• 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
    • Fitness
    • 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

surgical instruments in wire basket
How do They Get Those Surgical Instruments So Clean?
young adult woman jogging to lose weight and fat
A GOOD Fat to Have
worn out and weary ballerina girl resting on barre
Are Your Dancers Getting Enough Sleep?
young woman who lost significant fat
Tips on Losing Fat from a Certified Personal Trainer
healthy dieting and exercising but in vain
When Dieting & Exercise Don’t Work
value of a personal fitness trainer
When to Hire a Personal Trainer

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published.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

eight + 9 =



Primary Sidebar

Lyon Financial
X10 Home Automation

Popular Articles

  • Reducing Painful Side Effects of Immobilization Boots
  • 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
  • The Bedroom Source: A Unique Kids Furniture Store
  • Certified Personal Fitness Trainer in Harford County, MD
Lyon Financial

Recent Posts

  • How do They Get Those Surgical Instruments So Clean?
  • When Dancers Are Mean Girls: Causes of Catty Behaviors
  • Bedford Hills, NY Luxury Furniture Showroom
  • Should I Use Ipe or Teak? Two High End Lumbers Explained
  • The Bedroom Source: Maxtrix Furniture for Kids
  • 3 Options for Pool Heating
  • How Seasonal Demand Affects Lumber Pricing
  • Maxtrix Kids Furniture at The Bedroom Source
  • Control Your X10 Units from Your Smart Device with X10’s WiFi Unit
  • Will a Backyard Swimming Pool Make You Happy?
Lyon Financial

Reader Feedback

  • Elina Brooks on Choosing a Licensed Arborist – Quality Tree Service
  • Norie Rie on 3 Options for Pool Heating
  • Afton Jackson on Wood Flooring: Environmental & Economic Benefits
  • Zoey Bac on 3 Options for Pool Heating
  • Karen M. on 3 Options for Pool Heating

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

Adverticia.com does not provide medical advice, treatment or diagnosis; content on this website should not be utilized for medical treatment or diagnosis. The information provided is intended for general consumer information and should not take the place as a substitute for professional medical advice.

FTC Compliance Disclaimer: Adverticia.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com; proceeds from product sales help cover the operational & maintenance costs for the site.