Managing every day activities at home following Shoulder Surgery

.shoulder-recovery-page h1 {
text-align: center;
font-size: clamp(30px, 4vw, 44px);
line-height: 1.2;
margin: 0 0 20px;
font-weight: 700;
}

.shoulder-recovery-page .intro-text {
max-width: 760px;
margin: 0 auto 40px;
text-align: center;
font-size: 18px;
color: #555;
}

.shoulder-recovery-page h2 {
font-size: clamp(23px, 3vw, 30px);
line-height: 1.3;
margin: 46px 0 18px;
font-weight: 700;
}

.shoulder-recovery-page h3 {
font-size: 20px;
line-height: 1.4;
margin: 30px 0 12px;
font-weight: 700;
}

.shoulder-recovery-page p {
margin: 0 0 18px;
font-size: 17px;
}

.shoulder-recovery-page ul {
margin: 16px 0 24px;
padding-left: 26px;
}

.shoulder-recovery-page li {
margin-bottom: 12px;
font-size: 17px;
line-height: 1.65;
}

.shoulder-recovery-page .info-box {
margin: 34px 0;
padding: 24px 26px;
background: #f7f7f7;
border-left: 4px solid #222;
border-radius: 6px;
}

.shoulder-recovery-page .info-box p:last-child {
margin-bottom: 0;
}

.shoulder-recovery-page .section-divider {
border: 0;
border-top: 1px solid #e5e5e5;
margin: 42px 0;
}

.shoulder-recovery-page .medical-note {
margin-top: 46px;
padding: 22px 24px;
background: #fafafa;
border: 1px solid #e3e3e3;
border-radius: 8px;
font-size: 15px;
color: #555;
}

.shoulder-recovery-page .medical-note strong {
color: #222;
}

@media screen and (max-width: 749px) {
.shoulder-recovery-page {
padding: 28px 18px 45px;
}

.shoulder-recovery-page h1 {
font-size: 30px;
}

.shoulder-recovery-page .intro-text {
font-size: 16px;
text-align: left;
}

.shoulder-recovery-page h2 {
font-size: 24px;
margin-top: 38px;
}

.shoulder-recovery-page h3 {
font-size: 19px;
}

.shoulder-recovery-page p,
.shoulder-recovery-page li {
font-size: 16px;
}

.shoulder-recovery-page .info-box {
padding: 20px;
}
}
</style>

<header>
<h1>Managing Everyday Activities at Home Following Shoulder Surgery</h1>

<p class="intro-text">
Practical tips to help make everyday activities at home easier while
recovering from shoulder surgery.
</p>
</header>

<section>
<h2>Introduction</h2>

<p>
This page provides general information on managing everyday activities
at home following shoulder surgery. Every operation and recovery is
different, and you may be given specific instructions by your surgeon,
nurse, physiotherapist or Occupational Therapist that are not covered
here.
</p>

<div class="info-box">
<p>
<strong>Always follow the instructions provided by your surgical team.</strong>
Their advice should take priority over general information provided on
this page.
</p>
</div>
</section>

<section>
<h2>Restrictions in Movement Following Shoulder Surgery</h2>

<p>
You may be asked to restrict certain movements of your shoulder after
surgery. The restrictions will depend on the type of procedure you have
undergone.
</p>

<p>
It is important to follow the instructions given to you to avoid placing
unnecessary strain on the operated shoulder or interfering with the
healing process.
</p>

<p>
The sections below cover several common activities of daily living and
offer practical ideas for managing them while following your shoulder
restrictions.
</p>
</section>

<section>
<h2>Kitchen Activities</h2>

<p>
If you do not have someone at home to help you in the kitchen, try to
choose meals and ingredients that are easy to prepare using one hand.
</p>

<h3>Helpful Kitchen Tips</h3>

<ul>
<li>
Ready meals can often be placed directly into the oven on a baking tray
or heated in the microwave on a suitable plate.
</li>

<li>
Pre-prepared fresh or frozen vegetables can reduce the need for
washing, chopping and peeling.
</li>

<li>
When cooking vegetables, avoid carrying a full saucepan of boiling
water with one hand. Consider using a cooking basket inside the
saucepan so the vegetables can be lifted and drained together.
Alternatively, remove vegetables with a slotted spoon. Once the water
has cooled, the saucepan can be emptied more safely.
</li>

<li>
Remember that many traditional can openers require two hands. You may
need help opening cans or may wish to consider an electric or
one-handed can opener.
</li>

<li>
Scissors can be helpful for opening difficult food packages.
</li>

<li>
Opening jars one-handed can be difficult. Some people find it helpful
to stabilize the jar securely and twist the lid with their unoperated
hand. Where possible, ask someone to loosen tight lids in advance or
transfer food into easier-to-open containers.
</li>
</ul>

<div class="info-box">
<p>
If you are concerned about managing kitchen activities and do not have
anyone available to help, speak with your surgical team. They may be
able to refer you to an Occupational Therapist who can recommend
equipment or techniques to make daily activities easier.
</p>
</div>
</section>

<section>
<h2>Washing Techniques</h2>

<h3>If You Are Allowed to Move Your Shoulder Within Restrictions</h3>

<p>
Keep your operated arm positioned as instructed by your surgical team.
You may be able to shower or bathe if you feel safe doing so and your
care team has advised that this is appropriate.
</p>

<p>
Your surgical wound may need to be covered with a waterproof or
shower-resistant dressing. Avoid directing the shower spray directly
onto the dressing and do not soak the dressing in bath water unless your
care team has told you that this is safe.
</p>

<p>
Do not use your operated arm to help wash yourself unless you have been
specifically told that you can do so.
</p>

<p>
A washcloth or sponge may make it easier to clean around the armpit. Some
people also find that gently leaning forward provides better access
without requiring unnecessary shoulder movement.
</p>

<p>
Hair may be washed in the shower or while leaning over a sink or bath,
depending on your movement restrictions. Avoid using your operated arm.
Some people will need assistance washing their hair during the early
stages of recovery.
</p>

<h3>If You Are Not Allowed to Move Your Shoulder</h3>

<p>
If you have been instructed not to move your shoulder, avoid moving the
operated arm away from your body simply to wash underneath it.
</p>

<p>
A thin washcloth or wet wipe may sometimes be gently passed underneath
the armpit while keeping the arm in its prescribed position. Take care
around the surgical wound.
</p>

<p>
Deodorant may be difficult to apply directly to the armpit during this
period. If appropriate, it may be applied around the surrounding area
while avoiding the surgical wound and dressing.
</p>

<p>
To wash your hair, you may be able to lean over a sink, bath or shower
while keeping the operated arm properly supported. Keep dressings dry
where required and do not use your operated arm to assist.
</p>

<p>
Dry shampoo can also be useful for a short period. Some people may
require assistance with hair washing.
</p>

<h3>One-Handed Washing Tips</h3>

<ul>
<li>
Use liquid soap in a pump dispenser if handling a bar of soap is
difficult.
</li>

<li>
Consider using a washcloth that can hold soap inside it.
</li>

<li>
A sponge may be easier to lather and squeeze out with one hand than a
traditional washcloth.
</li>
</ul>

<h3>Cleaning Your Teeth</h3>

<p>
Putting toothpaste onto a toothbrush with one hand can be awkward. The
following techniques may help:
</p>

<ul>
<li>
Place the toothbrush on its back on the sink with the bristles facing
upward.
</li>

<li>
If necessary, stabilize the toothbrush using a non-slip surface,
reusable adhesive putty or another safe method.
</li>

<li>
Use your unoperated hand to squeeze toothpaste onto the toothbrush.
</li>

<li>
A pump-style toothpaste dispenser may be easier to operate than a
standard tube.
</li>
</ul>
</section>

<section>
<h2>Sleeping</h2>

<p>
Many people find sleeping on their back or on their unoperated side more
comfortable after shoulder surgery. Pillows or cushions can be used to
support the operated arm and shoulder in a comfortable position.
</p>

<p>
Your surgeon or physiotherapist may recommend a specific sleeping
position based on the type of surgery you have had. Follow any
instructions provided to you.
</p>
</section>

<section>
<h2>Getting Extra Help at Home</h2>

<p>
If you are concerned that you will not be able to manage normal daily
activities after surgery and do not have someone available to help,
speak with your hospital or surgical team before returning home.
</p>

<p>
Depending on where you live and your individual needs, community or home
care services may be available to assist with activities such as:
</p>

<ul>
<li>Washing and personal care</li>
<li>Dressing</li>
<li>Shopping</li>
<li>Laundry</li>
<li>Meal preparation or meal delivery</li>
</ul>

<p>
The services available vary by location. Your nurse, Occupational
Therapist, social worker or other member of your healthcare team may be
able to explain what assistance is available in your community.
</p>
</section>

<section>
<h2>Summary</h2>

<p>
Everyday activities can require some adjustment during the first stages
of recovery from shoulder surgery. Preparing your home, simplifying
everyday tasks and accepting help when needed can make recovery easier.
</p>

<p>
If you are unsure whether a particular movement or activity is safe,
speak with your surgeon, nurse, physiotherapist or Occupational Therapist
before attempting it.
</p>
</section>

<div class="medical-note">
<strong>Important:</strong> This information is intended for general
educational purposes and is not a substitute for medical advice. Recovery
instructions vary depending on the type of surgery, your health and your
surgeon's treatment plan. Always follow the instructions provided by your
healthcare team.
</div>

</article>

Choose Language & currency

Language

Currency

Quick Links

Your cart (0)

Votre panier est vide