Undergoing shoulder surgery, such as a rotator cuff repair or a total shoulder replacement, temporarily introduces a significant challenge to simple daily tasks. Limited mobility, often compounded by the necessity of wearing a sling, makes the act of getting dressed much more complicated than before the procedure. The inability to raise the arm or reach behind the back means that traditional clothing can cause frustration and potential strain on the healing tissues. Navigating this period successfully requires a strategic approach to clothing, prioritizing garments that allow for maximum independence while protecting the surgical site. This guide provides practical solutions for building a post-surgery wardrobe that supports a smoother, more comfortable recovery.
Essential Features for Post-Surgical Tops
The primary goal for tops after shoulder surgery is to completely eliminate the need to lift the operated arm or pull fabric over the head, which can cause significant pain and potentially compromise the surgical repair. Front-opening shirts are the most practical solution, as they allow the garment to be draped around the body rather than pulled on. These styles include traditional button-down shirts, blouses with snaps, or tops with full-length zippers. Snaps and full-length zippers are easier to manage with one hand than small, traditional buttons, reducing the fine motor skill requirement.
Selecting shirts that are loose-fitting or one size larger than normal is beneficial. Oversized garments provide ample room for the immobilized arm, accommodating the bulk of a sling and any post-operative swelling without causing compression or rubbing against the incision site.
The fabric itself should be soft, breathable, and offer natural stretch, such as cotton or a cotton blend. Stretchy materials make it easier to manipulate the sleeve over the braced or injured arm without requiring forceful movements that could place torque on the shoulder.
Adaptive Dressing Techniques
The most fundamental strategy is always to dress the operated side first and undress the non-operated side first. This sequence ensures that the most difficult, restricted movement—threading the injured arm—occurs while the shirt is loose and unencumbered.
To dress the upper body, place the shirt in the lap, and thread the sleeve for the immobilized arm on first using the non-injured hand. Once the sleeve is up past the elbow, slip the mobile arm into its sleeve, and pull the shirt across the chest and fasten it. This method minimizes the need for internal rotation or abduction of the operated arm, two motions often restricted after surgery.
When removing the shirt, employ the reverse technique: unfasten the shirt and remove the sleeve from the non-operated arm first. The shirt can then be carefully peeled off the immobilized arm, using the good hand to gently guide the sleeve down. For tops that must be pulled over the head, bunch the garment up and pull it off straight, allowing the fabric to slide off the immobilized arm last without excessive pulling.
Lower Body and Footwear Considerations
While the focus after shoulder surgery is on the upper body, dressing the lower body presents risks due to the bending, reaching, and twisting required for tasks like fastening pants or tying shoes. Elastic waistbands or drawstrings on pants, joggers, or shorts are recommended to simplify the process. These allow the garment to be pulled up or down using only the functional hand, eliminating the need to manage small buttons, snaps, or zippers.
Patients should avoid tight-fitting jeans or any pants with complex closures that demand fine motor skills or excessive twisting of the torso, which can inadvertently strain the shoulder. When putting pants on, it is safer to sit down and thread each foot into the pant leg before standing. This technique helps maintain balance and reduces the risk of a fall or reaching-related injury.
Footwear is also a significant consideration, as the inability to bend and reach makes tying laces nearly impossible. Slip-on shoes, loafers, or shoes secured with Velcro closures are the best options. Shoes should have good support and traction to prevent slips, which could lead to a reflexive movement of the injured shoulder. Using a long-handled shoehorn can further assist in getting shoes on without bending over or straining the back.
Specialized Garments and Accessories
Adaptive tops are specifically designed for post-surgical needs, often featuring magnetic closures instead of traditional buttons or snaps. These magnetic fastenings allow for effortless, one-handed closure, reducing the frustration associated with limited dexterity.
Some specialized post-surgical shirts are designed with discreet access points, such as side zippers or open-shoulder designs. These features allow the garment to be put on or removed without disturbing the sling or any surgical drains. For women, adaptive bras with front closures or Velcro shoulder straps are useful because they completely bypass the need to reach around the back.
Dressing aids are simple accessories that extend reach and leverage the functional arm. Tools such as a dressing stick or a reacher/grabber can be used to hook garments or retrieve items from the floor, minimizing the need to twist or bend the upper body.