How to Sleep With Frozen Shoulder

Why frozen shoulder hurts most at night

Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) makes the shoulder stiff and painful, and for many people the night is the worst part: you roll onto it, or the arm drops, and the pain wakes you. Below are the positions that usually help, how to support the arm, and what changes after a release procedure.

The best sleeping positions for frozen shoulder

On your back is usually the easiest: a pillow under the sore arm so it rests slightly away from your body, and your upper body a little raised. If you sleep on your side, lie on the good side and hug a pillow so the sore arm rests on it rather than falling forward. Avoid lying on the frozen shoulder.

Which pillow helps with frozen shoulder

Any pillow that keeps the arm supported and stops you rolling helps. A stack of pillows works until it shifts. Restore You holds your back raised and the arm supported in one piece, and our product page lists frozen shoulder among the conditions it is made for. It is designed for sleeping on your back.

Sleeping after a capsular release or manipulation

After a capsular release or a manipulation under anesthesia, the aim is to keep the new movement, so your physical therapist and surgeon will tell you how to rest the arm. Most people sleep on their back with the arm supported for the first nights; see how to sleep after shoulder surgery. Restore You lists capsular release among the procedures it was designed for.