what to wear after shoulder surgery

3 min read 23-12-2024

Shoulder surgery recovery can be challenging, and choosing the right clothing plays a vital role in your comfort and healing process. This guide provides practical advice on what to wear after shoulder surgery, focusing on ease of dressing, minimizing discomfort, and promoting proper healing.

Understanding Your Post-Surgery Needs

Immediately after surgery, you'll likely have limited mobility in your shoulder. Choosing clothing that allows for easy dressing and undressing without straining your arm is paramount. The type of surgery and your individual healing process will influence your clothing needs. Always consult your surgeon or physical therapist for personalized recommendations.

Key Considerations:

Limited Arm Movement: Avoid clothing requiring overhead reaching or significant arm movement.
Swelling and Pain: Loose, comfortable clothing minimizes pressure and discomfort around the surgical site.
Wound Care: Select fabrics and styles that allow easy access for dressing changes and wound care.
Accessibility: Easy-to-open fasteners like velcro, zippers (with pull tabs), or large buttons are essential.
Comfort: Prioritize soft, breathable fabrics that won't irritate sensitive skin.

What to Wear: Top Recommendations

Here's a breakdown of ideal clothing choices for post-shoulder surgery recovery:

Tops:

Button-down shirts: These are excellent choices, allowing you to dress and undress without raising your arm. Look for shirts with large buttons or use button hooks for easier fastening.
Open-front cardigans or vests: These provide warmth and layering options without constricting movement. Choose soft materials like cotton or cashmere.
Loose-fitting T-shirts or tank tops: Opt for comfortable fabrics and avoid anything tight-fitting across your chest and shoulders.
Henley shirts: The button placket offers easy access without the need for overhead reaching.
Adaptive clothing: Specifically designed clothing with easy closures and comfortable styles is readily available online or in adaptive clothing stores.

Avoid: Pullovers, tight-fitting shirts, clothes requiring overhead reaching, and anything with restrictive necklines.

Bottoms:

Loose-fitting pants: Wide-leg pants, sweatpants, or pajama bottoms provide ample room for movement and swelling. Avoid tight-fitting jeans or restrictive clothing.
Elastic-waist pants: Easy to put on and take off without bending or straining.
Skirts (with assistance): Loose, flowy skirts might be an option, but consider if you can manage putting them on and off easily.

Avoid: Tight jeans, pants with complicated closures, and anything that restricts your movement.

Outerwear:

Open-front jackets or coats: These provide warmth without the need to put your arm overhead.
Lightweight zip-up jackets: Choose jackets with large zippers and pull tabs for easy access.

Avoid: Overcoats requiring buttoning or complex closures.

Dressing Techniques and Helpful Aids

Here are some tips for easing the dressing process:

Sit down: Always sit down while getting dressed to minimize strain.
Use assistive devices: Long-handled shoehorns, button hooks, and zipper pulls can aid in dressing.
Ask for help: Don't hesitate to ask a friend or family member for help when needed.
Dress the unaffected arm first: This will prevent further strain on your injured shoulder.

Fabrics and Materials

Prioritize soft, breathable fabrics that won't irritate your skin. Consider:

Cotton: Soft, breathable, and easy to care for.
Bamboo: Naturally soft and hypoallergenic.
Tencel: Soft, moisture-wicking, and wrinkle-resistant.
Modal: Soft, breathable, and drapes well.

Avoid fabrics that might be scratchy or irritating such as wool or synthetic materials.

When to Seek Professional Help

If you’re having trouble managing your clothing needs or experience increased pain, consult your physical therapist or doctor. They can provide advice and suggest assistive devices or alternative clothing solutions.

Remember, prioritizing comfort and ease of movement during your recovery is crucial. By choosing the right clothing, you can significantly enhance your comfort and contribute to a smoother recovery after your shoulder surgery.