It may not be possible to move a shoulder after undergoing a major operation (such as a rotator cuff repair) until it has healed. This can make simple everyday activities such as dressing problematic: fortunately there are some items of clothing that can be worn anyway and several steps to follow that make this operation easier.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Choose clothing
Step 1. Opt for garments that open at the front
Shirts, jackets, dresses and other garments are much easier to put on with just one arm if they open fully at the front. Choose clothing with buttons, zips or Velcro along the entire front to make getting dressed as fast and easy as possible.
Step 2. Wear pants with an elastic waistband that are easy to wear
It is undoubtedly much easier to put on and take off baggy sweatpants or stretch leggings than skinny jeans or dress pants. While recovering, opt for trousers made of a stretch material to make this easier.
Wearing this type of pants can also save you the trouble of fastening buttons or zipping up your lower body
Step 3. Choose comfortable clothing
Baggy clothes are much easier to put on in case you can't use an arm, so choose clothing a few sizes larger.
For example, if you usually wear size M t-shirts, immediately after the operation switch to an XL size
Step 4. Put on a tank top with a built-in bra
Bras are difficult to put on and take off daily during the recovery period. If possible, put your usual bra aside and wear a tank top with a built-in bra or a regular fitted undershirt under your shirt.
If you need more support than a tank top, opt for an underwire bra with a front closure or a regular one with a back closure and ask someone who lives with you to close it
Step 5. Wear shoes without laces
One-handed lacing is very difficult (if not impossible). To save yourself further problems during your recovery, choose only easily wearable footwear, such as:
- Flip flops.
- Sneakers with snags.
- Clogs.
Method 2 of 4: Wear Shirts with Front Opening
Step 1. Put the shirt on your lap and put the operated arm in the sleeve
Sit down, make sure the garment is completely unbuttoned and lay it on your legs with the inside facing you. Let the sleeve where you need to tuck your operated arm dangle between your legs, then start wrapping it around the affected arm with the healthy one.
Just let your operated arm hang down, don't use it at all
Step 2. Use the sound arm to wrap the corresponding sleeve on the other arm
As you finish the operation, stand up and gently wrap the sleeve up to the top of the arm and over the shoulder.
Step 3. With your good arm, pull the shirt over your back
Grab the rest of the shirt and gently throw it over the shoulder and back, so that the other sleeve is close to the corresponding arm.
Step 4. Insert the sound arm inside the other sleeve
Reach the hole corresponding to the sleeve and make your way inside until your hand comes out from the other end.
Step 5. Adjust the shirt and button it up
Use your good arm to adjust the shirt wherever necessary, then with the hand of the same arm bring both sides in front of you and button one button at a time.
If you have difficulty buttoning it, try grabbing the side without buttons with your little finger and ring finger and use your thumb, index and middle finger to grab the other side and push the buttons through the buttonholes
Step 6. Reverse the operation to take off your shirt
When it's time to undress, unbutton it with the fingers of your good arm. Remove the sleeve corresponding to the sound arm and throw the shirt on the back towards the operated arm, then use the sound arm to gently pull the sleeve of the latter.
Method 3 of 4: Wear All Other Shirts
Step 1. Flex your torso forward and take the garment in your hand
Bend forward, letting the operated arm dangle, then take the garment with the hand of the unaffected limb, grasping the lower edge and the hole in the neck together.
Step 2. Use the healthy arm to slide the corresponding sleeve along the operated limb
Avoid using the hand of the operated limb and with the other arm pull it up to the top and over the shoulder.
Step 3. Pull the shirt over your head and stand up
It is easier to do this while standing: use your sound arm to pull the garment over your head and pass the latter through the hole in the neck.
Step 4. Push the sound arm into the other sleeve
Bring it inside the garment towards the hollow of the sleeve and push it inside.
Step 5. Adjust the shirt with the good arm
At this point the garment should be slipped on correctly and be rolled up to the height of the abdomen. Use your sound arm to grab the bottom edge and gently pull down to unroll it.
Step 6. Repeat the process in reverse to take off the shirt
To remove it, use your unaffected arm to grab the bottom edge and wrap it towards the chest, then bring the arm back down inside the shirt to get it out of the sleeve. Bend forward while pulling the garment over the head with the sound arm and finally remove it from the operated limb.
Method 4 of 4: Wear the Brace
Step 1. Get dressed
It is much easier to put on the clothes first and then the brace, rather than the other way around, at least for what concerns the shirt: the brace will have to go over this, but not over other garments such as trousers.
Wear the jacket after the brace and do not worry about being able to pass the operated arm inside the corresponding sleeve: rather let it hang down on the side
Step 2. Place the brace on the table
Make sure that the table is approximately at the height of your hips, that the cushion is attached to the brace and that the hooks or straps are open.
Step 3. Bend over your legs to lower the operated limb to the level of the brace
Use the sound arm to position the other arm at a 90 degree angle: it should be in a natural position in front of the body, but below the chest. Lean forward and flex your knees to lower your arm to the correct level.
Step 4. Close the straps around the wrist and forearm
There should be some buckles or straps in these two places to secure the brace in place - close them with the hand of the good arm.
Step 5. Use the one arm to attach the shoulder strap
Bring the healthy limb in front of the chest to grab the shoulder strap, then pass it behind the operated shoulder and around the neck and finally fasten it to the brace.
Step 6. Support the operated arm with the sound arm as you rise to your feet
Slide the hand of the unaffected limb under the brace as soon as you lift your arm from the table and use it to keep the latter still while you stand up.
Step 7. Secure the shoulder strap around your waist with your good arm
Once you are standing, bring your unaffected arm behind you to grab the shoulder strap to be placed around your waist, wrap it around your torso, bring it in front of you and attach it to the brace.
Advice
- Ask someone for help if you need it.
- Always dress the operated arm first.
- Put on your clothes first and then your brace.
- To make the operation even easier, search and buy specific clothing online for people who have just undergone a shoulder operation.
