The practice of dressing and undressing can become a challenge when one side of the body is affected by injury, surgery, or a neurological event like a stroke. The “weak side” is the limb or part of the body with reduced strength, sensation, or control. The “strong side,” or unaffected side, retains its full function and assists with daily tasks. Medical professionals employ a standardized procedure to promote safety, comfort, and independence. This technique minimizes strain on the compromised limb and helps the individual maintain self-sufficiency.
The Rule for Putting Clothes On
When putting on a garment, the universal rule taught in healthcare settings is to always dress the weak or affected side first. This counter-intuitive sequence is designed to maximize the strong side’s ability to complete the maneuver. The process begins by threading the garment onto the less mobile limb, often with the strong arm assisting the weak limb into the sleeve or pant leg.
By placing the clothing onto the weak side first, the strong, functioning side is then free to manipulate the rest of the garment and pull it up and over the body. This approach prevents painful manipulation or excessive range of motion on the injured or weak limb. The strong side essentially takes on the majority of the work, allowing the affected side to remain relatively passive and protected.
The Rule for Taking Clothes Off
The method for undressing is the exact reverse of the dressing procedure. To remove a piece of clothing, you must always take the garment off the strong or unaffected side first. This sequence quickly creates necessary slack in the clothing, allowing it to move freely.
Removing the garment from the strong limb first allows the bulk of the clothing to loosen, which then permits the item to slide easily off the weak side. The strong side pulls itself out of the garment, leaving a wide opening that can then be gently guided off the affected limb without pulling or forcing the limb. This reversal of the order prevents the garment from snagging or pulling on the vulnerable limb, which could cause discomfort or strain.
Applying the Technique to Specific Garments
Applying this “dress weak first, undress strong first” principle is demonstrated on common items like shirts and pants.
For an upper-body garment, such as a pullover shirt, the first step is to gather the material and thread the weak arm through its armhole, pulling the sleeve up to the elbow or shoulder. Once the weak arm is secured, the strong arm can then pull the shirt over the head and easily slide into its own sleeve.
When taking that shirt off, the strong arm is removed first by pulling the shirt over the head and out of the strong-side sleeve. This action leaves the shirt hanging free, allowing the strong hand to gently pull the remaining sleeve off the weak arm.
For pants, the weak leg is inserted into the pant leg first, and then the strong leg follows, enabling the strong side to help pull the pants up over the hips once both feet are through the openings.
To remove pants, the strong leg is taken out first, which collapses the garment and creates a relaxed opening around the weak leg. This slack allows the pants to be guided down and off the weak leg without requiring the affected limb to be pulled through the material. This consistent application of the rule ensures protection and comfort for the individual.