How to Shower after Shoulder Surgery or Injury | Shoulder Replacement, Rotator Cuff, Collar Bone
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 1 มิ.ย. 2024
- This video will provide detailed instruction for how to safely shower or bath following various shoulder surgeries or injuries such as total or complete shoulder replacement, athroplasty, rotator cuff repair, shoulder labrum tears, or general shoulder joint or socket pain that requires immobilization. This video includes the process, positioning, equipment, and technique.
0:00 How to Shower after Shoulder Surgery
0:32 How to Protect Incision While Showering
1:51 How to Manage Shoulder Sling
3:00 Shower Seating and Transfers
3:56 Bathing Supplies for Shoulder Surgery
Products:
Sling
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Shower Chair
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Shower Transfer Bench
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Long-Handled Sponge
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Hand Held Shower Head
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Hand Held Shower Head Holder (Suction Cup)
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Hand Held Shower Head Holder (Sticky Back)
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Scalp Scrubber
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Pump Tops
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If you prefer written tutorials, I have a written version of this video and others (with photos) over at my website:
www.equipmeot.com/
Check out other videos about products that maximize safety and independence on my channel EquipMeOT and please consider subscribing to get my most up to date video content!
@EquipMeOT - แนวปฏิบัติและการใช้ชีวิต
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Another one of your great videos. I would like you to mention drying after the shower.
The best homemade ice pack is the slushy:
In a freezer ziplock bag:
1 part rubbing alcohol
2 parts water
Hi Lindsey. Here are a couple of little tips for you that weren't in your video. (As I type this with one hand.) I keep a plastic solo cup in my shower to splash up under my armpit after I wash it with soap. I have a fixed showerhead. The water does not go up under my armpit without assistance. So a plastic cup works great. I dry it upside down on a towel bar in my shower. I also wear just a rope sling that I made out of nylon rope. It dries much faster than a cotton sling. I cut the rope to length, tied it in a knot. Then I took a lighter to it to melt the knot into a solid ball so it wouldn't come untied in the shower. I have to lean forward and let my left arm passively dangle forward in the rope sling. That's when I wash my armpit and splash it with my plastic cup. My bottle of conditioner does not have a pump top. So I hold it against the wall and squeeze it a little with my surgery arm to get some out. The wall holds it still. I know a pump would be better. But I'm working with what I have on hand. With the long handle brush, i have a hook that it hangs on. I wet the brush. Then I rub a wet bar of soap on it to transfer the soap while it is still on the hook. I can do that all with one hand. Thanks for your tips. Right back at ya.
Thanks for this additional tips for someone with a fixed shower head
Good advice!
You are an angel! Your prep advice in advance of my tenodesis has been invaluable to my long road to recovery. Patients take note that you will not learn these life-saving techniques and tips from your surgeon's office so listen, learn and enjoy an easier path to recovery...
My mother just underwent a reverse total shoulder replacement. To keep the incision from getting wet after surgery, I used "Glad Press N' Seal Wrap." I simply tore off a good size piece, and this literally stuck easily to the "mesh" shoulder sling she had purchased for showering, and also to her skin around her neck and chest area without lifting or falling off at all. The water just runs right off of it, and the adhesive is strong enough to hold with ease, but it doesn't stick to your skin at all for easy removal after the shower. Honestly, Glad should market this product to use specifically for the purpose of keeping wounds dry after surgery. It worked GREAT!
I second the Press n seal. I had both knees replaced (separately not at the same time) and used the Press n Seal with medical tape kept the water off my incision and allowed me to shower easily
I'm preparing g for shoulder surgery and last night was thinking in ways to wrap up my shoulder. Your suggestion is brilliant! Thank you for taking the time to write it😊
Great idea, but GLAD would have to get it cleared as a "device" by the FDA before they could advertise this use. Getting a new device cleared is a long, lengthy, expensive process for any company.
Very common practice they don't tell you about, but carefully applied, it works
Thanks for the tips as I’m 3 weeks post surgery tomorrow. One thing is a must is the ice machine! It offered constant cold relief to my shoulder.
My mother in law is having a reverse shoulder repair in two days, my sister in law has an ice machine that she used( and let me to to!) when she had her two knees replaced, ( one at a time) would that be an ice machine that my mother in law would be able to use for her shoulder??
I've been practicing doing all these things one-handed before surgery.
very smart!
Thank you again Lindsay, for this other GREAT video in how to be able to take care of myself after a shoulder replacement surgery.
I will be having a "full shoulder replacement" surgery on my shoulder and the front bone of my forearm removed and replaced with a metal plate and the ball of my shoulder, will also be replaced with some type of plastic material.
The surgery will be done sometime in March (2024)
God Bless you.
Sincerely,
Talitha (TJ)
Thanks for this series of videos. Your shoulder surgery videos and tips will help me after my upcoming cubital tunnel surgery. You have the most useful and helpful videos on YT that I've found! I've been concerned about caring for myself after surgery, but dressing and showering with one hand is less daunting after watching your videos.
I'm so grateful to know I can help!
I followed your tips-n-tricks and it helped me prepare for post-surgery. Thank you.
Thank you for the video my shoulder surgery is 9 days from now was so happy to see someone covered the subject 💜
Great! Gracias again
Totally needed this!🙏🏻
So glad to help!
Thank you so much Lindsey for your excellent videos on should surgeries. Every video is easy to understand and follow, showing you genuinely care about the person undergoing this painful surgery. With a medical background, I will say you are and excellent physical therapist and everything you have shown has help me care for my husband who has had this surgery 3 days ago. 👍🏼💜
Hello! I only found you today on Instagram, watched all your reels, and I can only say: Thank you! You are a gift! I'm 31 and have CMT, and you showed me already so many tricks I could cry!!! xxx from Luxembourg, Marielle
Thank you for the love! I’m so glad to help!
Thank you!
Thank you, these are very useful, very practice oriented, ... Life saving tips! Thanks and congrats!
You’re welcome!
Lindsey, I’m an “old school” OT having rotator cuff surgery this Thursday. I broke my elbow back in July so I’ve been playing this one handed game for months. My own adaptive skills come in handy and I have set up some clothing items, toileting, groomiing in ways that will make things easier. I’ve watched several of your videos and they are full of good tips! Your channel is a great idea, good for you. I will say I am very anxious about how I’m going to avoid moving the shoulder as I dress, do all my ADL’s. I’m very concerned about damaging the repair unintentionally. Also, the passive exercises the surgeon gave me have me concerned. How do you shrug your shoulders without moving the shoulder? I’ve also heard lots of tough stories from others that this is such a difficult recovery.
Keep encouraging people with your common sense videos!
Thankyou some very good ideas I will use when I have my replacement next month
You’re welcome!
These tips are great! I’m having rotator cuff surgery in a few weeks and needed some guidance.
Hope your surgery goes well!
Thank you Lindsay - all your tips are fantastic - two week to go before my rotator cuff op so i am studying hard all your advice
You're welcome! Best of luck with surgery!
Thank you, I did learn a lot, thank you
You’re welcome!
I just had reverse total shoulder replacement. I was directed by the O.T. people in the hospital NOT to hold my lower arm across the front of the body as shown, but rather parallel to the side of my body. The way they “installed” my sling, with a foam block between my forearm and the trunk of my body, it holds my arm/shoulder in that position. As far as getting the incision wet…. I came out if the hospital with a waterproof dressing, which I was allowed to shower with. Per instructions, I removed the dressing 5 days post op. My incision was closed with surgical glue with no signs of infection or irritation. I was allowed to shower with nothing covering the incision. I’m not sure how old this video is, but I think waterproof dressings and surgical glue have become quite common for shoulder surgeries.
They are quite common, but not always the case. Kind of depends on incision location and type. As far as arm position when sling is removed, straight at the side sounds awesome, nice to get the elbow out of flexion! Orthopedic surgery is one that changes the guidance frequently, which is why I always say ask your surgeon!
just had reverse shoulder and the dressing stays until 2 week follow up and i am so grossed out!!!
thank you for this
You’re welcome!
Thanks for much for your videos. I just had a bone spur surgery, and followed your tips on showering, sleeping and dressing are so helpful. So glad u made these videos. Tks again.
You’re welcome! Thank you for taking the time to write 🙌🏻
Thank you 😊
You’re welcome!
Thanks!!
You’re welcome!
Would appreciate a video about how to towel dry one-handed when my non-injured arm is arthritic with limited motion.
Thank you for all of your well thought out tips and advice. I will be "practicing" so that I'll be prepared for my shoulder replacement surgery which is scheduled for next month. 😀😀
You’re welcome!
I had a reverse shoulder replacement 5 days ago, only had sponge baths so far. I’m going to attempt the shower today. Thank you!
You're welcome! Hope the shower went well!
This is extremely helpful! I just had a rotator cuff repair yesterday and I was worried about how to take a shower afterward. Thank you for the suggestions!
You’re welcome!
I have been perusing your channel for tips on my upcoming total shoulder replacement and they are so helpful thank you so much!!!!!! Sadly mine will be my predominant [right] arm so I'm super nervous. Your channel is a blessing as I've already made several purchases off of Amazon to prepare for it. Swivel shower chair, hand-held shower head, the, long handled body two-sided brush/sponge.. and the bidet converter which is on sale cheap now! Thank you for helping me to prepare because I've been extremely fearful until now.
I'm so glad I could support and help you prepare! Sounds like you'll do great!
I am having total REVERSE shoulder Feb 8 and I am scared to death. Has it been addressed how to clean under the "new arm"? Like deodorant?
How did it go dear? I am going to have mine in April and am super nervous as the doc told me it is a very very painful recovery. Hope you are doing super.
Thanks for this quick, to the point video. I had just broke my shoulder and this info jumpstarted a shopping list that saved my sanity. Now, I take off the sling and wash almost normally with my arm free. Exercises are going well and I purchased a second sling. A needed item.
Excellent! So glad to support your recovery!
Good news! Fracture Clinic says my latest x-ray looks good and I don't need the sling. Chemotherapy seems to have banished the cancer from my bones, so there is a very good chance I won't need surgery in the Spring.
That is case dependent-my doctor is a ‘sling minimalist’-out of the sling while seated at home right from the first, 4 weeks total for both my rotator repair and reverse total shoulder replacement.
@@Frideswide1 as a therapist, I'm so glad they are doing this more often. I have seen so many recovery processes slowed due to the excessive sling use that is often recommended by the surgical office. This follows the research findings.
Great tips👍😊
Thank you for watching!
How do you dry off after taking a shower? I broke my dominant upper arm in three places in October 2022. The breaks are healed, but I'm still very limited in use of the healing arm. Any suggestions would be appreciated. As an FYI, I emailed using the address on your website to contact you, but never heard back. Hope to hear from you.
For those having shoulder replacements, this won’t work. They’re not allowed to remove the sling for 6-8 weeks so someone will have to help give you sponge baths. No showers or tub bathing is allowed according to the surgeon. It’s a really hard annoyance to deal with.
Some surgeons are very strict about this, but others allow removal for hygiene only. This usually requires a therapist to be working with you seeking this approval.
@@EquipMeOT I love your videos - thank you! I am scheduled for shoulder replacement next month. My surgeon already told me that they only want me to wear the sling when I'm going to be out and about - anywhere where it might get jostled by people. I haven't discussed showering yet. I just know that the paperwork I received states no shower for the first 48 hours. Each surgeon is definitely different!
This is not “cast in stone”. I was told I could shower, with my sling off (hand across my chest) at my 2 week post surgery appt. For the 2 weeks Prior to that, I sat in a shower chair and used a hand held shower head, like shown in this video.
Hi Lindsey, thank you very much. I was gonna say I’m gonna get a bench for me or a chair whenever I feel safer with I may have to get my wife to help me a lot with the shower because of you right shoulder. I’m getting surgery and my left shoulder is just as bad, and I almost sent to some of the things I can’t do with my left side, can you recommend something that’ll make it easier?
Thank you so much for all the tips. I’m having my rotator cuff repair in November, and was really concerned how am I going to shower with my left arm which is not my dominant arm. I just ordered a sling for the showering. Also on someone’s channel was suggested to get Turkish cotton bathrobe , instead of using towel. Thank you again!
You’re welcome! Good luck with everything!
@@EquipMeOT thank you!
You’re welcome!
How do I dry off good side of body after surgery
Hi Lindsey, I'm awaiting to hear from my doctor so we can set up an appointment to get my rotator cuff surgery done. So I'm making the necessary preparations so I don't have to strain the open a package or anything like that. My only thing is I wonder if I should replace my shower head cuz I'm renting at an apartment. You're a good example to follow.
The good thing about investing in a new shower head when you live in an apartment is that you can take it with you when you go.
It would be helpful to see ways to keep incisions from getting wet. Thank you!
Great idea! Thank you!
Thank you for the tips. I'm having rotator cuff tear repair with distal clavicle excision surgery on Tuesday & have been trying to think of everything I'll need beforehand so I'm not trying to send my husband to the store at the last minute. Lol.
That’s great! Preparation pays off 😊
GOOD LUCK, I'm having the same next month!
@@Peter_Wang - Hey! Thank you. Good luck to you as well. I'm not looking forward to this. It's going to be a long recovery. Ugh!
@@MLMLW How did you do?
@@maryellenthompson8261 - Hi Mary. I did fine. It was a painful surgery and a painful physical therapy, but I worked hard and did exactly what the doctor told me to do and did all of my PT exercises at home as told and I'm doing fine. I'm almost 8 months post-op and still have a little stiffness in that shoulder, but I can raise my arm up all the way and can even reach behind my back, which took months to be able to do after the surgery. I had shooting pains a few months after surgery as well, but they have mostly gone away. I'd take Advil for it and that seemed to work pretty well. I was on paid meds for about a month post op then Advil/Tylenol after that. I'm glad I did the surgery because the injury would have only gotten worse. I'm able to go back to the gym and work out with light weights as well. Thank you for asking. :)
how do you dry yourself?
Any tips for drying off?
This video was excellent. I have cuff/tendon/spur repair/removal on the 5th and am worried about my hygiene bc i am very dependent on the hand and arm being repaired.
Now my question is in regard to bras. What type of bra could you suggest I use while recovering if heavy chested?
I also want to know!!
great tips, but i got clavicle fracture on both sides so totally immobile.
Hi Lindsey, are the excellent guidelines you provided any different for arthroscopic surgery post-op?
Depends a bit on the precautions your surgeon gives you, but the ones I suggest are conservative and will likely work for that recovery!
How do you wash the recovery arm pit?
Hi Lindsey. Do you have recommendations to wash the sling. I have been wearing it for 6 weeks and shake it out with dead skin particles. But, would like to clean it. It’s not made of cloth. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! 😊
I recommend hand washing in warm water and gentle soap or detergent. Then lay flat to dry. Avoid scented cleaners as they can cause irritation.
I may need cuff surgery but I have additional considerations. I’m handicapped using either a walker or wheelchair. Additionally I have a permanently dislocated patella which is not repairable. It requires me to put lots of pressure on both arms to push up to stand. How can I recover from surgery with these additional challenges?
sounds like going from hospital to a rehab facility is your best bet and/or some home health care aides at home for awhile. good luck!
Do you have a video on how to change a shirt when using a sling?
Yes!
th-cam.com/video/ptai8849h_I/w-d-xo.html
My question, how do I shower after shoulder surgery?
Im sorry lady I said stupid stuff ive been through a nightmare I can't seem to wake up from you are pro OT bless you and your family
Im really worried about getting into the other sling (I’m Day 5 post) any tips for spot showering? When do things get slightly better?
By about day 8-12 most are feeling safer to shift around a bit. That first week is tough from a pain and stability perspective. Spot bathing can absolutely be done. A sink hair wash is always an option with many products on the market designed to support that. I have a video about hair washing without getting in the shower. th-cam.com/video/3EFUZsrvQVU/w-d-xo.html
What are your thoughts about using a bar shampoo and conditioner?
I honestly don’t have much experience with them personally, but I do think they’d be a good option for this type of recovery!
My hair is tailbone length and I’m having surgery in a few weeks - dominant arm. I’ve asked many people HOW do you care for longer hair? No one has been able to give me an answer.
Chopping it would be extremely last resort and not something I’d otherwise consider.
Any advice for aspiring rapunzels?
Find a hairdresser that would be happy to wash your hair weekly for a reasonable fee. Maybe a home based or aged care centre hairdresser that have lower overheads. Make sure you can get comfortable in their chair.😊
what about the armpit on the surgery side? how much can it be moved without jeopardizing the repair anchors integrity?
Exactly. That is the part I am wondering about.
It can usually be moved enough to get a thin wash cloth in there and then rinsed. Some surgeries are more strict than others, but a standard shoulder replacement without complication will not be impacted by bringing the arm away from the body gently for short periods of time. It’s active movement that is typically avoided.
I'm scheduled for rotator cuff surgery in 2 weeks, was wondering how you would apply deodorant
I saw another page States to buy spray deodorant
I have should pain atm. Looking for suggestions on how to lower myself into the bath without the agony . It's brief,but really painful.
OH MY GOODness! How do you get out of the tub???would be nice if insurance paid for walk in tubs!
@dod2304 Getting in is harder tbh. I just suffer, its usually brief. I'm in housing association accommodation in UK. I would have to apply for a walk in. I do have a shower, bit,I prefer a bath.
I use a bar of Irish spring.
I’m having surgery soon. This concerns me because I have trouble getting in and out of the shower now, surgery is gonna make it impossible
Where can i get that long handle sponge? Looking on walmart and amazon to no avail
Same
My surgeon told me to take the bandage off the very next day and wash the area and then do 10 up and down motions with my arm and 10 to the side and to do this 3 times per day. Afterwards apply betadine with bandaids. I don't understand why the rest of you are being told to keep the incision clean. He wants me to move my arm up and down and to the side for ROM.
How to get in and out of shower\
How on earth can i wash my hair? I normally bend over the bath, but that won't be possible after surgery. And sitting on a shower stool with running the water from above risks flowing over the wound! I can only think of visiting my hairdresser for a shampoo every week...
How do you dry off after a shower?
Hi Ann, I found a hand towel to be the best for me to dry off. It’s not as heavy as a bath towel. 😊
I can’t dry everywhere, so I just lie on my bed on a towel. Maybe take another towel along. If the bedding ends up a bit damp afterward, I aim a fan at it to blow it dry.
How do you wash the only arm you are using?
For many, the restriction of movement is only at the shoulder and so a washcloth can be placed in the injured/surgically repaired side's hand and the non-injured side will simply reach over to be washed. Armpit can be a bit trickier, but often the long handled sponge can be flipped over and a wash cloth draped over the end and then push that into the arm pit. Suppose I should make a video showing this technique because it's a bit tricky to describe.
If you know anyone having this done. Please help them. I've had 2 shoulder replacements. Had help on the first one, right side. Healed ok. No help second one left side. Only have 30% use of that left arm. Just retore right side. Type 1 tear and keep re injuring it. Am waiting on a care taker from the state to show up. This is the hardest part of my life so far. Had prp last week, rt side, it was in my capsul. They said I didnt need a sling. Just not to do any load bearing movements for first week. I think I re injured it drinking a cup of coffee. I wish I wouldve listened to my body more. Ive been a laborer and boxer a lot of my life. Im back in college now studying psychology. This is tough. So tough.
I'm checking all the "shower with a cast etc" i want to see " how to dry my back with one hand! if anyone has any thoughts about how you do/did it please DO share! or other videos you'd recommend. thanks!
A dish towel with unaffected arm may be easier to use. If very good balance you could hang on back of door and rub the remainder off.
You can put a pool noodle or 1/2 deflated beach ball under you arm so you dont have a wet towel to dry out every day.
Actually I feel the flip top soap is better because you can just turn and squirt,the pump wants to tip over if you’re not holding the container,jussaying
Try it without use of right arm/shoulder/hand. Much more difficult
My doctor told me none of this information.
Water proof dressing "skin" from the drug store works great. I cut the large patch into 4 little ones to cover the small incision sites.
you sure do know how to explane things and your sexy keep up the good work
You covered everything except how to dry your back with one hand. Slap the towel over your good shoulder and drag it up?
I need to add an amendment to the original! Thank you for pointing that out! Yes, short answer is you can use the “slap and drag” method using your non-surgical side and a lighter weight towel. I also suggest a good robe you can drape over yourself to stay warm while you dry since you won’t be as thorough with just one arm. Getting a shiver with a fresh shoulder surgery is not fun 😬
@@EquipMeOTonk
How about putting on deodorant?
doesn't show anyone actually showering, washing, rinsing, drying with one hand. how to wash rinse the armpit on the injured, immobile, arm? this video only shows what to buy, not how to DO
As you can probably imagine, demonstrating the bathing process in a bathing suit would be a little uncomfortable. These videos are meant to get people an introduction that will set them up for success, but my recommendation (as a certified occupational therapist) is that your personal recovery process and early shower experiences should be done with supervision and guidance from a health care team and they will guide you through the incredibly nuanced process of an individualized recovery process.
@@EquipMeOT how do you find/get a health care team? i was sent home from hospital with booklet.
In my experience, very few scheduled shoulder surgeries receive adequate follow up care, so you are definitely not alone! It’s fairly common that a surgical office will assume your recovery is linear and predictable unless you inform them it is not going well or that you feel your needs haven’t been met. Requesting a referral to home health services (at least an OT evaluation) is usually a great place to start if you are concerned about how you are functioning at home. This requires a script being sent out to an agency that covers your geographic region and works with your insurance by your surgeon or primary care physician. Insurance coverage of this service is wide ranging and a whole other conversation. I hate that you have had such a hard time getting the answers you are looking for without jumping through a bunch of hoops.
@@EquipMeOT So helpful. Who knew? Thanks. It's all very complicated for seniors coping with surgery plus meds plus figuring out how to get help.
It’s one of my greatest frustrations in the healthcare world! I wish you a safe and swift recovery 🙌🏻
It doesn't sound doable I guess you need someone to help you at least for some time
.
My girlfriend is always using the shower 🚿 head but she hasn’t had a shoulder operation 🤔
Caca
I would like to know .. If you're single.
my mom dr say its ok to let water in the shoulder after the 5 days past ???