Top 5 Shoulder Surgery Recovery Tips: How to Prepare Yourself and Your Home

Michelle shares her Top 5 Shoulder Surgery Recovery Tips so you can ease your after surgery anxiety by learning how to prepare yourself and your home.

Michelle is recovering from her own minor shoulder surgery and used these same tips to help manage sleeping, preparing food, performing daily activities one handed, and so much more.

Let me know if the comment section if any of these tips help you. Best of luck on your recovery!

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Disclaimer
This video is for educational and demonstration purposes only and is not to be used as a replacement for seeking medical advice or treatment of your condition. Virtual Hand Care, or its members, do not offer medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult with your doctor or healthcare provider before starting any exercise program. Please know that performing any exercise or program is solely at your own risk.

[sandymclain]

I had my total shoulder replacement 4 weeks ago and was happy that I had a simple cotton/poly sling to wear in the shower as well as a front closing bra that I was able to put on at the 2 week mark.

[janetmacdonald]

I was able to wash my hair in the shower with one hand. With arthroscopic surgery I was allowed to take a shower on the 3rd day. One thing I had to call the nurses about was a bra! I lasted 4-5 days without a bra. I'm 80 and saggy so I felt sweaty without a bra. It would be great to make a video about that. I tried strapless but the wired strapless were awful when sitting so much. I couldn't tolerate regular straps so I finally settled with the crisscross straps....still uncomfortable, but the best option for me. My husband HAD to help with that because there's no way to hook the crisscrossed straps in the back with one hand. We had some hilarious moments as we learned to get the "girls" in the cups, the straps over opposite shoulders and him fumbling with the hooks and especially the strap hooks. Gotta have a sense of humor! Overall, I found that the rotator cuff surgery to not be as bad as I had heard. I used only one oxycodone the first night and a Tylenol the second. Not bad for extensive rotator cuff tears, bicep tears, spurs, etc. I had a great clinician. That helps. And a funny husband...even better.

[jenfnp]

Just had my left shoulder replacement, after I had the right replaced in 2019. The first surgery taught me a lot. And preparing for your recovery is key. Having a recliner this time has gotten me better sleep. A continuous ice machine is a wonderful thing.

[anhbenbrook]

It's amazing to me that you are make this video to help others like me to learn more about taking care of myself after having shoulder surgery. Thank you very much.

[Andreggs-vk]

So helpful i just had rotator cuff surgery today, i can't still believe it, looking forward to recovery now 🙌

[dronescienceandphotography]

I've now had my surgery for a massive rotator cuff tear. No pain at all during or after surgery and no pain meds except Advil once in a while. Had the nerve block which allows for lighter general anesthesia. This is definitely the way to go. I actually drove the next day (without surgeons blessing or knowledge) but I wouldn't recommend it. Anesthesia after effects are worse than the surgery but still not that bad. Things like sore throat tickle, woozyiness, peeing a lot, etc. 4 days latter I could drive with no problem except your sling gets in the way. I also got a Wonder Care sling which is MUCH lighter, cooler, cheaper, and less bulky than the traditional abduction sling but does the same thing. I added a pad/spacer between my body and arm. 3 weeks after surgery now and still no pain except during physical therapy when they push the limits trying to get full motion back. It is very important to get as much motion with PT before surgery too. The most important things to do are: get a wide (50 inches or so) powered recliner, shirt with snaps along the sides for easy access, a very experienced physical therapist, Advil, practice using the shoulder/arm/hand not being operated on well before surgery, get a computer mouse for the good shoulder side and practice, exercise your lower arm and hand but keep your upper arm stationary. Also get a webbed shower sling and stool for the shower. Finally if you use a hair dryer clamp it to a microphone boom stand so it's right above your head. This works so well I will keep it after I'm healed. Good luck

[HemiVic]

I’ve had 5 shoulder surgeries and to wash my hair, I did this in my kitchen sink! It was a very easy process and an easy way to keep my hair clean! When sleeping, I put a small pillow under my arm which kept my arm from moving! It helped me sleep better!

[MrArinder]

Just had surgery for a massive tear. My doctor didn't chat with me after surgery so I didn't get any instructions. really appreciate this!

[robeasy]

Scar pad is a great idea. I’ve never heard of them. Wish I would have seen this sooner. Areas were so sensitive that I flipped shirts inside out because seams were rubbing. Lots of great tips. 👍🏽

[starfire]

I just had a reverse total shoulder replacement. My incision was totally covered and waterproof when I left the hospital. I had a on-Q medical pouch attached for three days, then I could remove myself. After removing the on-Q medical pac I could shower all I wanted. For me there were no stitches or staples and on day 22 I get to remove the catacomb covering the wound. Stri strips are left on til they fall off on their own. Started physical therapy the day after surgery in hospital and continues at least until I see my doctor. I see him 22 days after surgery. I have been totally surprised that there has been very little pain so far nothing over about a level 2! I did take meds as was told to do. Had my meals prepared and did practice a lot ahead. It was on my dominate arm.

[raisingcashauctions]

I just had my 2nd rotator cuff surgery on my non dominant arm. Strapless cotton dresses & tops that had alot of support (no bra needed) were. Lifesaver!
A water bottle like bikers use was great- easy to drink out of hands free & they don't spill.
I also had a pill holder labeled with each pill type.

[markhudgins]

Some stool softener are helpful and then another thing buy a stirring wheel knob and I put it on my car so I could drive 1 handed . 6 weeks is a long time to go without driving . I drove 4 days after surgery not having to dependent on somebody else . really pretty safe and easy to do and you won't have to try to even lift your surgery shoulder up to rotate the steering wheel after the 6 weeks when you lose the sling and rotate the steering wheel .

[iamtia]

Thanks for sharing these tips. I’m having rotator cuff surgery soon and thank goodness, I kept my mom’s electric recliner after her transition. As well, these tips will definitely help as I begin purchasing all of the things mentioned. Great job!!! 🙌🏾🫶🏾

[rosiebarker]

I jad surgery 13 years ago with a full tear. Out of the blue one day I realized I couldn't lift my right arm again. Had an MRI last week. Another full tear larger then the last one and I honestly don't know how it happened. Thankcyou so so much for all of your brilliant tips! I very much appreciate you.

[nursedebbie]

I’ll be having total shoulder replacement plus a rotator cuff. I’m 60 years old and I’m only 5 ft tall. 28 years of being a nurse I had to lift patients in beds. Because of my height I couldn’t use my legs to properly lift. I’m a good nurse, but not a good patient! Please pray for my husband! I’m a weenie when it comes to pain!

[RandyHaveson]

Thank you so much! These tips were very helpful, especially the recommendation for Tegaderm.

[Thejennmachine]

I’m not sure what happened to my shoulder yet. My Dr kind of brushed it off months ago but I was in excruciating pain for three months and now I’ll have tingling down my arm, loss of range of motion and strength. I have a dr appt next Tuesday with a specialist I think I might need surgery but I will find out soon. Thank you for sharing. I’m mentally preparing

[lovehealthgratitude]

I didn't shower for three days post-op! I was on too many pain meds, and didn't feel like moving.
I showered by myself, had a Sling for the shower and rolled up a hand towel to put under my arm. Had a pump top on the shampoo and conditioner, & used a (HEETA) hair scalp massager to rub in the shampoo, and conditioner, and it worked beautifully! I used a long handled Natural boar bristle brush to wash my body, & was very easy.

[isabelmignone]

Thank you, I am having shoulder surgery in 2 weeks. Very helpful.

[cjjw]

My surgery is in 2 days - rotator cuff and bicep tears on dominant R side. I have been trying to practice left handed
Thanks for doing this video