If you are one of the 50,000 people undergoing shoulder surgery in the United States, you are far from alone. In fact, women in particular are prone to shoulder injuries and on average are found to be at higher rates of for shoulder replacements, rotator cuff repairs, frozen shoulder, and other shoulder-related injuries.

While post-op recovery can present unique challenges, especially when it comes to getting dressed, planning carefully for the big day (and after) can put you in good shape to face recovery with ease.

To help prepare, we've rounded up advice from experts around the web including a dressing guide by occupational therapist, @EquiptmeOT. Read on for our roundup of the best things to consider when planning your surgery dress code.

 

Did You Know? 

Women on average are found to be at higher rates of for shoulder replacements, rotator cuff repairs, frozen shoulder, and other shoulder-related injuries. 

Your Go-To Dress Code for Shoulder Surgery: 

 

1. Pick Loose, Button-Up Clothing

After shoulder surgery, the last thing you want to do is struggle into a fitted top. Post-op is a time to embrace comfort with flowy, loose silhouettes than can be pulled on overhead with one arm (see next tip below).

Some easy one-hand closure options might include button-up shirts or tops with zippers to minimize shoulder movement and pain. Consider all pieces of your wardrobe as well, including front-closing bras and elastic-waist pants. If this seems like a challenge as well, we've got some more suggestions for you in suggestion #3. 

2. Use Your Non-Affected Arm First

When dressing, make your "good" arm take on extra work. You can use your non-injured arm when guiding clothing into place, making adjustments, or pulling up waitbands. Not only does this reduce strain on the healing shoulder, but it also helps minimize discomfort.

Pro Tip: Rest the injured arm side on a pillow in your lap to prevent extra movements.

 

 

3. Consider Adaptive Clothing

If buttons and zippers sound too fiddly or painful, you might consider buying specialty pieces of clothing to address your post-op needs. This type of clothing, also known as adaptive clothing, offers regular-style clothing but with easy to use fasteners such as Velcro or magnets.

These garments might also have other easy-use features, such as sensory-soft fabrics, tagless necklines, and loops to help manipulate. All these combined make adaptive garments an ideal addition to many post-surgery wardrobes. 

4. Prioritize Comfortable Footwear

Choose slip-on shoes or footwear with easy closures to avoid bending or straining your shoulder. Comfortable, supportive shoes make moving around during recovery easier.

 

 

5. Maintain Good Posture and Move Slowly

After surgery, there is a saying: Mind your movement. Slow are careful motions are critial in the weeks following shoulder surgery to prevent pain. Focus on maintaining good posture when dressing or undressing helps reduce strain, especially on the shoulder.

One trick we love is to gently rest your hand from your injured side on the opposite hip when dressing to avoid moving unless absolutely needed. Wherever possible, move the clothing around your arm as much as possible, instead of the other way around.

 Credit: Virtual Fracture Clinic team

 

 

Conclusion

Proper clothing choices and mindful dressing techniques make the recovery process smoother and safer. For those undergoing shoulder surgery, these tips offer a practical way to simplify daily tasks and reduce discomfort.

 

More Reading:

• If you're interested in seeing these tips in action, we highly recommend checking out this video here.
• Read about this woman's recovery journey here
• Read more about adaptive clothing options here.