Reverse shoulder replacement for full supraspinatus tear

Good morning, I had a total reverse right shoulder replacement in October 2023. I am right-hand dominant, so practiced everything with my left hand, prior to surgery. I didn't bother with a bra at first, only using cotton undershirts that were very loose and easy to slip over my head. Men's v-neck t-shirts also worked great. With PT, I was able to move my arm more. I bought front closure cotton bras. Honestly, I'd never been able to unhook my bra from the back. I've always hooked in front and slid it around to the back. My doctor informed me that post-surgery, reaching behind my back would be difficult. At times, I still have problems with that, especially when tucking in my blouses. Prior to surgery, I was in severe pain, not even able to lift a glass of water, brush my teeth, etc. I rarely think about ever have any limitations. Best of luck!

Maybe you could buy a front hook bra, or sports bra.

I have never in my life bothered to hook a bra in the back, even as a teen I just hooked in front and swiveled it around to the back, pulled up the straps. It’s a ridiculous torture exercise left over from when women had lady's maids to help dress them. No one but brides have 90 small buttons on the back of their dresses anymore, the back bra hooks should have been gone years ago too. Can you imagine if men had to struggle with hooking something behind their back without looking? LOL - rant over!

I had RSA May 2025.
For as long as I can remember I've used bra-tops without hooks and those with hooks, I leave hooked and pull on like that.
Getting a bra off when leaving it hooked is harder than pulling it on, especially while you're one handed at first after the RSA! Go without a bra until it no longer hurts as much to dress and undress yourself!

I'm soon to have a total reverse left shoulder replacement (TRSR). For some time, with the arm pain and limitations, I haven't been able to swim freestyle. Is it possible for you, or for anyone here who has had a TRSR, to swim freestyle some time after the operation? Will I be able ever to swim my two kilometres in the Australian sunshine again? I'm nearly 65.

I had a reverse shoulder replacement on 5/1/25. I play tennis 4 - 5 per week serving overhead with no problem. I am 77. A friend of a friend had reverse replacement several years ago and swims regularly. Good luck.

@rosaco Yes! Assuming a normal surgical outcome and seriously working on PT movement afterwards, you may be able to start swimming again within 6 months, or earlier if given the go ahead by your medical team. It’s great that you have a goal to shoot for, makes the recovery work easier.