How to Sleep with Calcific Tendonitis

Have you ever been unable to shut down your mind and fall asleep despite tossing and turning for hours? If you are experiencing pain from calcific tendonitis, it is considerably worse. The pain feels greater while lying in bed since there aren’t any outside distractions. Calcific tendonitis, particularly whether you sleep on your side or front, can cause restless nights and irritable days. Sleeping is tough due to the discomfort itself, and it becomes even more difficult if you have to sleep in a different posture. So, how do you manage your sleep with calcific tendonitis?

What is Calcific Tendonitis?

When calcium deposits collect in your muscles or tendons, you can develop calcific tendonitis, also known as tendinitis. This often happens in the rotator cuff, although it can develop anywhere in the body. A collection of muscles and tendons called the rotator cuff joins your upper arm to your shoulder.

Best Ways to Sleep with Calcific Tendonitis

Ice the Shoulder Before Heading to Bed

Before going to bed, ice the shoulder to reduce pain and inflammation. According to research cited in a 2021 study, using ice for 15 to 20 minutes can help decrease discomfort and inflammation and lower skin temperature. A person should cover the ice with a towel to prevent an ice burn.

Sleep on the Side That Doesn’t Hurt

Your sleeping posture can actively contribute to your suffering or can be a solution for you to sleep with calcific tendonitis. Over 50% of us sleep on our sides, which places additional strain and weight on the shoulder. You can also consider getting a new pillow and sleeping on your non-injured side to support your preferred sleeping posture.

Before Going to Bed, Do Some Therapeutic Activities

It might be difficult to fall asleep if you have calcific tendonitis. However, these easy shoulder exercises from a reliable source could restore range of motion and lessen discomfort for those with calcific tendinitis. A person should see a healthcare provider for information on which exercises would be most effective to sleep with calcific tendonitis and how to do them properly.

Purchase a Backrest Pillow or Wedge

If you have severe shoulder discomfort due to calcific tendonitis that should go away in the upcoming weeks or months, consider getting a wedge cushion or a plush backrest pillow to help you stay upright while you heal. You can gradually buy a smaller cushion as you get better, making you less upright, and finally, you can lie down completely. These changes should only be temporary, not permanent, because a shoulder injury should only last months, not years.

Wrap-Up

You do not have to spend your evenings tossing and turning because of calcific tendonitis. Remember that these suggestions are a strategy for sleeping with shoulder pain. It is always advised to seek guidance and treatment from medical specialists to address the root causes of your suffering. If you’re experiencing this, please contact a healthcare provider at Rheumatology Care of North Houston. Call (832) 532-9779 to schedule an appointment.