Recovery Products

Essential shoulder surgery recovery supplies include a shoulder abduction sling with pillow, a cold therapy ice machine or shoulder ice wrap, large 4x6 inch wound care dressings, snap-front or button-up shirts, a wedge pillow or recliner for sleeping, a long-handled reacher, a hand-held shower head, and a front-closure bra for women. See our shoulder replacement recovery guide for specific product recommendations.

Core supplies across hip, knee, and shoulder replacement include wound care dressings, a cold therapy system or ice pack wrap, anti-embolism stockings for DVT prevention, mobility aids (walker or sling depending on procedure), bathroom safety equipment, and adaptive clothing. Specific items depend on the procedure — hip and knee patients need bathroom and mobility equipment; shoulder patients need a sling and one-handed dressing aids.

Prepare 1-2 weeks before surgery. Clear walking paths, remove throw rugs, install bathroom grab bars and a raised toilet seat, set up a recovery station on the main floor with everything within arm's reach, and pre-cook meals or arrange meal support for the first 2-3 weeks. Have cold therapy equipment and wound care supplies set up before you return home from the hospital.

Many recovery supplies qualify as Durable Medical Equipment (DME) and may be partially covered by Medicare or private insurance with a prescription. Walkers, raised toilet seats, shower chairs, and anti-embolism stockings are commonly covered. Most items also qualify for FSA/HSA reimbursement. Check with your insurance before surgery and ask your surgeon's office for DME prescriptions for items they recommend.

Purchase and set up all equipment 1-2 weeks before surgery. This gives time to practice using items like reachers, sock aids, and walkers before your procedure, when you're more mobile. Don't wait until you're home from the hospital — post-op pain and medication side effects make ordering and setup significantly harder.