So you’ve undergone surgery, but now you have another hurdle to jump over: the post-procedural recovery process. Your doctor atSpecialty Surgical Centerwill explain what you can expect after surgery, but he may not cover a few comfort-related topics like what sleeping positions may be best after your procedure.
Of course, the sleeping position that’s best for you is dependent upon the type of surgery you have. Nevertheless, we’ve created a quick, comprehensive guide with some of the best sleeping positions for after surgery.
Sleeping On Your Back
One of the best sleeping positions after any kind of surgery requires lying straight on your back. Surgeries performed on thespine, hips, legs, and arms often benefit most from sleeping on the back, especially when a pillow or rolled up blanket is tucked underneath areas of the body for support, like the shoulders, low back, knees, orankles. Specific details regarding where your legs, arms, and toes should be placed vary, but for the most part, sleeping on your back with your arms at your side and toes pointed toward the ceiling may be best. This position helps keep your body neutrally aligned, so when in doubt, you may want to sleep on your back! Regardless, be sure to call Specialty Surgical Center if you have any questions or concerns.
Sleeping On Your Side
There are instances where side sleeping may not be “okayed” by a doctor, especially for those who undergo certain spinal or hip surgeries. Nevertheless, if your doctor determines it is safe for you to sleep on your side, you may do so as long as you have asupport mechanismtucked between your knees or ankles. A support “mechanism” can be as simple as one or two plush pillows or a specially designed foam block. Talk to your doctor about ways you can keep your body safe while sleeping in this position.
Sleeping On Your Stomach
In most cases, sleeping on your stomach after surgery is not advised. This position could compromise the health of your spine and put too much pressure on your hips or other areas of the body. If you’re a die-hard stomach-sleeper, we’re sorry, but you’re just going to have to stick to side sleeping or sleeping on your back until you’ve healed fully!
For more information about sleeping positions after surgery, talk to your doctor at Specialty Surgical Center! He will advise you on what sleeping positions may or may not be best after your particular surgery.
Specialty Surgical Center is located in Sparta, New Jersey, and our staff consists of board certified surgeons and anesthesiologists performing procedures inOrthopedics, Sports Medicine,Spinal Care,Podiatry,Urology,Pain Management,ENT,Hand Surgery, Lithotripsy, Brachytherapy,GYNand Laser Surgery.
For more information about Specialty Surgical Center, call 973-940-3166 or visit ourContact Page.
