Rotator Cuff Pillow
Anyone who has suffered an inflamed or torn rotator cuff knows the pain involved. The pain varies in intensity. Sometimes it’s a burning sensation. At other times it’s a dull ache. It affects the way you move your shoulder. Many patients report that the morning is the worst, especially if you tossed around in sleep then ended up putting pressure on it. What is the best type of rotator cuff pillow to protect your injury during sleep? Is there an affordable option that can help protect your injury while you’re deep in slumber?
Many doctors don’t suggest that you buy a “rotator cuff pillow” but rather follow a simple sleep routine that you can conform to using the pillows you currently own.
Since many patients report that the first few days can be awful when trying to find a comfortable sleeping position, doctors have suggested that patients try sleeping in a recliner chair rather than flat on their back or support the elbow with one or two pillows when lying down so it doesn’t slide and fall back against the bed. Sleeping on the side or the stomach is discouraged. If your injury is less severe, you may want to simply place a pillow between the arm and the body when you are sleeping to keep your shoulder stable and immobile.
Sometimes the best rotator cuff pillow is a preventative one. Did you know that many rotator cuff injuries are not the result of a one time event? Many of them occur as a result of damage that is incurred over a long period of time. This is often true of people who sleep on their arm. Side sleepers often put a lot of pressure on the shoulder during sleep. This can actually cause rotator cuff injuries.
One recommended solution for the best rotator cuff pillow is to purchase a side sleeper pillow. These pillows properly cradle the neck and head, making sure the body maintains proper alignment. It seems like such a small thing to purchase a new pillow, but pillows actually serve very important functions while we sleep. If your body isn’t properly aligned, you have a good chance of waking up sore and uncomfortable.
A great option for a rotator cuff pillow is a pillow that’s made from memory foam. Available at most retail stores and across the internet, memory foam has become a popular trend, praised by both consumers and medical professionals. Since memory foam is made to conform exactly to fit the contours of your individual body, it’s easy to see why it’s often the physician’s top choice for rotator cuff pillow.
When choosing a rotator cuff pillow, it’s best to keep in mind two things. First, you want to offer support to the shoulder. Second, you want to reduce mobility so that you will decrease the chances of further injury. Talk to your doctor about the best pillow for your individual needs. You’ll be surprised and pleased at how much a difference the right pillow and positioning can make.
