What to wear after shoulder replacement

Posted by cattanzer @cattanzer, Apr 28, 2021

How does one dress with an immobile arm? Are there special clothes with snaps? Ladies please advise!

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Joint Replacements Support Group.

@dmk

I had reverse total shoulder and found great zippered tops at rebound wear.com they are not cheap but not only were they great for dr visits but also for physical therapy. I also got Velcro nightgowns and Velcro shirts from Etsy. To this day 2 years post op I still wear the rebound wear active shirts I got they are stylish. Also good idea to get pulleys, weights ( I have 1 lb, 2 lb, 3 lb, 5 lb & 8 lbs and have red, yellow, and blue therabands and use them all to this day as need to keep up exercises for life.

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I was not allowed to lift even a pencil, started physical therapy after 2 weeks, had to wear sling and sleep in recliner for 6 weeks. I was finally able to drive at 12 weeks. Took me longer than most RTS but with a great surgeon and therapist got thru it

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I think zippers and Velcro are much easier

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Wow, @dmk thanks for the clothing tips and links. I read something about not being able to wear a bra for a few weeks, not a problem for me since I don't go anywhere much anyway and do without at times. The velcro is a great idea. I have a bunch of old loose T shirts I could just slit up the front and sew velcro tabs on each side.

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@dmk

I think zippers and Velcro are much easier

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zippers require two hands. Snaps doable with one. Velcro ok but you have to protect your skin from touching it.

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@ddsack

Chris, I appreciate info from anyone who has gone through this! How many days/weeks after shoulder replacement surgery do they have you start PT? Before the slings come off?

I am thinking ahead and trying to coordinate a time of year that would be easier for my husband to drive me to PT for 4-6 weeks. I was hoping to put surgery off for another year, but recent painful incidents might make me move it up. I have a follow up appointment with my surgeon in July, have been getting cortisone shots, but they don't help my shoulder as much as they used to. I know I have been stressing the shoulder with all the garden work with rakes and shovels and heavy carrying, so maybe it will settle down once the major work is over.

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Good afternoon @ddsack.....Hi again. You know what, I don't remember when I started PT. I know that my PT conferenced with my surgeon regarding the activities and frequencies. It must have all worked. I had a reverse replacement surgery and at that time it was very new and folks were just seeing what might work best. In some states, you just cannot drive with a sling or immobilizer. I had an art gallery at the time and actually, my customers helped me reach pieces and wrap selections.

May you have happiness and the causes of happiness.
Chris

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