Helping to make the road to recovery a little bit easier.
Shoulder surgeries and injuries are common- rotator cuff repairs, total shoulder replacements, labrum tears, the list goes on and on. As an Occupational Therapist and Certified Hand Therapist we see these patients starting just a few days after surgery and help them navigate though post surgical care to regain motion, improve function and build strength.
After surgery the rehab process can take several months based on the surgery you had. The surgeon gives precautions of things you cannot do in order to allow your shoulder to heal properly so you can get the best outcomes.
Sometimes functioning and doing what you have to do while following the rules can be hard.
We put together a list of our favorite adaptive tools that we suggest to patients on a regular basis to help you, your co-worker, neighbor or friend to make is through this recovery.
Tool #1 - Sock Aid
Putting on your socks is shockingly hard when you have one arm stuck in a sling. This tool allows you to feed the sock onto the plastic tool, lower the tool towards your foot and then use the rope to pull the sock on. All while only using one hand!
Check it out on Amazon here!
Tool #2 - Hair Drier Holder
The biggest challenge we hear from women? "I cant blow dry my hair! My husband tried to do it and it didn't end well!" Well then this tool is for you. This is a stand you place on your counter top. It holds the hair drier for you so you can keep your surgical arm in the sling and use your free arm to brush and style. Be independent and look better than ever!
Tool #3 - Long Handled Sponge
After you have shoulder surgery you are in a sling basically all day. You typically can shower without it on but you cannot move the arm and you defiantly cannot reach behind your back, making scrubbing those hard to reach places even harder. A long handled sponge allows you to use your good arm to reach everything!
Tool # 3- A Mesh Sling
Not sure you would follow the rules if you took your sling off? Maybe your afraid of falling and catching yourself with that arm. If your more comfortable keeping the sling on when you are showering or bathing try this waterproof one! Have a shower sling and a regular sling. Nothing is worse then sitting in a wet piece of clothing!
Tool #4 - Front Closure Bra
Putting on a bra can be a challenge without shoulder surgery! Now lock one arm to your side in a sling? Nearly impossible. A front closing bra makes it easy for someone to put their bra on and off independently while maintaining their surgical precautions. This goes on similar to a front button shirt. When putting it on, put in your surgical arm first. When taking it off your surgical arm will be the last out.
Additional Tips
When putting on deodorant or shaving your arm pit- take your sling off. Lean your whole trunk forward, so your trunk is parallel to the floor. Let your arm just hang. Now you have easy access to your armpit without firing any muscles.
Sleeping in a recliner is typically the most comfortable right after surgery.
Make sure to keep moving your fingers to avoid swelling and stiffness.
Loose fitting and stretchy clothing is the way to go after surgery.
When getting dressed- put in your surgical arm first followed by your good arm. When undressing it's the opposite: good arm first, surgical arm second.
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