Navigating the simple act of getting dressed can feel monumental after shoulder surgery. The surgical procedure can leave your shoulder sore, stiff, and in need of careful handling. Even putting on a shirt, an everyday task you might have taken for granted, can become a cumbersome ordeal. This is primarily due to restricted range of motion and potential pain when moving your arm in certain ways. It’s essential to adopt strategies that ensure you can put your shirt on comfortably while minimizing the risk of aggravating your shoulder.
Choosing the Right Shirt
Before you even think about the mechanics of putting on a shirt, picking the right type of shirt can make a world of difference. Loose-fitting clothing is your best ally during this recovery period. Opt for materials that stretch easily, like cotton or jersey fabric, which can glide over your body without pulling at your shoulder. Look for shirts with buttons or a wide neck that can be slid on without requiring too much lifting or twisting. These small adjustments can drastically reduce discomfort and make your dressing routine far more manageable.
Preparing Your Environment
Creating a supportive environment is key to successfully dressing after shoulder surgery. Before attempting to put on a shirt, ensure you have space where you can comfortably move around without risk of bumping into anything or straining yourself. Consider sitting down to lessen the strain on your shoulder. A chair with armrests offers additional support. Light the area well, so you can see what you’re doing, especially when navigating the shirt itself. Having a mirror nearby can help you adjust the shirt without too much arm movement.
Adopting a Strategy to Dress
When it comes time to put on your shirt, think in terms of a step-by-step strategy. Start by laying the shirt out in front of you on a flat surface. This can help you avoid awkward angles while you’re getting dressed. If you’re using a button-up shirt, leave it unbuttoned so it can open wide. Sitting comfortably, you can start with the arm that is not affected by the surgery. Slide that arm into the sleeve first, making sure to position the fabric carefully so it does not irritate your surgical site.
Using Your Non-Dominant Arm
After successfully getting your unaffected arm into the shirt, now it’s the time to maneuver your surgical arm. Use gravity to your advantage: gently let your affected arm fall into the shirt sleeve, ensuring that you’re not pushing or pulling excessively. If getting it through is difficult, you might consider loosening the sleeve further by stretching the fabric with your non-dominant hand. This reduces any potential friction and makes the whole process feel less awkward.
Supportive Devices Can Help
There are helpful tools specifically designed for people recovering from shoulder surgery. Dressing sticks are one of the most effective inventions. These tools allow you to grasp clothing without needing to lift your shoulder too much. They can help pull the shirt towards you while keeping your movement limited, reducing pain or discomfort. If you think you might struggle, investing in or borrowing one can make your life significantly easier when dressing.
Buttoning Up with Care
If you’re working with a button-up shirt, the next challenge comes — buttoning your shirt. This is where you’ll want to be particularly cautious. Start from the bottom of the shirt and work your way up. Use your unaffected hand to do the actual buttoning, while gently stabilizing the shirt with your other arm. If the buttons are too small or difficult to grasp, consider using a larger button shirt or wearing zip-ups or crew neck styles instead to avoid this hassle altogether during your healing process.
Seeking Assistance When Needed
Don’t hesitate to ask for help if you’re struggling with this process. Friends or family members can be valuable allies. Whether it’s in physically putting the shirt on for you or simply assisting you in getting it arranged properly, having someone else there can ease the stress and discomfort. Plus, it can provide a moment of camaraderie during a challenging time in your recovery, reminding you that you’re not in this alone.
Practicing Patience
Frustration can easily arise when things don’t go as planned. It’s important to remind yourself that healing takes time, both physically and emotionally. Acknowledge your limitations and celebrate the small victories, like successfully putting your shirt on without pain. If a particular approach doesn’t work well, don’t hesitate to try a different method.
Incorporating Deep Breathing Techniques
While you’re going through the motions of putting on a shirt, consider incorporating deep breathing exercises at the same time. This can reduce pain perception, helping you manage discomfort while focusing on the task at hand. Take slow, deep breaths before and during the process, which help signal your body to relax. Finding a rhythm between your movements and your breathing can create a more serene dressing experience.
Following Up with Your Healthcare Provider
Finally, it’s crucial to keep in touch with your healthcare providers during your recovery. Regular check-ins can help you confirm the appropriate steps to take while dressing. They might offer specific recommendations based on your surgery or progress, providing insights that can be pivotal to your recovery journey. Always prioritize what they advise you to ensure you’re not hindering your recovery as you learn to dress yourself independently again.
