Recovering from right arm surgery (shoulder, elbow, or wrist) requires mandated arm elevation. A recliner is necessary for managing post-operative pain and preventing swelling by keeping the arm consistently elevated above the heart. Successfully adapting the chair for recovery requires specific physical setup, establishing an independent environment, and mastering safe movement.
Setting Up the Recliner for Optimal Right Arm Elevation and Support
The recliner setup must maintain the operative right arm above the heart to reduce post-surgical swelling. Most patients find a recline angle between 45 and 60 degrees most comfortable, as lying completely flat can put pressure on the healing joint. This semi-upright posture naturally assists in positioning the arm higher than the chest.
A stable “nest” of support is created using firm foam wedges or tightly stacked pillows along the right side of the chair. This structure must support the entire length of the arm, from the shoulder to the hand, ensuring the wrist and hand are the highest points. The elbow should be positioned slightly lower than the wrist to facilitate fluid drainage away from the hand and fingers.
To prevent slumping and maintain proper spinal alignment, a small, rolled towel or specialized lumbar pillow should be placed at the curve of the lower back. This support reduces pressure on the tailbone and prevents the body from shifting in a way that might compromise the right arm’s position. Heat or cold packs, if prescribed, can be secured to the shoulder or elbow using elastic wraps or specialized garment pockets. Ensure the weight of the packs does not collapse the supportive pillow arrangement or cause movement at the surgical site.
Essential Accessories for Recliner Independence
Independence requires arranging the environment so all necessary items are easily accessible with the uninjured left hand. Place a side table directly adjacent to the left arm of the recliner, keeping everything within a short, non-straining reach.
Essential items include a spill-proof water bottle that uses a long straw, eliminating the need to lift or tilt the container. Remote controls, e-readers, and phones should be placed on non-slip mats or tethered to the table to prevent falls. A simple, large-print medication schedule should also be kept nearby, along with a charger cable secured to the table’s edge for easy one-handed connection.
Managing the recliner may require adaptation, especially if it uses a manual lever typically located on the right side. If an electric recliner is unavailable, some manual chairs can be adapted with a PVC pipe extension that allows the lever to be operated by the left hand or foot. For clothing, select loose-fitting garments that button or zip in the front, as these are managed one-handed more easily than pull-over shirts. Blankets should be lightweight and kept loosely draped over the legs, avoiding any fabric that might catch or tug at the supported right arm.
Safe Entry, Exit, and Repositioning
Moving in and out of the recliner safely prevents injury to the healing arm and reduces fall risk. Before attempting to stand, return the recliner to its most upright position, ensuring the footrest is fully lowered to create a solid base. The injured right arm must be held securely against the body or stabilized by the sling throughout the transition.
To exit, scoot the body forward to the edge of the seat, ensuring the feet are flat on the floor and slightly behind the knees. Leverage is generated by pushing down with the strong left arm on the chair’s armrest and simultaneously using leg strength to rise to a standing position. This technique minimizes reliance on the upper body, protecting the surgical site.
The process is reversed for safe entry. Guide the body as you back up until the back of the knees touch the recliner seat. The left hand can then reach back to the armrest to brace the body’s weight, slowly lowering into the seat while maintaining control. Positioning assistive devices, such as a sturdy temporary grab bar or a solid piece of furniture, near the left side of the recliner can provide an additional point of leverage. This is beneficial for older individuals or those with generalized weakness. Repositioning for sleep or comfort requires slow, deliberate movements, shifting weight primarily by using leg and core muscles. Take care not to disturb the precisely arranged pillow nest supporting the right arm.