How To Sleep After Rotator Cuff Surgery

How To Sleep After Rotator Cuff Surgery

Rotator cuff surgery is an important operation where the scar tissue on the shoulder is cut while the tendons and bones are surgically attached. The operation is performed to restore full function of the shoulder after an injury or trauma to the shoulder. Post-operative care must follow procedures, including proper sleep techniques, to ensure adequate healing.

Relax and try to sleep despite the post-operative conditions you may experience. In the first days after surgery, your hospital bed can be equipped with a continuous passive motion machine (CPM). This machine is a simple mechanical lever that is attached to your wrist and slowly, continuously moves your arm. This is done to prevent stiffness and improper healing of the muscles of the shoulders and bones. This machine will probably activate when you are in your hospital bed, even while you sleep. Relax, so you'll get used to the CPM machine and very soon you'll be able to sleep normally on your back.

Sleep on a recliner or at a slightly sitting angle, once you are discharged. Sleeping horizontally can be very painful after rotator cuff surgery, so your doctor will probably recommend sleeping on a recliner or several pillows stacked on your bed. Sit in places of less pressure on your back and shoulder, allowing them to heal properly. After a few weeks or months, try to sleep horizontally in your bed to see if you experience pain in the shoulder. If sleep continues to be too difficult, alert your doctor.

Exercise a little soft for your shoulder, such as moving your arm back and forth little by little, to loosen the shoulder muscles. This should be done throughout the day, but they can also help you get back to sleep. You can wake up intermittently at night for a week or two after surgery. This common side effect is caused by discomfort or stiffness in the shoulder. A few minutes of shoulder rolls and deep breaths should relieve stiffness and allow you to go back to sleep. If you have pain, you can take some medication prescribed for the pain. Once your shoulder feels more comfortable, go back to sleep on your back.

Advice

If you have sleep apnea or any other sleep disorder, talk to your doctor about specific considerations for you.

Video Tutorial: Post Op Shoulder Care - Part 6 Sleeping with a Sling.

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