Wearing a bra after shoulder surgery is a practical concern because the procedure temporarily alters the ability to move freely. A traditional bra requires significant shoulder mobility, which patients must restrict during the initial healing phase. The decision regarding which garment to wear depends heavily on the specific surgical repair, the required period of immobilization, and the precise instructions provided by the orthopedic surgeon.
Initial Movement Restrictions and Garment Safety
Immediately following shoulder surgery, the primary goal is to protect the surgical site and prevent any movement that could compromise the repair. Putting on a traditional bra, especially one that clasps in the back or pulls over the head, requires prohibited motions like external rotation and abduction. These movements place excessive strain on the repaired tendons and muscles. Surgeons often mandate strict immobilization, usually requiring the patient to wear a sling for several weeks. Traditional undergarments with back clasps, tight pullover designs, or rigid underwires are generally prohibited because attempting to maneuver an arm risks accidental, forceful movement that could disrupt healing tissues or cause irritation near the incision site.
Recommended Adaptive Bra Styles
The safest solution for support during recovery is an adaptive garment that minimizes shoulder movement. Front-closure bras are widely recommended because they eliminate the need to reach behind the back or pull the garment over the head. These styles often feature simple closures, such as large hooks, snaps, or magnetic fastenings, which can be managed with the non-operative hand. Preferred bras are typically wireless and constructed from soft, breathable materials like cotton or flexible microfiber. Look for wide straps, which help distribute weight evenly, and consider a soft camisole or tank top with a built-in shelf bra if support needs are minimal.
Safe Dressing Techniques Post-Surgery
Even with an adaptive garment, the method of dressing must be carefully controlled to prevent unwanted stress on the operated arm. The guiding rule for putting on any upper body clothing is to always “dress the injured side first.” For a front-closure bra, use the unaffected hand to guide the strap onto the surgical shoulder, keeping the injured arm close to the body and immobilized. Once the strap is on the surgical side, feed the bra around the torso and secure the front closure using the unaffected hand. When removing the bra, reverse the process: unfasten the closure first, then gently slide the strap off the surgical arm, or step into stretchy pullover styles, pulling them up over the hips and waist to avoid shoulder movement.
Criteria for Resuming Normal Undergarments
The transition back to wearing a typical pullover or back-closure bra is a gradual process that must be cleared by a medical professional. A structured bra may generally be introduced once the initial period of strict immobilization, often lasting four to six weeks, has concluded. The primary criteria for resuming normal wear involve achieving specific range-of-motion milestones without pain or strain. A patient must be able to perform the necessary motions, such as reaching behind the back to fasten a clasp or lifting the arm overhead, without exceeding physical therapy limitations. Since reaching the back clasp requires internal rotation and extension, which is often one of the last motions regained, the return to pre-surgery undergarments must align with the physical therapist’s assessment of joint stability and functional recovery.