Shoulder "injury"?

I got a big abrasion on my elbow,which I applied iodine to, it got swollen so i elevated it, but I fell asleep in that position, after waking a few hours later, my entire shoulder was numb from being in that position while i slept.
For an entire month I was unable to raise my arm above my head, without pain. now I'm able to lift my shoulder but I still experience some pain when I bring it down to my side , also I hear a small pop and a snapping sensation in my upper shoulder as I bring it down. I never thought it was serious enough to see a doctor since I never actually hurt my shoulder but just acquired this injury by sleeping in a bad position, which is very perplexing

It sounds to me like you may have supraspinatus impingement. Supraspinatus is one of your 4 rotator cuff muscles and is easily pinched when the arm is raised overhead. If the tendon is damaged and has thickened in an attempt to heal itself then that may be what is snapping as you bring it down. The tendon has to pass under the acromion - a bony process on top of your shoulder - when the arm is moved overhead.The tendon also has a poor vascular supply and this makes it difficult to heal.

A knowledgeable massage therapist can friction out some of the adhesions you've acquired in this area.

When you hit your elbow, the pain overshadowed your shoulder. maybe all you did was stretch, sprain something in your shoulder. The main thing is do not let your shoulder freeze up, or you will be screwed for life. Make the shoulder move through full range of motion several times a day. best move it with the other arm, or have someone do it for you. discomfort is ok, pain is bad. Take something like ibuprofin to releive the inflamation and swelling.
If you have insurance , see a doctor.

You may well have injured itwhen you hurt your elbow and holding it still just stiffened it. Thereare exercises they give you when you dislocate your shoulder that include swinging thearm back and forth as far as you can each way, and making a circle along the wall with ytour arm extended. heat and massage may also help. Fot thecircle, actually mark a 36" circle on the wall with the centre being at shoulder hight with pencil, stand against it sideways, and try to keep yourfingers on the line while following it.