How to Sleep With A Sling After Rotator Cuff Surgery | Tips & Tricks

Pain while sleeping after a rotator cuff surgery is one of the biggest complaints we receive. Panorama Physical Therapist, Kaitlyn Thompson gives a few tips and tricks for how you can sleep better with your sling.
• Make sure your arm is supported with a pillow
• Lie down on your non-operative side
Panorama Physical Therapy takes care of patients in 9 convenient locations around the greater Denver area, including: Golden, Westminster, Highlands Ranch, Lakewood, Littleton, Arvada, and Centennial.
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[@johnchege488]

Easier said than done! the discomfort is unbelievable

[@reedb9039]

Getting ready to have this surgery thanks for the tips.

[@llgray5840]

I would like to see this series redone without a helper. I have not yet had the surgery and it is incredibly hard to arrange pillows with my injured shoulder.

[@bonniesilva5162]

Yep...I live alone. Not everybody has a "helper"(& most videos, even re.subjects such as slings, & getting dressed, always show a second person helping!) Figured out a lot of stuff on my own!

[@dannydeal7552]

great idea.

[@jaydonnelly3224]

PSA : SLEEPING AFTER SHOULDER SURGERY IS MISERABLE!!! DONT LET ANYONE TELL YOU ANY DIFFERENT!! But it will get better after 7 -8 weeks...assuming you haven’t fallen into a sleep deprived psychosis 😳 good luck 🍀

[@MLMLW]

Lol. I know how you feel. At about 4 wks post op I tried sleeping on my side but it was just too uncomfortable, no matter how many pillows I had. My shoulder didn't feel right so I ended up sleeping sitting up in bed for 6 wks. All is fine now since I'm now 8 wks post op, out of the sling & finally going to PT.

[@SharonsRose13]

Numb butt and hip from sleeping upright...lol. oh it sucks

[@dannydeal7552]

it does suck. Im one week after my procedure

[@marcial84mc]

I totally agree sleeping and showering has been the most difficult. Even with a wedge pillow , it takes time to figure out what works for you

[@MarkFaust]

I had full tears of front and rotator, that was 9 days ago. The first 6, 7 days I slept with sling on. Am I just lucky or heal incredibly fast?

[@GFS695]

Getting up is where the pain really kicks in for me, I might try sofa recliner.

[@carry1955]

All sounds good in theory, but as anyone who’s has RCT repair knows.......sleeping is a nightmare and these hints don’t work! I’ve just had my third repair and am just accepting it’ll be a tough few months, but worth it when I get full function back and can get out on the golf course again!!

[@mreverybody1150]

What do you think of the night time shoulder brace from Rotatorreliever? rotatoreliever.com/pages/instructional-video It's not designed for post surgery, but it's part of their overall package. But I'm still curious of your opinion / theory.

[@diamordiamor9637]

Sleeping is a nightmare after rotator cuff surgery. Nothing works.

[@italiangirl2440]

I'm about ready to have a full thickness tear repaired, any advice anybody has would be great. I will be taking care of myself and this is kind of scary

[@carry1955]

@@italiangirl2440 hi........it isn’t a great few weeks for sure, but with some forward planning is totally manageable. I had a repair of a large complete full thickness tear of my right cuff. I’m right handed, so totally in a sling for 6 weeks was going to be tricky! You won’t be able to cut things up, so prepare food for the freezer that can be eaten with just a fork or spoon. I bought some left handed scissors so I could open the cats food sachets. I wasn’t allowed to take my sling off at all for my first repair (I’ve had 3 altogether 🤦‍♀️), so had to keep it on for showering. If that’s the case for you, ask for a spare sling so that you can rest your arm and carefully switch to a dry sling. For my second two ops, I could take the sling off for showering, so that was better! Drying yourself after the shower is painful, so I had a towelling robe that I just slipped on while I dried off. Good excuse for a lazy coffee! I just gave up on a bra for the first few weeks! Then after that had to do it up at the front and swivel it round. Sleeping was a nightmare.......just go with the flow😉. If you aren’t comfortable in the bed and have a recliner, many people use that for a few weeks. I didn’t, as I wanted to persevere with the bed....so pillows, pillows, pillows. For my last op, I bought a wedge that helped me sleep more upright. I think my best bit of advice is......don’t rush things, it is a very slow recovery. Good luck! 👍x

[@batman-sr2px]

which position did you sleep in?

[@maureenregele6286]

Thank you and I feel reassured that I've been doing it just right!

[@Willy12927]

Thanks for the information. This is a big help, as I am going to have rotator Cuff surgery in 10 days.

[@bubblesthomas485]

Thank you! I had surgery in March and had the hardest and painful sleep. Didn’t really get much information by dr or staff..then the Pandemic happened so I just used lots of pillows. I have AS so being in a recliner might helped shoulder, not Tailbone. Again thank you for the video!

[@andyrojas289]

How are you now

[@MLMLW]

I tried this but it didn't work for me. Even using multiple pillows with varying degrees of firmness or softness my shoulder kept shifting or moving upwards which was painful & uncomfortable. Since I don't have a recliner I slept sitting up in bed for 6 weeks until I could take off my sling. I'm a side sleeper so I sleep on the non surgical side with my surgery arm resting on a pillow. Since I'm now 8 wks post op it works for me & is finally comfortable for sleeping.

[@iandavidson99]

I'm 10-days post rotator cuff surgery. If I don't do anything stupid, the pain during the day is almost zero. HOWEVER, at night it's a completely different ballgame! I've not had a full nights sleep since the surgery. I've tried all the painkillers including morphine, but nothing makes any difference. The only thing which helps (and helps a lot) is ice! An ice pack on my shoulder and a slim pillow under my arm and over my chest is the best remedy I've found so far.

[@shelahbankshampton1809]

I had my rotator cuff repair surgery on 9 of March and it is still unbearable for me to sleep on my back, I have modified my sleeping with pillows with a pillow wedge and anything else I could possibly think of but the recliner will be your best friend.

[@123lilangels]

Shelah Banks Hampton I just had mines done yesterday and my Dr said to sleep sitting up it is unbearable....he said sleeping laying down will cause more swelling.

[@denisern55]

I can’t sleep in a recliner, but I sleep on my back with my head elevated slightly

[@stevek9943]

I am two weeks post surgery. I could not pull off sleeping in a chair/recliner. Pain overall has actually been very minimal which is actually kind of concerning. I have been sleeping on my “good” side while wearing the sling. My hand tends to rest on the bed which provides some support. Aside from dealing with that tendency to want to switch sleeping positions during the night I have been sleeping much better.

[@debtaber4558]

Thank you for sharing this. I was contemplating buying a recliner, but don’t think I would be able to sleep well in it. Will just use pillows and sleep on my good side.

[@kandacepatterson7965]

I dont think I can sleep in reliner either. Had hip replacement last year it was tough.

[@juanitalivinglifeunapologe173]

Surgery was 8/26 and this pain is no joke. I've used pillows, blankets to help and still wake up in pain. Or lay in pain

[@stacybirmingham3608]

Very helpful. Thanks

[@supersweetiecat]

I'm in Australia I had that surgery not long ago.where do I get that brace sling that Ryan is wearing

[@h.rehaief3567]

Thank you very much for the great video I am going to have my surgery February 4 and I like to sleep my face down what should I do thanks!

[@64Magick]

*LOVE THE PAIN WITHOUT USING THE MEDS BUT DAY-3 EVERYTHING KICKED IN 3-FOLD, LMFAO, WHAT A BEEYUTCH!!!!* *1-2 hours of sleep per night sucks!!* *Just took pain med AFTER 3 days without it......SO COOL, LOVE NARCOTICS!!!*

[@jillerbeaner]

I had to quit using the pain meds cuz of constipation!!! It all SUCKS!!!

[@erikshen1107]

Oxy and a NICE SINGLE MALT SCOTCH IS A YUMMY SLEEP AID!!!

[@giasamuel7822]

The nurse said I’d knock out w the oxy didn’t sleep for 2 days after surgery.

[@Bill0102]

This content is a major breakthrough; akin to a book that was groundbreaking in its approach. "Better Sleep Better Life" by William Brook

[@denisern55]

I haven’t seen one video yet that’s been accurate and helping you sleep at night. Only position that’s comfortable is on your back. Any position that takes your shoulder out of its natural neutral position hurts. Laying on your side, even with pillows causes your shoulder to go up towards your head as it relaxes, that’s unnatural. Nobody ever told me prior that my arm could not lie on the bed directly that it had to be elevated. I did elevated with a little pill or towel to keep my elbow from having pressure on my elbow all night I never tried to recliner because ours is manual on the same side. So just accept you’re gonna sleep on your back while you heal.

[@Teresanfla]

This is my second surgery today due to a 3mm retear from initial surgery 9/2 I can't go through this again. I will do this because it's so painful I can't sleep

[@JohnBrown-sn3kh]

How did you retear? How are you now?

[@rockyourfaceoff2]

I too would like to know. I'm thinking mine is torn also.

[@JohnBrown-sn3kh]

@@rockyourfaceoff2 what makes u think yours is torn?

[@rockyourfaceoff2]

@@JohnBrown-sn3kh first night from surgery, I dreamed I was starting a lawnmower. Jerked my arm and woke up hurting pretty bad. Night two, swinging an axe. Same thing. Woke up in pain because I Jerked my arm up again. I'm 27 days post surgery and I literally can't move my arm (passively) more than 3 inches foreword and two inches outward. Still on strong pain meds. The doc wanted to remove the sling but I can't stand the aches without it. So I wanted to know about your experience with this so I'd have a better understanding of what to do next. At this point, no further scans or x-rays have been taken. The procedure was to repair a Partial thickness tear of the R rotator cuff.

[@JohnBrown-sn3kh]

@@rockyourfaceoff2 I’m 3 weeks out of surgery and take ibuprofen once a day 3-4 times a week. I still ache and have pain everyday. I am doing passive range of motion like pendulums and my shoulder does ache after. DO NOT push yourself if u feel pain then stop. I had my first visit to surgeon and physiotherapist last week and they explained to me that they would be more concerned if I was feeling no pain as this would indicate a failure in the surgery so to feel pain in their words is a sign that the surgery has been successful. I’ve had the same bouts as you were I was sleeping and felt like I was falling and tensed arm in my sleep and woke up to sharp hot stabbing pain in my arm which only lasted seconds. If you feel that you are going to move your arm in your sleep and cause problems to the surgery I would suggest you buy that sling where you’ve got that piece of material that wraps around your body. I think you may be worrying too much which is normal I’ve shed many tears and struggle to sleep at night. I was told if you reinjured the repair you would be in excruciating pain

[@dannydeal7552]

thanks, but that doesnt work for me. I had S/S full tear surgery a week ago, and since I am a side sleeper, it pulls on my elbow too much.

[@theresakienle2227]

I also suggest wiggling the fingers a bit to keep the hand from. Swelling

[@markmlinar1511]

Ryan isn't asleep.

[@nickyg2059]

It’s OK if I sleep with a sling? all night long I had surgery I need an answer please thank you

[@jacquelinelouis4478]

😢😢 I just had surgeryJuly 11th, and it's very painful and uncomfortable to sleep no matter how you try. Nothing works 😢😢

[@kandacepatterson7965]

Trying to figure out how to put my dentures ib with one hand😮

[@loribrantley8245]

Rotator cup surgery is so bad. So much pain

[@jakesmith8583]

I presume that’s worse than rotator cuff surgery.

[@richardspinosa6277]

lol. i wish o went with the rotator cup surgery i heard it’s much less painful and heal almost immediately

[@heaven-n-hell9764]

Is it normal to have swelling on non operative hand due to the way you sleep?

[@andthnwat]

Had to sleep sitting up for at least 2 weeks

[@XjtBA]

I was so uncomfortable and in pain, I took it off when I slept. Or tried to sleep, that is.

[@JoeandAngie]

As we speak

[@lmkettner7568]

It is 3 weeks since i had surgerey and Im still sleeping (NOT SLEEPING) in my recliner. this video does not convince me that is the best way to sleep in bed. i've tried with wedge pillow and other pillows. If my arm is in that upright position at all i lose feeling in it and my hand. I always end up back in the recliner. Just not successful getting a good night's sleep yet.

[@beeorganic]

I know exactly what you're going through. I took the sling off after the first week when trying to sleep in the bed. You can move your wrist and elbow (as in straighten them out on pillows for support) to get into a comfortable position without moving your shoulder.

[@rockyourfaceoff2]

How are things going now? I had my surgery 3 weeks ago and my shoulder is so tight, I think something is wrong. (I kept moving my arm abruptly while dreaming the first week)

[@MLMLW]

@@beeorganic - Wow! I'm surprised your surgeon allowed you to take off your sling at night to sleep! Or did you do it without his/her permission? I had to sleep with my sling on for 6 wks. I could take it off for periods during the day so I could move my hand & elbow but at night I had to put it back on again.

[@giasamuel7822]

@@MLMLW I just had rcs for my full thickness tear this wed and I was shocked to hear they took the sling off to sleep too. My surgeon said on 24hrs only off if I’m able to shower/bathe. I’ve been able to sleep on my bed. I bought one of those sit in type of pillows and I ordered a traveling neck brace that came today because my neck was hanging for the first two night and woke up w/ neck pain. So far so good. Last night was my first real sleep. My dr wants me to start pt in 2 wks. Did I read you started at 8wks? How are you doing now? I’m just 5 days out of surgery no real pain so far. If I do certain movements, sorta unexpected that sometimes hurts. Other than that not much pain

[@MLMLW]

@@giasamuel7822 - I started PT at 6 wks post op. We started with stretching & movement exercises. I'm 11 wks post op now & went to see my doctor last Thursday. He's impressed with how I'm doing & said I'm ahead of the game. He's going to order that I start doing strengthening exercises at PT & home and go to PT every other week instead of once a week. I'm quite pleased with my progress but it's slow going. I was just able a week ago to put up my hair in a ponytail without assistance. I still can't reach behind my back with my surgery arm. Just be patient with yourself & do your home exercises.

[@aakashagarwal722]

What is the sling thing he is wearing called? And where can I find it. Any leads will be appreciated. Thank you!

[@TJV83]

They don’t have pharmacy’s in urka burka land?

[@Jonnygurudesigns]

It totally sucks.. especially once you're off the sleep inducing pain meds.. how long must this go on for... Very frustrating

[@beeorganic]

That first night would have been a lot worse had I not had a scalene block shot before surgery.

[@leazettevalentin2897]

Same here

[@MLMLW]

I got sent home with a nerve block after my surgery that lasted for 3 days.

[@mariannegoldweber1577]

My nerve block only lasted for 12 hours it was excruciating when it wore off

[@sheld2229]

Yea that looks real comfortable...just take drugs.

[@bernadetteelliott7511]

I am 4 weeks in and have not managed 1 night's sleep. Its the hardest operation and there is no right way..if you can find a way then you are really lucky...😮

[@mrssweetiecooper4041]

Yeah I can in no way sleep on my side so painful even with the pillow 😢

[@panoramaorthopedics]

Sorry to hear that, we hope that your recovery turns around soon.

[@bkaley8974]

Typical unspecific and unsympathetic medical demonstration of a horrible situation. Good thing Ryan is wearing his clothes and his boots and has Kaitlyn to provide pillows as needed.

[@giasamuel7822]

I was thinking the same thing cause I can’t put a pillow under my surgically repaired shoulder myself.

[@riod7559]

The video below is the one that I finally got sleep after 11 days of nighttime pain. My rotator Cuff surgery was on 3/22: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eavSaYZ5lpJ_Y68

[@panoramaorthopedics]

We're glad this was helpful!

[@denisern55]

He was awful. His elbow dropped lower while he was on his back, because it was off the matt 😂 you could see his shoulder drop when he laid on his side too that hurts

[@Kyle77word]

Pillows under shoulder laying down are definitely a no no, far too much pressure on shoulder. Laying on side even more painful. This is. A joke right?

[@shannoncliff2371]

I just had surgery yesterday. and slept in RECLINER just fine without pillows RECLINER already have the support

[@Kyle77word]

@@shannoncliff2371 thats awesome, good for you, hopefully that continues

[@shannoncliff2371]

Just had surgery yesterday slept fine without pillows in my RECLINER

[@Kyle77word]

Yeah i caught it the first time, congrats

[@shannoncliff2371]

A week and day after pain much better sling a pain to wear