Are you dealing with shoulder pain from a torn muscle, rotator cuff injury, or shoulder surgery?
If so, you might be thinking of shoulder surgery and all the things that will come after you go under the knife.
It's true that undergoing a shoulder surgery requires a few adjustments to your daily life—especially when it comes to dressing.
Limited shoulder mobility can make this task unusually challenging, but with a few techniques and the right clothing, you can get dressed and undressed with minimal pain and effort. This guide offers practical tips for anyone recovering from shoulder injuries.
Signs of a Rotator Cuff Injury
Before diving into dressing tips, let’s briefly discuss signs of a rotator cuff injury. People often experience pain or difficulty lifting their arm. Common symptoms include:
- A dull ache in the shoulder
- Difficulty lifting the arm overhead or to the side
- Weakness in the shoulder or arm
- Difficulty sleeping on the affected side
These symptoms are often seen with rotator cuff injuries or torn muscles in the shoulder.
This article is not ment to be taken as medical advice. If you experience these symptoms, consult a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis.
Dressing Post-Surgery: Wardrobe Essentials
When recovering from shoulder surgery or injury, your number one priority is to make dressing as easy as possible to avoid strain or reinjury. Ask your surgeon, PT, or OT about thier best practices as well.
- Loose, Comfortable Clothing: You can try oversized tops with wide armholes (like this dolman sleeve style from Bloomingdale's) and necklines that can be pulled on (with your good side) without raising your injured arm.
- Button-Up Shirts: Shirts with buttons or zippers are easier to put on because you don’t need to pull them over your head. The drawback is that these closures can be tricky to do one handed. You could buy this tool or even explore some magnetic button options.
- Front-Close Bras: Depending on your dressing needs, fine motor skills, and other factors, you may want to consider a front-close bra. Not only are they easier to access without reaching behind your back, but you'll avoid having to clasp those small hooks. Try something like this seamless comfort sculpt, or even an adaptive bra like this to make that first step in the morning hassle-free.
- Slip-On Shoes: Avoid bending down or struggling with laces by wearing shoes that can easily slip on. There are plenty of options, from slippers to easy-on sneakers so you can wear whatever you're most comfortable in.
- Elastic Waistbands: Pants with elastic are much easier to maneuver when dressing with one hand or limited shoulder mobility.
Dressing Techniques for Shoulder Injury Recovery
Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting dressed while protecting your shoulder.
You can also watch this great tutorial below by Equipt Me OT!
- Start with the Injured Side: Always put your injured arm through the sleeve first. This reduces strain and allows you to maneuver the rest of the garment with your good arm.
- Use Front-Opening Garments: For shirts, start by sliding the injured arm into the sleeve, then pull the garment across and insert your healthy arm. This technique can work with button-up shirts, jackets, or other front-fastening tops.
- For Pants: Sit down to put on pants and start with the leg on the side of your injured shoulder. Use your non-injured hand to pull the waistband over both legs, then stand to finish pulling them up.
- Avoid Overhead Movements: Tops that require raising your arm overhead are generally more challenging. Front-opening garments or tops with stretchy necks that allow you to pull them on gently are ideal.
Undressing After Shoulder Surgery When it’s time to undress, follow these steps in reverse:
- Remove Clothing from the Healthy Side First: By taking the garment off your healthy side first, you can carefully slide it off the injured shoulder with less strain.
- Pull Garments Downward: If you’re wearing a loose or stretchy top, carefully pull the garment down instead of over your head.
- Ask for Assistance If Needed: If your shoulder is particularly stiff or painful, don’t hesitate to ask for help from a friend or family member.
Additional Tips for Safe Dressing
- Use Tools to Help: Tools like a dressing stick or reacher can help you manage clothing without stretching or straining your shoulder.
- Practice Patience: Dressing may take longer initially. Practicing these steps can help you feel more independent as you recover.
- Take Breaks if Needed: Shoulder injuries often require more energy and patience, so take breaks as needed to avoid further strain.
Adapting to life with a shoulder injury or after shoulder surgery takes time, but these techniques can make the process of getting dressed more manageable.
By choosing suitable clothing, starting with the injured side, and using assistive tools if necessary, you can maintain comfort and safety while dressing independently.
Additional Reading:
The Best Bra for a Shoulder Injury: A 55-Year-Old’s Experience
