Don’t apply anything cold to your sore shoulder without wrapping it in a thin cloth or towel in order to prevent frostbite or irritation. Keep the crushed ice or ice cubes on your shoulder for about 15 minutes or until the area is numb and you can’t feel the pain as much. If you don’t have any ice, use a bag of frozen veggies or fruit from your freezer. The benefits of cold therapy can last between 15 to 60 minutes, which is usually enough time to allow you to fall asleep.
Take your medication with a little food before going to bed in order to avoid stomach irritation. Some fruit, toast, cereal or yogurt are all good options. Never take medication with alcoholic beverages, such as beer, wine or liquors, because of the increased risk of a toxic reaction in your body. Instead, use water or juice, but not grapefruit juice. Grapefruit juice interacts with many different medications and it can significantly increase the level of medication in your system, which may be fatal. [2] X Research source Most patients undergoing shoulder surgery require strong prescription narcotics for at least of few days and sometimes as long as 2 weeks. [3] X Research source
Wear the strap of the arm sling around your neck in the most comfortable position for your sore shoulder. The arm sling can be removed for short periods of time if necessary, as long as your arm is well supported. Make sure to lie on your back when removing the sling. You may need to go a few days or so without a shower if your surgeon insists on leaving your sling on the entire time. Or, keep an extra sling on hand that you can wear while you are in the shower, then put the dry one on after you are dry.
Walking during the day and early evening is good for your overall health and blood circulation, but take it slow and easier. Remember that with a sling on, your balance will be affected, so be careful of falls and accidents which can further inflame your shoulder and make it more difficult to sleep.
Even when wearing an arm sling in bed, don’t sleep on your sore shoulder because the compression can trigger pain and inflammation, which could wake you up. Wear a thin t-shirt under the arm sling while in bed so the skin around your neck and upper body doesn’t get irritated.
Avoid lying flat on your back as that position is often the most irritating to post-operative shoulders. [4] X Research source As your shoulder soreness / stiffness subsides with time, you can slowly lower yourself into a flatter (more horizontal) position gradually if it feels comfortable during the night. In terms of time frame, you’ll most likely need to sleep in a semi-reclined position for 6 weeks or more depending on the type of surgery you had.
Alternatives to pillows include cushions and rolled up blankets or towels. As long as it comfortably elevates your lower arm and isn’t too slippery, it’ll work fine. Elevating the lower arm and causing some external rotation at the shoulder while in bed is particularly comforting for rotator cuff and labrum surgeries.
It’s a good idea to line both sides of your body with softer pillows to keep you from rolling over either way and jolting your post-operative shoulder. Don’t use pillows covered in satin or silk because they tend to be too slippery as a support and barrier. As an alternative, move your bed against a wall and sleep with your sore shoulder wedged gently against it in order to prevent rolling over.
