Bandages and orthoses for injuries of the shoulder and shoulder joint: how to choose and wear

Features of shoulder surgery

Arthroscopy of the shoulder joint is a minimally invasive operation that allows you to accurately diagnose the pathological process and eliminate it. During surgery, the doctor makes small punctures in the shoulder area and inserts an arthroscope. This tool is equipped with a minimally sized camera, which allows you to magnify the image several times. Arthroscopy is prescribed for frequent shoulder dislocations, bursitis, tendon injuries, arthrosis or arthritis. With the help of this operation, it is possible to relieve the patient of pain and restore motor activity.

Without outside help

1. Sit on a chair or on the edge of the bed. The elbow of the affected arm should be bent at an angle of 90 degrees. You may find it more comfortable if you place a pillow under your elbow. 2. Place your arm in the orthosis. 3. Close the clasp that goes around the outside of the arm. It should go between the bend of your elbow and your wrist. 4. With your healthy hand, place the shoulder strap over your neck and healthy shoulder and fasten its clasp, adjusting the length.

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5. Fasten the waist belt by adjusting the length.

6. Check that the elbow angle is 90 degrees.

Rehabilitation after arthroscopy

After arthroscopy of the shoulder joint, the rehabilitation period lasts from 3 to 6 months, after this period patients can return to their daily lifestyle. To prevent inflammation and the development of infection, a course of antibacterial drugs is prescribed. To normalize motor activity, exercise therapy and physiotherapeutic procedures are recommended. Wearing a fixing bandage is also recommended to normalize motor activity and speed up the tissue healing process.

Early recovery period

Therapeutic physical culture can be performed from the second day after arthroscopy. Classes are conducted in a lying or standing position. All exercises are performed strictly under the supervision of a specialist. A week after surgery, the load is gradually added, first a general set of exercises is performed, that is, not only with a load on the operated shoulder, but also on other muscle groups. Exercise should be done every day to stimulate blood circulation and prevent muscle hypertrophy. During the early recovery period, each workout is no more than five minutes, 3-4 times a day. The duration of this period is 1-1.5 months - this is how long it is indicated to wear an immobilizing bandage.

Late recovery period

The late recovery period lasts about 3-4 months. Conventionally, recovery at this stage can be classified into three groups: Prevention of contracture. Prevention of shoulder muscle hypertrophy. Normalization of motor activity and endurance training. In addition to exercise therapy, massage, swimming, and physiotherapy (electrophoresis, phonophoresis) are indicated. As soon as the fixing bandage is removed, special attention should be paid to strengthening the muscles. After immobilization of the shoulder joint is completed, it is recommended to wear a weak fixation bandage, this will prevent damage to the joint capsule. To normalize motor activity, exercises with a gymnastic stick, ball, and static exercises with a constant increase in load are recommended. Over three months of exercise, the patient must increase the range of motion so that the flexion of the operated arm occurs at 140-150°, abduction - 130-140. At the end of the third month of the recovery period, you need to add power loads. Exercises with dumbbells, expanders, sticks, balls, etc. are recommended. Maximum weight – no more than 3 kg. You need to start at a slow pace, and if there is no pain or discomfort, constantly increase it.

Pre-training and training period

This period starts from 3-5 months. This depends on the complexity of the pathological process and the scale of the operation. This period is especially important for those who play sports professionally. The direction and nature of physical activity depends on the sports specialization. The main goal of the pre-workout and training period is to restore full load and regain endurance. As for professional competitions, the athlete can begin them no earlier than one year after the arthroscopy of the shoulder joint. You should also pay special attention to the shoulder braces - bandages. They are an integral attribute in the rehabilitation process.

How to dress without help

The main rule is that we always start dressing with the sore hand, and undressing with the healthy one!

Clothes that fasten at the front:

1. Sit on the edge of a chair or stand. The affected arm should hang calmly and relaxed (see picture). 2. Using your healthy hand, gently pull the sleeve over your sore arm. Use only your healthy hand! 3. After the affected arm is completely in the sleeve, use your healthy arm to wrap the shirt around your back, and then insert your healthy arm into the other sleeve.

Important! Don't put your sore arm back!

1. Fasten all fasteners only with your healthy hand. 2. After putting on the top (shirt, blouse, etc.), put on the orthosis.

What is a bandage for and what is it?

A bandage is an orthopedic product that partially or completely fixes the motor activity of the shoulder joint and upper limb. These structures are used in therapeutic or prophylactic settings; they are also used after operations and perform a supporting function. In the postoperative period, the product is used to accelerate the healing of damaged tissues.

Material of manufacture

Any type of bandage is made of high-density elastic material. The unique composition of the material allows for a tight fit of the bandage to the shoulder. Restrictive types of products may contain additional fixation systems, for example, belts or plates. The material used can be natural or synthetic. The first option is most preferable for children, but it wears out quickly, so its service life is shorter than that of synthetic products. Synthetics are more practical and easy to care for, suitable for adults and children.

Peculiarities

During surgery on the shoulder joint, damage to surrounding tissue occurs. The bandage is designed to prevent sprains or damage to the integrity of ligaments or muscles. The fixing function of this product reduces pain in the postoperative period and speeds up the recovery process.

Fixation degree

Depending on the complexity of the operation and the severity of the disease, bandages of different fixation may be prescribed. They are classified into three groups: Lungs. They will be useful after simple operations, for example, those caused by a sports injury. Sometimes such bandages are used to prevent injury. Fixing structures with weak fixation prevent tension in the muscles and ligaments of the shoulder joint and create optimal conditions for tissue healing. Semi-rigid. Prescribed in the initial post-rehabilitation period, mainly for arthritis or arthrosis. Tough. Indicated after major operations or fractures. The shoulder joint is securely fixed in a stationary state.

Main types

Bandages can be used for various purposes, so there are several types: Restrictive. Looks like a vest with small sleeves. Provides complete immobility of the joint; if necessary, the range of motion can be adjusted with straps. Children's. In childhood, special attention should be paid to the musculoskeletal system. After surgery on the shoulder, it is recommended to wear a children's bandage; it looks like an adult fixation bandage, but is made of natural materials and has appropriate sizes, which are regulated by special Fixation belts. This brace secures the shoulder in the desired position. The patient cannot lift or move the arm. Made of semi-rigid material, it performs its function perfectly. Clavicular. Provides reliable fixation of the shoulders - they are laid back. This product is shaped like a figure eight. Prescribed for damage or fracture of the collarbone in the initial post-rehabilitation period. Supportive. Indicated for shoulder instability. Prevents dislocations and other injuries; as a rule, such bandages are worn for preventive purposes. Made of soft fabric material, does not restrict movement.

How to take off clothes

This may not be easy at first.

1. Unfasten the waist fastener of the orthosis. 2. Unfasten the neckband or throw it over your head with your healthy arm. Then carefully remove your arm from the orthosis. Once you have removed the orthosis, you can remove your clothing. We start with the healthy arm, taking it out of the sleeve. 3. Then, helping with your healthy hand, remove the sleeve from the other hand.

4. To remove your skirt or pants, first pull them down your hips with your healthy hand. Then you can sit down and, while sitting, pull them down, finally stepping with your feet.

Important! Make sure that the affected arm hangs quietly or remains in a position similar to the orthosis - for this, for example, you can keep it in a bent position with your palm tucked into your belt.

What is the difference between a bandage and an orthosis?

Many people do not distinguish between orthoses and bandages. Indeed, they have the same function - fixing. But still, there are some differences. Bandages are “softer” retainers, consisting of elastic fabric of varying hardness. Orthoses, in turn, are considered more complex structures that have pins, metal plates and other similar elements inside. Orthotic structures are prescribed when there is a need to adjust the angle of fixation of the shoulder girdle and upper limb. Bandages have a broader purpose - they are required after surgery on joints; depending on the severity, different types of products can be prescribed.

How to dress with help

1. When putting on a top (shirt, blouse), the helper first puts on the sore arm, carefully guiding the sleeve up along it as far as possible. 2. Try to keep the affected arm hanging quietly or in a position similar to an orthosis (see above). 3. Then insert your healthy arm into the second sleeve. 4. Now you can put on the orthosis. It is convenient to do this while sitting, for example, on the edge of the bed, placing a pillow under the orthosis. Carefully place your arm into the brace and secure the Velcro fastener. 5. Fasten the ribbon going over the shoulder. 6. Finally, fasten the belt.

Recommendations for use and care

Wear the brace strictly as directed by your doctor. Observe the hourly schedule and duration of wearing. If you need to remove it, do it as carefully as possible, it is better to have someone help you. Do not make sudden movements. Do not put the bandage on wet skin, including after applying various creams or ointments. Wait until they are completely absorbed. Please read the instructions carefully. As a rule, they clearly show how to properly put on and secure the bandage. To ensure that the bandage does not lose its properties and does not change visually, follow a few simple requirements. It is advisable to wash by hand; it is not recommended to use a washing machine. The maximum water temperature is 30 degrees. Use only gentle washing powders or gels. This product must not be ironed.

Prices and manufacturers

Postoperative bandages have a wide range of prices. Depending on the manufacturer and material of manufacture, the cost varies from 1,500 to 10,000 rubles. Today the most popular manufacturers: Otto Bock. They make inexpensive products, but the quality is at the highest level. Comfortable to wear, easy to use and maintain. Trives. They produce a wide range of braces for the shoulder joint, from economy to premium class. The manufacturer is known not only in the Russian Federation, but also abroad. Medi. Bandages made in Germany have a very high price. But they occupy a leading position in the market. This brand also produces various types of orthoses. Orlett. They produce several types of fixation products for children and adults. After arthroscopy of the shoulder joint, the doctor will advise which type of brace is best to choose in your case. The duration of wearing is determined individually. Before purchasing a fixation product, be sure to consult your doctor.

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The leading clinic on the basis of the Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University is GarantClinic.