After arthroscopic shoulder surgery, protecting the surgical repair is the highest priority, even during showering. This minimally invasive procedure involves small incisions, but underlying structures, such as the rotator cuff or labrum, require weeks of careful protection to heal correctly. Recovery depends on preventing infection and avoiding sudden movement that could disrupt the surgical site. The process of showering must be planned meticulously. Before any water touches your skin, contact your surgeon’s office to receive personalized clearance, as their guidance on wound care supersedes any general instruction.
Determining When Showering is Safe
The timing of your first post-operative shower depends on the surgeon’s protocol and the condition of your surgical wounds. Most patients are instructed to wait 24 to 72 hours after the procedure. This waiting period allows post-operative dressings to manage drainage and the small incisions to begin sealing. Until your surgeon gives explicit permission, maintain hygiene through sponge baths, focusing on areas away from the shoulder.
Showering is typically permitted only after the initial bulky dressing is removed and the incisions are dry, without active drainage. If a pain pump catheter was used, the timeline may be longer, as the dressing cannot be removed until the catheter is taken out. Even after clearance, total submersion of the shoulder in water—such as baths, hot tubs, or swimming—is prohibited for several weeks until the incisions are completely healed.
Essential Tools and Shower Setup
Preparing the bathroom environment minimizes the risk of a fall or accidental arm movement. A non-slip mat should be placed inside and outside the shower area for secure footing. A shower chair or bench is highly recommended, as sitting reduces imbalance and allows you to focus on washing without the fatigue of standing while keeping the arm immobilized.
To protect the arthroscopic portals, use a reliable waterproof barrier unless directed otherwise by your surgical team. This barrier can be a specialized dressing or household cling wrap securely taped around the incision sites. A handheld shower nozzle is valuable, allowing you to direct water to non-operative areas without soaking the surgical shoulder. The arm sling is generally removed just before entering the shower, but the operative arm must remain completely passive and protected from movement throughout the process.
Step-by-Step Guide to Washing Safely
The actual showering process must be executed with extreme caution, prioritizing the immobility of the operative arm. Begin by sitting securely on the shower chair, if one is available, or standing with your back to the water spray to allow for better control. Ensure the water temperature is lukewarm, as overly hot water can increase swelling and inflammation around the surgical site.
Before starting, the operative arm should be gently removed from the sling and kept tucked close to your side, hanging naturally and completely limp. You should only use the non-operative arm for all washing tasks, including lathering soap and maneuvering the handheld shower nozzle.
Start by washing the non-operative side of your body. When washing your torso, use a long-handled brush or sponge to reach your back and lower body, maintaining your balance while keeping the surgical arm still. For washing the hair, it is safer to pre-wash it over a sink with assistance or to lean your head back slightly under a gentle, directed spray, ensuring you do not lift the surgical arm to scrub.
To clean the armpit and under the operative arm, you must use a specific technique to avoid moving the shoulder joint. Gently lean your torso forward, allowing the operative arm to hang freely away from your body in a relaxed, gravity-assisted position, similar to a passive pendulum exercise. While leaning, you can reach underneath with your non-operative hand and a mild soap to gently clean the underarm area, taking care to keep the shoulder joint stationary. Allow the soap and water to gently run over the incision sites without scrubbing or directing the spray at them.
Post-Shower Incision Care
Once washing is finished, the steps for drying and re-dressing are important for preventing infection. Carefully exit the shower area at a slow pace to prevent slips. Gently remove the waterproof covering over your incisions, taking care not to pull on the skin or sutures.
Use a clean, soft towel to thoroughly dry the non-operative areas of your body. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing the surgical site. Instead, gently pat the incisions completely dry, followed by a few minutes of air drying to ensure no moisture remains.
Inspect the incisions for any signs of concern, such as increased redness, swelling, foul odor, or new drainage. If any are present, contact your surgeon’s office before applying a new dressing. Cover each small incision with a fresh, sterile dressing or Band-Aid, following your physician’s instructions. Finally, carefully position the operative arm and reapply the prescribed sling, ensuring the shoulder is supported for continued healing.