Rotator cuff surgery repairs torn shoulder tendons. Following this surgery, immobilization is required to allow tendon-to-bone reattachment to heal, leading to significant restrictions on arm movement. This limitation makes getting dressed, particularly wearing a bra, a major concern for patients. With the right garments and techniques, it is possible to manage daily dressing while protecting the surgical repair.
Immediate Post-Operative Restrictions
The primary concern after rotator cuff surgery is protecting the repaired tendon, which requires the arm to be placed in an immobilization sling for several weeks. Doctors restrict all active motion in the operated arm for the first four to six weeks to prevent a re-tear of the newly anchored tissue. During this initial phase, the shoulder should only undergo passive range of motion exercises, meaning the joint is moved only by the surgeon or physical therapist, not by the patient’s own muscles. It is forbidden to raise the elbow away from the body, reach behind the back, or lift any weight with the operated arm, as these actions strain the repair site. The formation of scar tissue needs up to twelve weeks to become strong enough to withstand greater forces. Any movement involving internal rotation or lifting the arm can compromise healing.
Safe Dressing and Undressing Techniques
Dressing safely involves minimizing movement of the operated shoulder and relying almost entirely on the uninjured arm. The standard technique for putting on any upper body garment is “operated arm first, non-operated arm second.” This method ensures the operated limb is gently guided into the strap without requiring the shoulder joint to lift or rotate on its own.
To dress, lay the garment in your lap, bunch up the sleeve for the operated arm, and pull it over the immobilized arm first. Guide your head through the neck opening, and then push the uninjured arm through the remaining sleeve. When undressing, reverse this process: remove the non-operated arm first, gently pull the garment over the head, and slide it off the operated arm last. This sequence uses the uninjured arm to do all the work and prevents the operated arm from having to reach or pull.
Recommended Garment Alternatives
Traditional bras that clasp in the back or require pulling overhead are impossible to manage safely during early recovery. The reaching and twisting required to fasten a back-clasp bra or the strenuous pulling of a pullover bra can re-injure the shoulder. Front-closure designs are widely recommended because they eliminate the need for dangerous reaching and allow the patient to manage the closure with one hand.
Adaptive bras featuring front closures, often with magnetic clasps or hook-and-eye closures, are the safest option. Other suitable choices include soft, stretchy camisoles or tank tops with built-in shelf bras, which can be stepped into and pulled up over the hips instead of being put on overhead. Prioritizing soft, breathable fabrics and wide straps helps distribute pressure and avoid irritation around incision sites and sling straps. Underwire is discouraged, as it can press uncomfortably against the chest.
Timeline for Resuming Normal Wear
The return to wearing a standard, back-clasping bra is a gradual process linked directly to milestones achieved in physical therapy. Most surgeons advise patients to avoid traditional bras for at least the first four to six weeks, coinciding with the immobilization period. Safely wearing a normal bra depends on regaining the range of motion needed to comfortably reach behind the back and the strength to handle the twisting motion.
Patients typically begin active range of motion and light strengthening exercises around six to eight weeks post-surgery, guided by a physical therapist. The reintroduction of traditional dressing is slow, often starting around three to six months when the shoulder has enough strength and mobility to perform the necessary maneuvers. A full return to wearing any type of bra without restriction requires clearance from the surgeon and therapist after demonstrating pain-free movement and sufficient strength.