• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Adverticia

Advertising Strategies for Today's Media World

  • Home
  • Topics
    • Business Tips
    • Construction
    • Family
    • Furniture
    • Health
    • Swimming Pools
    • Technology
    • The Arts
  • Ask a Question
  • Contact

Sleep Position & Shoulder Pain: Is There a Connection?

Last updated on August 4, 2016 by Sozo Staff Leave a Comment

man sleeping on side
Whether we’re talking pain prevention or surgical recovery, sleep position can greatly impact your shoulder health.

Basic Sleep Position

When you lie on your side, notice the position of your shoulder. If you’re like most people, you position your body in a way that forces your shoulder into a forward position, helping you to prevent the immediate arm pain and numbness which would likely be caused if your shoulder were positioned directly beneath your body. However, this seemingly innocuous forward positioning may actually cause greater amounts of pain in the long run. Basically, when the head of the humerus (a.k.a. the shoulder bone) is repeatedly pushed forward for long periods of time (i.e. every night as you sleep), the joint capsule surrounding it stretches and tightens in order to accommodate the forward position.

As a result of the changes that arise from chronic forward positioning of the shoulder, posterior glide can cause pain of the rotator cuff tendons in the shoulder, when they are restricted by structures that wouldn’t normally be in the way. Because of this potential problem and others, the medical community generally agrees that sleeping on your back facing upward is the least stressful position for your body, causing the least amount of stress to the shoulder and the neck. Especially for those who have previously had shoulder surgery or shoulder problems or pain of any kind, this recommendation is intensified.

woman sleeping on back

Recovery from Surgery

In addition to avoiding sleeping on your side when you’re recovering from surgery (whether that is a rotator cuff repair, acromioplasties, shoulder replacement, or labral repair surgery), you’ll want to be aware that finding a pain-free sleep position will probably be difficult. While lying on your back will typically help reduce stress to the shoulder area, until you fully recuperate, you may find a semi-reclined position more comfortable. If an adjustable bed or “recliner” chair is not available, you can use pillows to prop yourself up from behind in bed. As you become more comfortable, you can begin to lower yourself back into a fully horizontal position. Be prepared to remain at least somewhat reclined for at least six weeks after surgery.

In addition, you may want to place a pillow under your elbow and hand, in order to raise the shoulder into a position allowing for maximum blood flow to the tendons of the rotator cuff as you sleep. (This positioning will not be impeded by a shoulder sling, if you have been instructed to wear one.) On that note, you may benefit from asking your doctor if you can spend a short amount of time without your shoulder sling each day. (And remember to stop using it as soon as your physician allows you to do so.) Additional comfort may be achieved via medications. If the prescribed pharmaceuticals are not allowing you to get the rest you need, be sure to ask your doctor about other options.

PhysioDC Blog

• Why Is My Index Finger Numb?
• Information on Stroke Recovery
• Are Laptops Worth the Convenience?

PhysioDC

PhysioDC of Washington, D.C. is a boutique physical therapy center which helps patients recover, strengthen, and return to healthy living after they travel or on a day-to-day lifestyle. Located in downtown Washington, D.C., PhysioDC is an excellent resource to contact for all joint and body pain. For more information on physical therapy for your body, visit PhysioDC at www.physiodc.com. PhysioDC is located in downtown D.C. at 1001 Connecticut Avenue NW, Suite 330 (at the corners of K Street and Connecticut Avenue NW).

Image credits: Top © Rido/Fotolia. 2nd © Fotolia.

Filed Under: Health

Additional Articles

mom and dad having pillow fight on bed with two sons
How to Prevent Tipping-Related Injuries, Part 2
mom dad daughter and son laughing in bed
How to Prevent Tipping-Related Injuries, Part 1
deck overlooking long narrow rectangular pool
Health Advantages for Pool Owners
pumping septic tank in backyard
Properly Caring for Your Septic System
ballerina with flowing arms over head
How Dancing Makes You Happier, Healthier & More Productive at Work
teen girl grinning sitting beside pool edge
How To Avoid Getting Swimmer’s Skin

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

4 × four =



Primary Sidebar

Lyon Financial
X10 Home Automation

Popular Articles

  • Stop Hiding Your Phone Number, Walmart.com
  • Dance Studio Management Software Review
  • Should I Use Ipe or Teak?: Two High End Lumbers Explained
  • How do They Get Those Surgical Instruments So Clean?
  • Are Your Shoulder Blades Crooked?
  • The Bedroom Source: Maxtrix Furniture for Kids
  • Septic Tank Pumping in Mooresville, NC
  • Top 3 Household Hazards for Kids
  • Getting Started with X10 Home Automation
  • Why a Swimming Pool Is a Great Addition to a Healthy Lifestyle
Lyon Financial

Recent Posts

  • Fun Ideas to Consider for Your Next Pool Party
  • Top 3 Pool Maintenance Tasks & Tips for Handling Them
  • How to Prevent Tipping-Related Injuries, Part 2
  • How to Prevent Tipping-Related Injuries, Part 1
  • The Natural Appeal of Walnut Wood
  • Benefits of Owning Your Own Swimming Pool
  • Decision Making: 3 Types of Swimming Pool Construction
  • Health Advantages for Pool Owners
  • Home Automation for Beginners: Setting Up Your X10 System
  • Industrial & Commercial Property Concrete Parking Lots
Lyon Financial

Reader Feedback

  • Alice Carroll on Choosing a Lumber Supplier
  • climbing training Ipswich on Choosing a Licensed Arborist – Quality Tree Service
  • Shammy Peterson on Choosing a Licensed Arborist – Quality Tree Service
  • arborist reports South Auckland on Choosing a Licensed Arborist – Quality Tree Service
  • Erika Brady on Choosing a Licensed Arborist – Quality Tree Service

Copyright © 2023 Sozo Firm Inc · Privacy Policy · Disclaimer · Sitemap