Showering after shoulder replacement surgery requires careful preparation and adherence to specific movement restrictions to protect the newly replaced joint. The primary goals during this period are to prevent a fall, maintain the integrity of the surgical incision, and avoid any movements that could compromise the shoulder repair. A safe and effective shower allows individuals to manage personal hygiene independently while ensuring a smooth recovery.
Protecting the Surgical Site
The timeline for showering after surgery varies, but many surgeons allow it as early as 24 to 72 hours post-operation, provided the incision can be kept completely dry. This allowance depends on the type of dressing applied by the surgical team. Some surgeons use specialized waterproof dressings, such as transparent film or skin glue, which are designed to withstand gentle water exposure for several days.
If the dressing is not waterproof, temporary protection is necessary. You can create a barrier by covering the incision with a commercial waterproof shield or by carefully securing plastic wrap or cling film over the area with medical tape. Water contamination risks introducing bacteria into the wound, which can lead to a severe infection around the new joint. Therefore, avoid submerging the shoulder in any standing water, such as a bath or pool, for at least four weeks, or until the surgeon confirms the wound is fully sealed.
Essential Safety Equipment and Setup
A shower chair or bench is highly recommended to allow you to wash while seated and reduce the risk of becoming dizzy or lightheaded. If your shower includes a bathtub, a tub transfer bench allows you to sit outside the tub and pivot safely into the shower area.
The bathing area should be equipped with securely installed grab bars, which are far more reliable than towel racks for maintaining balance during transfers. Non-slip mats placed both inside and outside the shower stall help prevent slipping on wet surfaces. Gathering all necessary supplies beforehand, such as a handheld showerhead and a long-handled sponge or brush, removes the need to twist, reach, or strain the operated shoulder. Using pump-top containers for soap and shampoo also simplifies the process, allowing one-handed dispensing.
The Safe Washing Process
Washing must strictly adhere to the movement restrictions provided by your surgical team, which forbid active lifting, pushing, or twisting of the operated arm. Once seated on the shower chair, carefully remove the sling and position the operated arm securely, often resting it gently in your lap or supported by a rolled towel. Some patients find a separate, mesh shower sling helpful to maintain the arm’s protected position without soaking the standard sling.
The non-operated arm will manage the majority of the washing, using long-handled tools to reach the back, lower legs, and feet. When washing the torso and non-surgical side, ensure all motions are controlled and keep the surgical arm protected and stationary. To wash the armpit on the operated side, gently lean forward and allow the arm to hang slightly away from the body, using the non-operated hand to clean the area. The incision itself should only be exposed to a gentle flow of lukewarm water, avoiding a direct, high-pressure spray, and should not be scrubbed with soap or a washcloth.
Careful Drying and Aftercare
After the shower, the body should be dried with soft, clean towels using a gentle patting motion rather than rubbing, which can irritate the skin and incision. The area around the surgical site requires particularly careful attention to ensure it is completely dry to prevent skin breakdown and infection.
Use a separate, clean towel or sterile gauze to gently pat the incision dry, making sure all moisture is gone before any dressing is reapplied. If your original dressing was removed, apply the new dressing exactly as directed by your surgeon. Carefully reapply the shoulder sling to secure the arm in its proper supportive position before attempting to get dressed. Watch for any signs of complication in the days following, such as a fever, increased redness, excessive swelling, or unusual drainage from the incision, and contact your doctor if these symptoms appear.