After shoulder surgery, it’s essential to get enough sleep. But it can be challenging to find a comfortable setting.
This article will discuss how sleep helps you heal after shoulder surgery. We will explain how to use a wedge pillow to get a good night’s sleep.
In the United States, 4.5 million people have shoulder problems. These problems include rotator cuff, fractures, frozen shoulder, bursitis, and arthritis.
So, After surgery on your shoulder, it’s essential to get a good night’s sleep to help you recover.
But there’s a twist: it’s hard to sleep well after surgery because of shoulder pain. Finding a job that helps you heal and lets you sleep well is essential.
This guide also discusses why sleep is essential for recovery and how a wedge pillow can help. Let’s discuss Why sleep is important Wedge Pillow after surgery.
Why sleep is important Wedge Pillow after surgery
When you wake up from surgery, you may wonder why your doctor keeps telling you to rest and sleep. Sometimes, when you have surgery on your shoulder, your body goes into a specific mode. It starts to fix everything, like nerves, joints, and muscles.
Doctors often recommend keeping your shoulder still for about six weeks. If your shoulder moves too much, the repair might take longer and not heal. So, a wedge pillow helps with more comfortable and safe surgery. It takes a vital role after surgery for restful sleep.
Here’s Why sleep is essential after surgery:
- During deep sleep, your body releases growth hormones. This hormone helps repair damaged tissues, like those near your surgical site.
- Sleep helps your immune system fight infections so your body can heal faster.
- Getting a good night’s sleep can help reduce how much pain you feel and make your recovery easier.
- Your mental and physical health needs to get enough sleep after surgery. It helps reduce anxiety and depression, making the healing journey smoother.
- Sleep rejuvenates your body, providing the energy you need to face each day of healing.
So, remember, after surgery, consider the power of sleep. When you use a wedge pillow, it helps your body refresh itself. You’ll feel stronger and recover faster each morning. Next , we will learn about How to use a wedge pillow after shoulder surgery step by step
How to use a wedge pillow after shoulder surgery (step by step)
Recovering from shoulder surgery can be challenging. But a secret weapon to make it easier is the wedge pillow. It helps you sleep better and heal faster. Here we discuss How to use a wedge pillow after shoulder surgery.
1. Choose the Right Wedge Pillow
The first step is to find the perfect wedge pillow. Look for one made of comfortable, supportive foam. It should be the right size to fit on your bed without too much space. Check for a washable cover because easy cleaning is a plus.
2. Set up the Wedge Pillow
Now that you’ve found your ideal wedge pillow, it’s time to set it up. Place it at the head of your bed, where your pillows usually go. Make sure it’s on a flat, stable surface so that it won’t slide around during the night.
3. Place the Wedge Pillow on the Bed
Now, it’s time to position the wedge pillow on your bed. Choose a spot at the head of your bed, right where your regular pillows usually go.
It should rest on a flat, stable surface to prevent any unwanted slipping or sliding during the night. Position the wedge pillow at an angle that feels most comfortable for you.
It helps your healing shoulder; aim to raise your upper body for proper alignment. This position keeps you relaxed all night. So you can get the most out of your wedge pillow for a good night’s sleep and a faster recovery.
4. Place Another Pillow Under Your Injured Arm
Your injured shoulder needs some extra love. Put a soft, regular pillow under your injured arm to support it. It keeps your arm from hanging down or resting on the surgical site, which can be uncomfortable.
5. Place a Thin Pillow Between Your Injured Arm
Sometimes, it’s all about the details. Slide a thin pillow between your injured arm and your body. It creates extra space, so you’re not squishing your sore shoulder.
6. Adjust Your Position
After shoulder surgery, finding a comfortable sleep position for sleeping is essential.
It’s all about finding the sweet spot that minimizes strain on your healing shoulder. Start by shifting your body until you feel the slightest discomfort. Elevate your upper body or angle yourself to the left or right. Experiment with different positions until you find the one that suits you best.
Remember, the goal is to keep your shoulder relaxed and supported. Feel free to add more pillows or cushions to stay in the correct position. A little tweaking can go a long way in enhancing your post-surgery slumber.
7. Maintain Proper Alignment
Remember that word “alignment.” It’s crucial for your recovery. Your shoulder must stay aligned with your body, not sticking out at odd angles. The wedge pillow helps with this so your body can heal.
8. Rest and Sleep
With everything in place, it’s time for the main event: sleep. You might need a little extra time to fall asleep at first, but once you do, you’ll be in the perfect position for healing.
Remember to take any prescribed pain medication if you need it. And try to relax. Healing takes time, and your body knows what it’s doing.
Can you sleep on a wedge pillow after rotator cuff surgery?
Many people who have had surgery on their rotator cuffs aren’t sure if they can still sleep on a wedge pillow.
Every person has a different answer because their situation is different.
After surgery, doctors tell patients to sleep in a straight position. It can reduce pain and swelling. You should sleep in a reclined chair or on a wedge pillow. But as your healing goes on, you may find sleeping on your back more relaxing.
After surgery, some people use a wedge pillow or lie flat to sleep and recover. You must do what your therapist tells you and pay attention to your body.
Talk to your medical team first to use a wedge pillow. They can answer your questions about your health and how you’re doing. When making choices, always keep your health and recovery in mind.
Always keep the lines of communication open with your healthcare professionals.
They can guide you on the best approach to sleeping and resting after rotator cuff surgery. Your journey to recovery is unique, and your medical team is there to make it smooth and comfortable.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a wedge pillow can help recover after rotator cuff surgery. It enables you to feel comfortable and supported by lifting your upper body. It Needs to get rid of shoulder pain and get better. Keeping your surgical site safe by staying aligned and avoiding rolling is a good idea.
So, Remember that you must pick the correct wedge pillow, place it, and support your injured arm. It’s essential to find a comfortable sleeping position. You should also talk to your doctor or nurse for proper guidance.
Follow to use a wedge pillow after shoulder surgery step to improve your sleep after surgery. It make your recovery easier. You are using a wedge pillow to sleep well. It will make you happy and help your shoulder get better. Good night, and get better soon!
