Shoulder Abduction Pillow

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.

• Care notes
• Discharge
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A shoulder abduction pillow is a device used to protect your shoulder after surgery or trauma. Your healthcare provider will teach you about the type of abduction pillow you will use.

DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Call 911 for any of the following:

• You feel lightheaded, short of breath, and have chest pain.
• You cough up blood.
• You have trouble breathing.

Seek care immediately if:

• Your arm becomes larger than usual and painful.
• You have severe pain.
• You cannot move your arm.
• Your shoulder or elbow is twisted in or out.
• Any part of your arm is numb.

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

Contact your healthcare provider if:

• You have a fever or chills.
• The area of your skin that is touching the pillow is red, swollen, or painful. .
• You have pain that does not go away after you take pain medicine.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

What else do I need to know about a shoulder abduction pillow?

You may need a caregiver to help you while you use a shoulder abduction pillow. A caregiver is a family member or friend that helps with your care. Your provider will instruct you to do the following:

• Care for your skin care as directed. Your caregiver can loosen the straps every 2 to 4 hours and check your skin for sore or red areas. It is important to wash your arm, including your underarms, daily with soap and water. Your provider may prescribe powders or lotions that will prevent skin damage.
• Do exercises as directed. Your provider may instruct you to remove the pillow for exercise. He or she may ask you to wiggle your fingers once every hour. He or she may also show you how to do range of motion exercises. This will help prevent blood clots and improve blood circulation in your arm. Exercise may prevent you from losing movement and strength in your shoulder.
• Sleep in a comfortable position. You may find that sleeping in a recliner is more comfortable than in a bed. Keep the abduction pillow in place while you sleep. Do not sleep on your injured shoulder.

What else can I do to care for myself?

You may wear your abduction pillow over your clothes. You can care for yourself by doing the following:

• Drink more liquids. Liquids help keep your body hydrated and prevent a blood clot in your arm. Ask how much liquid you should drink and which liquids are best for you.
• Increase your comfort. You may need to decrease pressure from the device's straps on your skin. To do this, insert pillowcases or towels between your skin and the straps.
• Wear your shoulder abduction pillow at all times. Your pillow will keep your shoulder in one position while it heals. Your provider will tell you when it is safe to remove your shoulder abduction pillow.

Follow up with your healthcare provider as directed:

Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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