How do you dress yourself after shoulder surgery?
Mia Kelly
Published Jan 06, 2026
Loose-fitting shirts that are easy to put on, like button-down shirts and oversized t-shirts, are best for post-surgery. You can also find post-surgical shirts made specifically for shoulder surgery patients at online retailers. When getting dressed, focus on putting the surgical arm in first.
What clothes do you wear after shoulder surgery?
Be sure you have sweatpants or elastic-waist pants and button-up shirts or very loose-fitting T-shirts. You won't be able to tie your shoes, so get slip-on shoes or ones with Velcro closures.
How long should you sleep in a recliner after shoulder surgery?
Sleeping on an incline for 4-6 weeks after surgery is best. For the first week or two, a recliner may be the most comfortable option. Purchasing a 45 degree wedge from a medical supply store can also provide a stable base to prop yourself up in the bed. Wear your sling.
Can you wear a bra after shoulder surgery?
Clothing for Hospital Should Include Loose Fitting Upper Apparel. A loose fitting sleeveless undershirt followed by a loose button down shirt. Please do not wear a traditional bra for two weeks, but one with a T-back or racer back straps are okay.
How do you shower after shoulder surgery?
You may shower after the dressing is removed. Do not put your shoulder under water for four weeks after surgery, such as in a bath, hot tub, or pool. You may shower and let the water run over your incision, then pat it dry. Do not put ointment, alcohol, or lotion over your incisions, it is best to keep them dry.
44 related questions foundCan I take my sling off to shower after shoulder surgery?
You should keep your incision dry (no shower or bath) until 5 days after your surgery, at which time you can begin to shower. Do not bathe, swim, or use hot tubs for at least 3 weeks after your surgery.
What kind of bra do you wear with a one shoulder dress?
A strapless bra is pretty much the only way to deal with one shoulder clothes. You can get some convertible bras that will do one shoulder options but these are generally going to be convertible bras that go strapless as well.
Is shoulder surgery painful?
Rotator cuff repair is the most painful surgery in the first postoperative days. The main risk factor for pain is a work related accident or occupational disease, associated with higher VAS values from D1 to 1 year and greater morphine intake.
What is the fastest way to recover from shoulder surgery?
5 Tips to Speed Your Recovery from Rotator Cuff Surgery
- Wear your shoulder immobilizer or sling. ...
- Participate in physical therapy. ...
- Eliminate pain medication as quickly as possible. ...
- Avoid certain shoulder positions and arm movements. ...
- Don't rush your recovery.
How do you get out of bed after shoulder surgery?
To get out of bed:
- Roll onto your side.
- Bend your knees until your legs are hanging over the side of the bed.
- Use your arms to lift your upper body up so that you are sitting on the edge of the bed.
- Push off with your arms to stand up.
How long after shoulder surgery can I drive?
After surgery, one of the most popular questions patients ask the shoulder surgeon is, “When can I drive again?” In general, you should avoid driving for at least six to twelve weeks or until your doctor says you don't need to wear the sling any more.
What clothes to wear with a sling?
Opt for short sleeves.
This is especially true if it's warm enough to wear short sleeves comfortably. It's easier to put on these light garments with an arm injury than it is to put on long-sleeved clothes, so, if you need to wear a sling, just slip on your short-sleeved shirt before putting your sling on each morning.
Which surgery is worse knee or shoulder?
In fact, the Johns Hopkins researchers say, their study shows that patients who undergo shoulder arthroplasty to relieve chronic and significant pain can expect significantly fewer complications, much shorter hospital stays and less costs than patients undergoing hip or knee replacement.
Can I walk after shoulder surgery?
You can do things like walk immediately. Usually, you will be in a sling for a period of 2 to 6 weeks depending on the type of surgery. During that time you can remove the sling to extend the elbow several times a day.
How do you wear a shoulder top without a strapless bra?
Put on a plunging bra for a deep neckline.
Go for a plunging bra that sticks on without straps to avoid any part of your bra peeking out from underneath your shirt. You can also find stick-on plunging bras so you don't have to deal with clasps in the back, either. Those are great for backless shirts and dresses.
Is it OK to show bra straps?
Bra straps need not be hidden, they should be showcased and shown love; but that doesn't mean that every once in a while, you won't come across someone who just won't have it. They'll point it out, say something rude, and walk away as if it were no big deal.
How do you wear off shoulder tops?
Wear your top with high-waisted jeans or a skirt for a relaxed look. Choose a soft, breathable off-the-shoulder top and pair it with high-waisted jeans. If you'd rather wear a skirt, choose an off-the-shoulder top that's a little more fitted. Wear shoes such as flats, sandals, or casual boots to complete the look.
How do you clean armpits after shoulder surgery?
What should be used to clean under the arm following shoulder surgery? Use warm water only. Avoid using soaps or deodorant, as these tend to irritate the skin under the armpit area.
How do you clean under arm after shoulder surgery?
Do not scrub the incisions or vigorously dry them. When you are permitted to shower, you will not be able to lift the arm up over your head to wash under your armpit. A nice trick is to bend forward at the waist, and just let the arm dangle.
What happens if I don't wear my sling after rotator cuff surgery?
One-and-a-half months after surgery, patients who did not wear a sling had increased shoulder motion, including external (outward) rotation and active elevation. Both groups showed continued improvement at three months, but shoulder elevation remained greater in the no-sling group.
Can I take my arm out of sling?
In most cases, the shoulder sling is simply to prevent shoulder movement. So, it's okay to take it off when you are sitting at home with the arm at your side. You can take the arm out of the sling and place it on a pillow, mimicking the position that it would be in with the sling.
How long should I keep my arm in a sling?
You may wonder how to use an arm sling or how to wear an arm sling properly. The quick answer, after having surgery on your shoulder, you may be asked to wear a sling for anywhere from 6-10 weeks.