How To Sleep With Calcific Tendonitis
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Calcific tendonitis is a painful condition characterized by shoulder pain resulting from the accumulation of calcium deposits in the rotator cuff tendon. These deposits exert pressure on the cuff tendon leading to significant degrees of discomfort.
The pain can be unbearable meaning the probability of sleeping soundly may become low. Even folks with no history of sleep troubles may experience a dramatic reversal of fortunes once they suffer calcific tendonitis.
Quick answer: Sleep on your back, or on the opposite side from the affected shoulder, and avoid rolling onto the sore shoulder overnight. Prop the upper body up slightly with pillows, or use a recliner or adjustable bed, and support the affected arm with a pillow so it doesn't hang or roll during the night. This is general comfort advice, not a treatment - talk to a doctor about persistent shoulder pain, since calcific tendonitis is usually diagnosed and managed with imaging and a treatment plan, not sleep changes alone.
How To Sleep With Calcific Tendonitis
Getting through the night successfully while suffering from calcific tendonitis requires a lot of work. Here are a few techniques that can help you achieve the desired results.
1. Cortisone Injections
Cortisone injections are a tried and tested technique for reducing the pain and discomfort associated with calcific tendonitis. Doctors typically prescribe this treatment for patients due to its 90 percent success rate.
The injection disrupts the calcium deposits in the cuff tendon, easing the pain and restoring normal use of the shoulders within a short period. Unfortunately, the discomfort from the condition can worsen at night which is why speaking to your doctor is important.
Cortisone injections should make it easier to sleep and as long as you seek early treatment, the probability of success can be high.
2. Adjustable Bed
Adjustable frames can come in handy when recovering from rotator cuff injury. These beds allow the sleeper to choose from a range of angles to lie down in. This means not only lying down on the back but flipping between different angles to settle on one that provides maximum custom comfort.
Remember, the pain from shoulder injuries and related conditions can subside greatly when the patient sleeps in a position that elevates the upper body.
If you can afford an adjustable bed, the recovery process from calcific tendonitis can be extremely smooth regardless of the initial degree of discomfort.
The LUCID L300 Adjustable Bed Base with 12-inch Memory Foam Mattress has been lifesaving since my calcific tendonitis diagnosis. It is easy to assemble by complete beginners and ships with an adjustable base and 12-inch mattress combo.
3. Recliner
As stated earlier, lying down in a reclined position can be the key to sleeping through the night peacefully. Choosing a recliner with a comfortable armrest often does the trick as it guarantees that the patient does not roll over to rest on the injured region.
Recliners come in shapes and sizes ranging from fully upholstered models to plastic. Remember, calcific tendonitis can take up to 6 weeks to heal so choosing a recliner that offers maximum comforts can save you from a lot of stress.
Also, make sure the recliner of choice is steady enough to support your body weight. The last thing you need is to fall in the middle of the night as a result of fragile support.
The JUMICCO Fabric Recliner Chair is another great option for recovering from shoulder pain. It features breathable fabric with thick padding for the ultimate comfort throughout the night. It also sports an armrest and footrest for elevating the legs.
4. Prop Up The Body With Pillows
You may not be able to afford a recliner or adjustable bed but that does not mean that you cannot sleep through the night without incident. Propping up the upper body with pillows often ensures that the sleeper can get through the night in the coveted reclined position.
Make sure the pillows are steady enough to support the back region and feel free to use as many as possible to gain the necessary amount of comfort. Another option is to lie flat on the back with the injured arm supported by a pillow.
The pillow underneath the sore shoulders should offer a steady stream of comfort and support through the 7 or 8-hour shuteye session. This trick often works well when only one side of the shoulders is experiencing discomfort.
5. Ice The Pain
📺 Watch: Ice Therapy for Shoulder, Knee, or Ankle Injuries/Pain Putting ice packs on the sore shoulders can be a great way to gain instant relief from the pain. Ice works by numbing the discomfort to guarantee the probability of the sleeper enjoying a great night.
For the best results, put ice on the shoulders for 15-20 minutes every hour or so until the pain reaches levels that make it easy to nod off. However, avoid leaving naked ice on the affected area to prevent the risk of ice burns.
You can do this by wrapping the ice in a cloth or towel before placing it on the affected area.
The FlexiKold Gel Ice Pack from Amazon is my go-to remedy to seek relief from pain and swelling after suffering injury or undergoing surgery. It stays colder for longer compared with rival products. It is highly-rated and recommended for everyone.
6. Read more
Choosing the right sleeping angle and position can be a great start but taking active steps to remove anxiety from the mind is equally important. It is no secret that reading is one of the best ways to calm down a distressed mind and guide it gently to Dreamland.
Some folks prefer reading boring textbooks and magazines in subjects they have little interest in while others find topics that stimulate the mind more refreshing. So it is up to you to choose what works best.
As long as you do not underestimate the power of reading in enhancing the chances of getting a good amount of shuteye, you should be fine.
7. Take Pain Medications
Pain medications can be a great way to enjoy a good night of rest when suffering from calcific tendonitis or another type of rotator cuff injury. These medicines work by inhibiting the transportation of pain signals to the brain.
The result is a significant reduction in the level of discomfort a patient may suffer which can reduce anxiety levels significantly. With the brain now able to relax without difficulties, the sleep process should kick in at the right time.
Often, over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen may be all you need to counteract the pain associated with the condition.
8. Listen To Soothing Music
Tired of tossing and turning all night long? Why not put on some soothing music to help you slip away into Dreamland? Studies have shown that pain responds extremely well when the sufferer is exposed to relaxing music.
Listening to your favorite songs cannot only improve your moods but it may also distract the brain from negative sensations such as worries and pain. This can mean an easier pathway into Dreamland even from the most severe degrees of calcific tendonitis-induced pain.
No wonder many people listen to their favorite tunes on smartphones and iPods at bedtime whenever they’re struggling to hit the hay.
I personally use the Cowin E8 Active Noise-Canceling Headphones from Amazon to doze off during moments of pain. It features amazing technology that drowns out background noises so I can focus on listening to **relaxing pleasant sounds **for satisfying sleep.
9. Essential Oils
Essential oils are another popular option for getting through the night when bogged down with excruciating shoulder pain. These oils are characterized by sweet aromas noted for calming down even the most distressed minds.
This means relief from pain, anxiety, and stress thus ensuring that the patient may fall asleep with little problems. Essential oils can be applied in a variety of ways including putting a few drops in your pillow, adding it to your nighttime bath, or circulating it throughout the bedroom via an electronic diffuser.
A few popular essential oils include:
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Lavender oil
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Tea tree oil
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Lemongrass oil
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Eucalyptus
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Cinnamon oil
The Ultimate Aromatherapy Diffuser and Essential Oil Set from Amazon offer the ultimate degree of relaxation to fall asleep. The sweet-scented aromas reduce anxiety and stimulate the brain to reduce sleep-boosting melatonin. It is highly recommended for anyone with sleep troubles.
10. Meditation
It is no secret that pain is more psychological than physical and this is why meditation has proven to be an effective way to relieve the body of discomfort. It can allow the practitioner to focus on more positive thoughts that may trick the brain into forgetting about the pain.
This can reduce stress and anxiety while increasing the patient’s sleep prospects at night. The good news is that with a bit of practice, anyone should be able to meditate. Fortunately, there are tons of meditative material on YouTube and other streaming sites for complete beginners to practice.
The Best Sleeping Position For Calcific Tendonitis
The resultant excruciating pain in one or both shoulders means sleeping in any position apart from the back can lead to aggravation of the discomfort. If you’ve always been a stomach or side sleeper, this may be the right time to switch to the back.
Sure, it may be uncomfortable in the beginning but at least the already sore shoulders can be spared the extra pressure from the body when you sleep on the back. If you’re experiencing pain in only one shoulder, lying down on the opposite side could be smart.
However, there’ll always be the risk of accidentally switching to the sore shoulder in the middle of the night when you’re savoring the delights Dreamland has to offer. This is why sticking to the back is such a good idea. The same avoid-the-affected-side approach applies broadly to shoulder pain, whatever the cause - see our full guide on how to sleep with shoulder pain for more positioning and pillow tips.
When to See a Doctor
Calcific tendonitis is diagnosed with imaging (usually an X-ray or ultrasound) and treated by a doctor or physical therapist, not managed through sleep position alone. See a doctor if the pain is severe, comes on suddenly, doesn't improve after a couple of weeks of rest and over-the-counter pain relief, or limits your ability to move the arm - they can confirm the diagnosis and discuss options like cortisone injections, shockwave therapy, or physical therapy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you sleep with calcific tendonitis?
Sleep on your back or on the side opposite the affected shoulder, using pillows to keep yourself from rolling onto the sore side overnight. Propping the upper body up slightly, or supporting the affected arm on a pillow, also takes pressure off the joint. If the pain is disrupting sleep for more than a couple of weeks, check in with a doctor about treatment options beyond positioning.
What triggers calcific tendonitis?
Calcific tendonitis develops when calcium deposits build up in a rotator cuff tendon, though doctors don't fully understand why it happens in some people and not others - reduced blood flow to the tendon and repetitive shoulder use are commonly discussed factors. It's not caused by how much calcium you eat, and there's no reliable way to prevent it through diet.
Does calcific tendonitis go away on its own?
It can - many cases move through a natural cycle where the calcium deposit forms, sits for a while, then gets reabsorbed by the body, with pain often easing once reabsorption starts. That process can take months, though, and some cases need treatment (like cortisone injections, shockwave therapy, or in rare cases surgery) to resolve. A doctor can tell you which phase you're likely in and whether watching and waiting is reasonable for your case.
How long does calcific tendonitis pain last?
It varies widely - some people improve within a few weeks, while others have discomfort that lingers for several months, particularly during the acute resorptive phase when the deposit is breaking down. If pain hasn't improved after a few weeks of conservative care, it's worth having a doctor reassess the plan.
Is heat or ice better for calcific tendonitis at night?
Ice is generally recommended during flare-ups since it numbs pain and reduces inflammation - apply it wrapped in a cloth for 15-20 minutes before bed rather than directly on the skin. Some people find gentle heat more soothing once the sharpest pain has settled, so it can help to try both and see what your body responds to, or ask a physical therapist for guidance.
Conclusion
Sleeping with calcific tendonitis is possible even if a bit tricky as the pain can be significant to the point where many patients toss and turn all night. The key is to choose a sleeping position that ensures minimal pressure on the sore area while providing additional comfort and support.
Apart from cortisone injections, icing the affected region and taking pain medications can be effective ways to reduce the level of discomfort a patient may be suffering.
Reading at bedtime, meditating, and listening to music are additional ways to calm the mind and help the patient fall asleep much quicker. As long as you adhere to the tricks and techniques we’ve outlined, getting pleasant nighttime rest will never be impossible.
Founder of Sleeperholic and a lifelong sleep obsessive. My real interest is the theory of good sleep — what to do before bedtime, what a genuinely restful night looks like, and how to sleep well every night. I hope you enjoy reading everything about sleep as much as I enjoy writing it.
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