consider keeping it at night as well, at least for the first few weeks, so that the joint stays stable while you sleep. Thanks to the shoulder strap that holds your shoulder securely in the correct position, you don't have to worry about your arm moving and causing pain while you rest.
- Do not sleep on the sore side even if you are wearing the shoulder strap, as the pressure promotes pain and inflammation until you wake up.
- Wear a thin shirt when using the shoulder strap to avoid friction and irritation of the skin of the neck and torso.
Step 2. Sleep in a reclined position
It is undoubtedly the best for patients who have had shoulder surgery, because it puts less pressure on the joint and surrounding soft tissues. To do this, support your lower back and middle back with some pillows while lying in bed, or opt to sleep in a reclining chair if you have one. the latter solution could also be more comfortable.
- Do not lie on your back, as this is often the position that irritates the surgical site the most.
- As the pain or stiffness in the joint decreases over time, you can gradually lower your torso to a horizontal position for your comfort.
- To get an idea of the timing, know that you could sleep in a semi-recumbent position for six weeks or more, depending on the type of surgery performed.
Step 3. Raise the injured arm
When in bed in a reclined position, support the affected arm with a medium-sized pillow tucked under the elbow and hand with or without the shoulder strap; in doing so, the shoulder assumes a position that facilitates blood flow to the joint and surrounding muscles, which is an important factor in healing. Remember to keep your elbow bent and the pillow snugly under your armpit.
- Alternatively, you can use padding or rolled-up blankets / towels; any support is fine as long as it is comfortable and does not slide the arm.
- When the limb is raised, the shoulder rotates slightly outward, relieving postoperative pain, especially in the case of a rotator cuff or glenoid labrum repair.
Step 4. Build a pillow "barricade"
After shoulder surgery, you must avoid accidentally rolling over on yourself even if you sleep in a reclined position, otherwise you could aggravate the condition of the joint or even damage it. For this reason, place a series of pillows along the affected side and / or behind you to avoid moving. For this purpose, soft pillows are more suitable than firm ones because the arm "penetrates" into the padding and holds you still.
- It is worth placing a row of pillows on both sides of the body so as not to move in any direction and not to jerk the aching joint.
- Avoid pillows with satin or silk covers, as they are too slippery fabrics to provide good support and act as a barrier.
- Alternatively, move the bed close to a wall by sleeping with the operated shoulder resting gently against it and thus avoiding rolling over on yourself.
Advice
- Taking a hot bath before going to bed helps you relax, just be careful not to get the strap wet; Consider taking it off for a few minutes while in the tub.
- Depending on the severity of the injury and the type of surgical procedure, it may take a few weeks before you get a good night's sleep; if so, ask your doctor to prescribe sleeping pills.
- Ask your surgeon for some sleep recommendations based on the type of injury and surgery you have suffered.
