How to Sleep After Shoulder Surgery | Rotator Cuff Repair, Shoulder Replacement, Labral Tear, Injury

EquipMeOT
16 Apr 202107:39
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRIn this informative video, Lindsay from Equip Me OT discusses strategies for achieving comfort and proper positioning in bed after shoulder surgery, such as a rotator cuff repair or shoulder replacement. She emphasizes the importance of using additional pillows for support and the potential use of a wedge for elevating the head, which can be particularly beneficial in the early stages of recovery. Lindsay also addresses the use of bed rails and bed ladders to assist with mobility, especially for those with core weakness or difficulty moving in bed with one hand. She provides insight into different types of slings and their impact on positioning, and offers detailed advice on how to use pillows to maintain a safe and comfortable sleeping position, including for side sleepers. The video is a valuable resource for individuals recovering from shoulder surgeries, aiming to enhance their comfort and facilitate a smoother healing process.

Takeaways
  • 🛌 Prioritize bed positioning for comfort after shoulder surgery, as it can be notoriously uncomfortable to rest and sleep.
  • 🚫 Avoid relying solely on a recliner for positioning and comfort, as it may not support the arm correctly or be suitable for long-term use.
  • 💤 Consider using a bed as an alternative sleeping option, which can be made comfortable and safe with proper positioning.
  • 🧽 Use extra pillows to help position the body correctly and provide support, which is crucial for a comfortable recovery.
  • 🔄 Utilize a wedge or similar elevation tool to elevate the head or legs, which can help reduce swelling and increase comfort.
  • 🚪 A bed rail or bed ladder can assist with bed mobility, especially if you have core weakness or difficulty moving in and out of bed with one hand.
  • 🤕 Be aware of the type of sling used post-surgery, as it will impact how you position yourself for rest and its security can affect your healing process.
  • 🧘🏻 A thin pillow under the arm can provide comfort while lying in bed, but always check with your physician or therapy team before doing so.
  • 🛌 Position additional pillows to prevent the shoulder from slumping or rolling in a way that could be harmful to the recovery process.
  • 🛌 Side sleeping can be an option after shoulder surgery, but it requires careful positioning with pillows and possibly assistance from another person.
  • ❓ For more information on staying safe and independent post-surgery, consider subscribing to Equip Me OT for guidance and support.
Q & A

  • What is the main topic Lindsay discusses in the transcript?

    -Lindsay discusses bed positioning and comfort strategies for individuals recovering from shoulder surgery, such as rotator cuff repair or shoulder replacement.

  • Why are recoveries from shoulder surgeries notoriously uncomfortable?

    -Recoveries from shoulder surgeries are notoriously uncomfortable because it is difficult for patients to find a comfortable position that allows their body to rest and sleep, especially when they are required to be in an immobilized sling position.

  • What is the issue with relying solely on a recliner for positioning and comfort during recovery?

    -The issue with relying solely on a recliner is that sometimes the arm may be on the wrong side for managing it, or the recliner may not be in good enough condition to allow for comfortable sleeping over a long period without causing undue stress on other parts of the body.

  • What alternative sleeping option does Lindsay recommend besides a recliner?

    -Lindsay recommends using a bed with proper positioning and additional pillows as an alternative sleeping option for those recovering from shoulder surgeries.

  • What is a wedge used for in the context of recovering from shoulder surgery?

    -A wedge is used for elevating the legs to reduce swelling, and in Lindsay's case, she uses it to elevate her head for a more comfortable position while recovering from shoulder surgery.

  • What is a bed rail or bed ladder, and how can it assist someone recovering from shoulder surgery?

    -A bed rail or bed ladder is a device that assists with bed mobility. It can be particularly useful for individuals with core weakness or those who struggle with getting in and out of bed one-handed, helping them to do so independently and safely following shoulder surgery.

  • What is the importance of the type of sling used post-surgery?

    -The type of sling used post-surgery is important because it can have additional support panels and strapping that hold the arm securely, preventing it from falling into a position that could be detrimental to the healing process.

  • Why is a thin pillow recommended to be placed underneath the arm?

    -A thin pillow is recommended to be placed underneath the arm to provide comfort and support while resting in bed, as long as it is cleared by the physician or therapy team.

  • How can pillows be used to prevent the shoulder from slumping over while sleeping?

    -Pillows can be strategically placed to provide support and prevent the shoulder from slumping or rolling towards one side, which could be dangerous for the recovery process.

  • Is it possible to sleep on one's side following a shoulder replacement?

    -Yes, it is possible to sleep on one's side following a shoulder replacement, provided that there are enough pillows for safe positioning and possibly a second set of hands to help get into position.

  • What is the role of a body pillow in side sleeping position after shoulder surgery?

    -A body pillow can be used to provide support at the side of the body and under the arm, allowing for a more comfortable side sleep without risking the arm falling into an improper position.

  • How can subscribing to Equip Me OT help someone post-surgery?

    -Subscribing to Equip Me OT can provide more information on how to stay safe and independent in one's home and community, which is crucial for the recovery process and maintaining quality of life post-surgery.

Outlines
00:00
🛌 Post-Surgery Bed Positioning for Shoulder Recovery

Lindsay from Equip, Me OT discusses the challenges of finding a comfortable position for rest and sleep after shoulder surgery. She emphasizes the importance of bed positioning over relying on a recliner, which may not always be suitable or comfortable for extended periods. Lindsay suggests using extra pillows and a wedge to elevate the head and legs, which can help reduce swelling and discomfort. She also mentions the use of a bed rail or bed ladder for those who struggle with bed mobility, and stresses the need to be aware of the type of sling used post-surgery, as it impacts how one should position themselves for rest. A thin pillow under the arm can provide additional comfort, as long as it's cleared by a physician or therapy team.

05:02
🧘 Safe Sleeping Positions Post Shoulder Surgery

The second paragraph focuses on how to safely sleep and rest after shoulder surgery. Lindsay explains that while it's generally safe to sleep on the non-surgical side with the help of pillows, care must be taken not to let the arm roll or rotate in a way that could hinder recovery. She demonstrates how to use a body pillow for support and how another person can assist in positioning pillows to keep the arm stable and prevent it from falling into an unsafe position. Lindsay also addresses the common concern of side sleeping post-surgery, providing a method to achieve a comfortable side-sleeping position with the use of additional pillows for support and safety.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡Bed Positioning
Bed positioning refers to the arrangement of the body in bed to ensure comfort and support, especially for individuals recovering from surgeries or injuries. In the context of the video, Lindsay discusses how to achieve a comfortable position in bed after shoulder surgery, which is crucial for a smooth recovery and to facilitate rest and sleep.
💡Shoulder Surgery
Shoulder surgery encompasses a range of medical procedures performed to repair or replace parts of the shoulder, such as the rotator cuff repair or shoulder replacement. The video focuses on how to get comfortable after such surgeries, which can be notoriously uncomfortable and challenging for patients to rest and sleep.
💡Immobilized Sling Position
An immobilized sling position is a medical requirement where the arm is held in a sling to restrict movement and allow healing, often after shoulder surgery. Lindsay explains how to position oneself in bed while in this sling to ensure comfort and prevent any undue stress on the body.
💡Recliner
A recliner is a type of chair that can be adjusted to various positions for sitting or lying down. Lindsay mentions that while some people recovering from shoulder surgery might rely on a recliner for positioning and comfort, it may not always be ideal due to issues like the arm being on the wrong side or the recliner not being in good shape for prolonged use.
💡Extra Pillows
Extra pillows are used to provide additional support and comfort while positioning the body in bed, particularly for those recovering from surgeries. Lindsay demonstrates how to use extra pillows to properly position the body and arm in bed after shoulder surgery, highlighting their importance in achieving a comfortable and safe sleeping arrangement.
💡Wedge
A wedge is a triangular-shaped device often used in bed positioning to elevate parts of the body, such as the legs to reduce swelling. Lindsay uses a wedge in the video to elevate her head, which can be more comfortable for individuals recovering from shoulder surgery who find lying flat difficult.
💡Bed Rail
A bed rail is a safety device that can be attached to the side of a bed to assist with getting in and out of bed, especially for those with mobility issues. Lindsay suggests a bed rail as an alternative to a recliner for those who struggle with bed mobility, providing a link to a video on how to install one.
💡Bed Ladder
A bed ladder is a low-cost assistive device consisting of foam handles on a strip of sturdy material that loops around the foot of the bed, providing a place to pull for assistance when elevating and sitting upright. Lindsay recommends it as a useful tool for bed mobility, particularly for those with core weakness or difficulty getting in and out of bed with one hand.
💡Sling
A sling is a supportive device worn around the neck and under the arm to immobilize the arm, often used post-surgically. Lindsay discusses the different types of slings that may be used after shoulder surgery and how they can impact how one positions themselves for rest, emphasizing the need to be aware of the type of sling used for proper positioning.
💡Side Sleeping
Side sleeping is the practice of sleeping on one's side. Lindsay addresses the possibility of side sleeping after shoulder surgery, noting that it can be done in most situations but requires careful positioning with the aid of pillows and possibly a second person's assistance to ensure safety and prevent the arm from falling into a detrimental position.
💡Physical Therapy
Physical therapy involves the treatment and management of physical disorders with the aim of rehabilitation and the restoration of function. Although not explicitly mentioned in the transcript, the theme of the video is closely related to physical therapy practices, as Lindsay, presumably a physical therapist, provides guidance on how to position oneself for comfort and healing after a specific type of surgery.
Highlights

Lindsay discusses bed positioning for comfort after shoulder surgery, including rotator cuff or replacement surgeries.

Recovery from shoulder surgeries can be notoriously uncomfortable, and Lindsay aims to provide options for a comfortable recovery phase.

Recliners are often used but can sometimes cause stress on other parts of the body; Lindsay recommends alternative sleeping options like a bed.

Extra pillows are essential for proper positioning and comfort in bed during recovery.

A wedge pillow, typically used for elevating legs, can also be used to elevate the head for comfort after shoulder surgery.

Wedge pillows are cost-effective and can be found used, making them accessible for many recovering patients.

Bed rails or bed ladders can assist with bed mobility, especially for those with core weakness or difficulty moving one-handed.

The type of post-surgical sling can impact how a patient positions themselves for rest, with some providing more support and security.

A thin pillow under the arm can provide comfort and support, as long as it's cleared by a physician or therapy team.

A second pillow for lumbar support is crucial, with the caveat that it should be soft to avoid pressure on the shoulder blade.

Positioning in bed should prevent the shoulder from slumping over, which could be dangerous for the recovery process.

An additional pillow can prevent the arm from rolling towards the side, providing safe and comfortable rest.

Side sleeping is possible after shoulder surgery, but requires careful positioning with the help of pillows and possibly a second person.

Using a body pillow can help support the surgical side and maintain a comfortable position for side sleeping.

Having someone assist with positioning can be beneficial for safely achieving a side-sleeping position without risking arm rotation.

Lindsay provides several methods to get comfortable in bed following shoulder replacement or rotator cuff repair surgeries.

Questions or comments from viewers are welcomed, and Lindsay encourages subscription for more information on staying safe and independent post-surgery.

Transcripts

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Related Tags
Shoulder SurgeryBed PositioningRecovery TipsPillow SupportRotator CuffImmobilized SlingComfortable RestPhysical TherapyPost-Op CareSleeping PositionsRehabilitation