Shoulder surgery is a significant event that can be life-changing for those living with pain or mobility limitations...

However, the road to recovery comes with many considerations, including how you will dress.

Among the hardest garments to get on can be the first piece you’ll start the day with–a bra. Finding the right bra can make a world of difference in your comfort and ease as you heal.

The Challenges of Dressing After Shoulder Surgery

After shoulder surgery, many people find dressing is a challenge due to limited mobility and pain. Traditional bras with back closures or straps that need adjusting can be frustrating and present the risk of re-injury. Consider some common barriers:

• Difficulty Reaching: Fastening a bra with hooks or clasps behind your back can be nearly impossible when your shoulder is healing.

• Pain and Discomfort: Bra straps and closures that dig into your skin can cause additional pain, making your recovery period more uncomfortable.

• Irritating Fabrics: Many full-figure or plus-size bras get their support from rigid, scratchy fabrics that can further limit movement, be difficult to manipulate while dressing, and be downright uncomfortable! Even mainstream-sized bras tend to have scratchy lace, narrow digging straps, and poking wires.  
  
  
  

What to Look for in a Post-Shoulder Surgery Bra

When selecting a bra for post-shoulder surgery, comfort and ease are key. Here’s what you should consider:

1. Front Closure: This feature is essential!  It eliminates the need to reach behind your back and reduces strain on your healing shoulder.

2. Soft, Stretchy Fabric: Choose a bra made from soft, stretchy materials that won’t irritate stitches or healing skin. Better yet, look for breathable, lightweight options.

3. No Underwires or Seams: As mentioned above, underwires or irritating seams, can add to your discomfort and even apply pressure to sensitive areas.

4. Adjustable Fit: While you want something easy to put on, you also need a bra that offers a customizable fit to accommodate swelling and changes in your body as you recover.

A Post-Shoulder Surgery Bra Physical Therapists and OTs love!

Our recovery bras are specifically designed with your needs in mind. Here are a few ways our bras are designed to support you before and after your shoulder surgery:

• Magnetic Magic: Many of our styles, including our Everyday Easy On Bra and Liberare Wireless Bra feature magnetic front closures that allow for easy dressing without the need to extend or rotate the shoulder. The additional assistive dressing loops that frame the closure also help reduce painful pinching and make it easier to close the bra.

• Soft and Breathable: Made from ultra-soft breathable fabric, our bras provide gentle support and breathability. Check out our cotton blended Wrap Bralette or our  Everyday Easy On Brathat features a sleek, 4-way stretch fabric capable of accommodating changes in your body as you heal.

• No Underwires, No Seams: Our designs are all wirefree to ensure maximum comfort and reduce pressure on sensitive areas. We’ve replaced painful underwires with strategic cup construction, soft-yet-strong mesh linings, and a dedication to fit. 

• Adjustable: Even though our bras are easy to put on, they still offer front-adjustable straps to make finding your perfect fit and support level that much easier as you recover. 
  
  

Endorsements from OTs and PTs

We understand how crucial it is to get expert opinions when choosing a recovery bra. Liberare is proud to be loved by reviewed and endorsed by occupational therapists (OTs) and physical therapists (PTs) such as

Dr. Gretchen Hawley (PT,DPT, MSCS), EquiptMeOT, TechOwl, and Cheryl Crow (OT with RA)Arthritis_life_cheryl.

These professionals have praised our bra for its ease of use and practical design, beneficial to anyone recovering from shoulder surgery. With positive reviews from OTs and PTs, you can trust that our recovery bra is an excellent choice for supporting your healing journey.