If you are someone who is recovering from any fracture, dislocation, muscle strain or weakness in the arm or shoulder area then you must be using an arm sling. An arm sling is an orthopedic device which is often recommended by the doctor because the design of the sling helps in providing the constant support to the injured arm while reducing the risk of further damage by restricting the unnecessary movement of the injured arm.
Since it is worn for longer duration it sometimes creates problems like some people are strictly permitted to not remove the arm sling then this makes the patient’s shower pretty difficult as the water, slippery surface and one hand movement can sometimes disrupt the body balance. But by following some tips you can clean yourself without any problem.
Therefore in this blog we will go through some pre shower preparations, key tips to shower safely and some post shower things to maintain your body hygiene without damaging the sling and protecting yourself from any further damage which will promote a comfortable and safer experience throughout the healing journey.
Why is Extra Care needed during Shower
An arm sling is a device to provide the support to the injured arm and also protects it from unwanted movement. Yet while showering we often use our injured arm for balancing the body as the water, slippery surfaces and one hand movement often disrupts the balance and can lead to slipping which will further damage the injured arm and can also result in breaking of surgical site.
So taking some precautions often helps us from these kinds of scenarios. While also helping us maintain the hygiene of our body.
Pre Shower Preparations
Taking precautions is a must and it starts before entering the shower room. Follow this pre shower preparations:
- Collect everything that you need during the shower like soap, shampoo, towel, clothes or waterproof coverings as it prevents you from moving in and out of the bathroom during the shower.
- Moreover place these things on an easy reach place so you do not need to bend or move unnecessarily.
- Make sure you use a chair or stool to sit while bathing as standing on a slippery floor with one hand can be difficult.
- Ensure that the bathroom floor is dry before your shower.
Following these measures help in reducing the unwanted movement and protecting you from any injury.
Safe Showering Tips
These are the expert tips to shower safely.
- Using a chair or stool reduces the risk of slipping and sitting also allows you to concentrate on cleaning yourself rather than balancing yourself when standing.
- It is preferred to wash yourself with lukewarm water because hot water can cause dizziness especially after surgery.
- If you are not wearing the arm sling pouch then do not leave it unsupported as it can create discomfort. Follow your doctor’s advice about where to position your injured arm while taking a shower.
- Make sure you use a long brush or sponge as it helps in reaching the hard parts such as back, legs and helps in cleaning it properly without any excessive movement.
- Try to use a pump bottle as it is easier to use than bottles with screws or caps.
Make sure you follow these steps while cleaning yourself properly and also wash yourself slowly as fast movements can put sudden pressure on your injured arm.
Post Shower Tips
Post showers like drying yourself properly and wearing clothes are also important. Consider these things:
- Drying yourself is as important as cleaning yourself because if your skin remains wet while wearing the arm sling it can cause skin irritation and related problems. So follow these steps to dry yourself properly:
- Make your skin dry by gentle patting to avoid any vigorous movement.
- Dry your underarm area properly to prevent moisture buildup.
- Make sure your shoulder and neck area are completely dry before wearing the arm sling.
Moreover wearing a dry sling helps in reducing the moisture buildup and prevents skin irritation.
- Putting up clothes after drying yourself can be quite challenging but by following these steps you wear the clothes without any trouble.
- Always start wearing the clothes from the injured arm it helps in reducing the motion of the injured area.
- Then pull the clothing over the head and around the body
- At last insert the healthy arm
This way of putting clothes helps in preventing any type of excessive movement of the injured arm and protects you from any discomfort or pain.
Final Thoughts
Living while wearing the arm sling can make your daily activities somewhat difficult. For example, some people are strictly prohibited from removing their arm sling that makes showering quite difficult for them. But by implementing some good tips during their shower time can help them to clean themselves properly in a comfortable and safe manner.
So understanding why extra care is needed while washing, taking precautions before showering, following safe showering tips while wearing the arm sling, drying yourself properly and putting up clothes in a safe manner helps you to clean yourself in a safe manner which helps in more comfortable and safer experience during their recovery time.
