Shoulder surgery followed by immobilization in a sling presents a challenge to daily self-care, especially when getting dressed. Protecting the repair while maintaining independence can feel overwhelming during the initial weeks of recovery. This guide offers practical solutions and clothing recommendations to navigate this temporary limitation, ensuring maximum comfort and safety. Selecting the right garments and mastering specific techniques are essential for a smooth recovery and minimizing strain on the surgical site.
Essential Techniques for Dressing and Undressing
The fundamental principle is to minimize any active motion of the operated shoulder. To safely dress, the injured arm must always be sleeved first, allowing the unaffected arm to perform all necessary manipulation. Carefully thread the garment sleeve onto the injured arm, keeping the shoulder relaxed and still, and use the uninjured hand to pull the fabric up. Once the injured arm is sleeved, pull the rest of the shirt across the chest, slip the head through the neck opening, and insert the unaffected arm into its sleeve.
This sequence prevents the injured shoulder from lifting the garment’s weight or engaging in restricted movements. Performing this process while sitting down offers stability and prevents the risk of losing balance during the one-handed maneuver. To remove clothing, the process is reversed: the unaffected arm is undressed first, pulling the garment off its sleeve and over the head. The fabric is then gently slid off the injured arm last, which remains passive and close to the body.
For personal hygiene, such as washing the underarm area, gravity can assist movement without straining the shoulder. Gently bending forward at the waist allows the arm to move slightly away from the body, opening the space for cleaning with a damp cloth or sponge. Throughout all activities, keep the affected arm relaxed; the uninjured arm is responsible for all pulling, guiding, and positioning. Immediately after dressing, the sling must be reapplied to ensure the shoulder joint is properly immobilized and supported.
Choosing Upper Body Garments
The most suitable upper body garments eliminate the need to lift the arms overhead or manipulate small closures. Oversized, front-fastening tops, such as button-down shirts, blouses with snaps, or full-zip jackets, are recommended because they can be draped around the body. Selecting items one or two sizes larger than normal is beneficial. The extra room minimizes friction against the surgical site, comfortably accommodates the sling’s bulk, and makes it easier to thread the sleeve onto the injured arm.
Specialized adaptive clothing offers maximum ease with features like magnetic closures, Velcro fastenings, or side zippers that run the garment’s length. These designs allow the top to open completely, simplifying dressing to a wrap and fasten motion requiring minimal fine motor control. These options are useful when pain levels are highest and manipulating traditional buttons is challenging. The fabric should be soft, stretchy, and breathable, such as cotton blends or jersey, to prevent irritation to the skin or incision site.
Managing undergarments is a hurdle, as traditional bras require reaching behind the back or lifting the arms overhead. Front-clasping bras are the most practical solution, secured using only the uninjured hand. Alternatively, camisoles with built-in shelf bras or soft, stretchy sports bras that clasp in the front provide light support without restrictive straps. In the early stages of recovery, or if medically advised, going without a bra is a viable option to prioritize comfort and avoid strain on the shoulder.
Lower Body and Footwear
Limited upper body mobility significantly impacts the ability to manage lower body garments. The ideal choices are pants or shorts with elastic waistbands, drawstrings, or pull-on styles manageable with one hand. Complex closures, such as zippers, multiple buttons, or belts, should be avoided, as they demand two hands and fine motor control. Lightweight fabrics, like sweatpants or loose-fitting joggers, are preferable because they are easier to pull up without requiring excessive bending or twisting of the torso.
Safety is the primary consideration when selecting footwear, as a loss of balance can lead to a fall that compromises the surgical repair. Entirely slip-on shoes, such as loafers, mules, or athletic shoes with Velcro closures, are recommended. The wearer must be able to put on or take off the shoe without bending over, which places strain on the back and requires single-leg balance. Laced shoes, high heels, or any footwear requiring awkward manipulation should be avoided until full recovery.
Socks require thoughtful selection to simplify the dressing routine and reduce the need to reach down past the knees. Loose-fitting socks or mild compression stockings that are easy to stretch over the foot with one hand are the best choice. This focus on easy-to-don lower body garments and safe footwear helps mitigate the elevated risk of falling during the recovery period.