How Do You Sleep With A Dislocated Shoulder
So, you've gone and done it, huh? Dislocated your shoulder. Ouch! I've been there, done that - not fun, right? Now, you're probably wondering, "How on earth am I supposed to s...
So, you've gone and done it, huh? Dislocated your shoulder. Ouch! I've been there, done that - not fun, right? Now, you're probably wondering, "How on earth am I supposed to sleep with this thing?" Well, grab a cuppa, let's chat about it.
First Things First: Get It Popped Back In
I know, I know, it's easier said than done. But listen, you need to get that shoulder back in place before you can even think about catching some Zs. Now, if you're not already at the ER, don't panic. You can do this at home. Just remember, it's gonna hurt like a mother, but it's gotta be done.
Once it's back in, it's time to ice that baby. Like, right now. Grab an ice pack, or a bag of frozen peas (because who doesn't have those lying around, right?), and keep it on there for 15-20 minutes, every hour. Trust me, it's gonna help with the swelling and the pain.
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Medicate, My Friend
Your doc's probably gonna prescribe some pain meds. Take 'em. Don't be a hero. You need your sleep, and you need to manage that pain. Now, I'm not saying you should go all 'The Wolf of Wall Street' on them, but don't be afraid to take what you need.
Pro Tip: Keep a Pillow by Your Bed
You know, for those middle-of-the-night 'Oops, I forgot to take my meds' moments. You're welcome.
Now, Let's Talk Sleeping Positions
Alright, so you're medicated, iced, and ready for bed. But how on earth are you supposed to sleep? Well, my friend, it's all about the positioning.
How to Sleep with Shoulder Pain: Positions, Pillows, and When to See a
First off, forget about sleeping on your side. That's a no-no with a dislocated shoulder. You're gonna have to get used to sleeping on your back or your good shoulder.
Back sleeping: This is probably your best bet. Just make sure you've got a pillow under your injured arm to keep it elevated and supported. It's like a little shoulder spa, right?
Good shoulder sleeping: If you're a side sleeper, you can sleep on your good shoulder. Just make sure you've got a pillow between your knees to keep your hips aligned. You don't want to wake up with a sore hip to go with your sore shoulder, now do you?
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And What About Those Covers?
You know what's the worst? When you're all snuggled in, and then you realize you can't move your arm to pull the covers up. Yeah, that's a thing. So, here's a hack: Use a blanket that's just for your legs. That way, you can keep your upper body nice and cozy without having to move your arm.
Morning Routine: A Whole New Ball Game
Alright, so you've managed to get a few hours of sleep. Congrats! Now, let's talk about the morning. Getting out of bed is gonna be a whole new ball game. Take it slow, and don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it.
And hey, if you're struggling, don't hesitate to call your doc. They might have some other tips or tricks to help you out. After all, they're the pros, right?
So there you have it, folks. Sleeping with a dislocated shoulder isn't fun, but with a little bit of planning and a lot of patience, you can get some much-needed rest. Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got some serious catching up to do on my beauty sleep.