Showering with a broken humerus requires careful planning and adaptation to ensure your safety and protect your injured arm. The primary goals are to keep any cast or dressing dry, maintain balance, and avoid putting stress on the healing bone.
Consult Your Healthcare Provider First
Before attempting to shower, always consult your doctor or physical therapist. They can provide specific instructions based on the type of fracture, the stability of your humerus, and whether you have a cast, brace, or sling. They may advise against showering initially and recommend sponge baths instead.
Preparing for a Safe Shower
Preparation is key to a smooth and safe showering experience.
- Protect Your Arm: If you have a cast, bandage, or dressing, it is crucial to keep it completely dry.
- Waterproof Arm Protectors: Invest in a dedicated waterproof cast or arm cover designed for showering. These typically have a watertight seal around the upper arm.
- Improvised Protection: As a temporary measure, you can carefully wrap your arm and cast with several layers of plastic bags, securing them tightly at the top with waterproof tape or rubber bands, ensuring no water can seep in.
- Ensure Stability: The risk of falling increases when you're focusing on protecting your arm.
- Shower Chair or Bench: Using a shower chair or bench allows you to sit, significantly reducing the risk of slipping and providing a stable base.
- Non-Slip Mat: Place a non-slip mat inside and outside the shower or tub.
- Grab Bars: If available, utilize grab bars for extra support when entering, exiting, or moving around.
- Gather Supplies: Have everything you need within easy reach before you step into the shower.
- Long-Handled Brush or Sponge: This will help you reach areas of your back and legs without straining your injured arm.
- Liquid Soap and Shampoo: These are easier to dispense and use with one hand compared to bar soap.
- Detachable Shower Head: A handheld shower head offers much greater control over water flow and direction, allowing you to rinse specific areas without getting your injured arm wet.
- Towel and Fresh Sling: Have a dry towel and your clean sling ready outside the shower for immediate use.
Showering Safely: Step-by-Step
Once prepared, proceed slowly and cautiously.
- Enter Carefully: If using a shower chair, sit down before turning on the water.
- Adjust Water Temperature: Set the water to a comfortable, moderate temperature. Avoid extremely hot water, which can make you lightheaded.
- Keep Injured Arm Out of Stream: Position your body so that your injured arm, protected by its cover, remains outside the direct spray of water.
- Washing Your Uninjured Side: Wash your uninjured arm, torso, and legs first, using your long-handled brush or sponge as needed.
- Washing the Injured Arm and Underarm:
- Carefully remove your sling only if advised and safe to do so by your medical team.
- To wash under the injured arm or in the armpit area, lean forward slightly, allowing your arm to hang gently away from your body. This creates a small space, similar to an elbow straightening exercise, where you can carefully wash and even apply deodorant without putting undue strain on the fracture site. Use a small amount of soap on a washcloth and gently clean the area.
- Rinsing: Use the detachable shower head to rinse your body, again being mindful to keep the injured arm out of the main water stream.
- Exiting the Shower: Turn off the water, dry off as much as possible while seated, and then carefully stand up using grab bars or the chair for support. Step out slowly onto the non-slip mat.
Post-Shower Care
- Drying Thoroughly: Gently pat your body dry. Remove the waterproof cover from your injured arm. If any part of your cast or dressing got wet, notify your doctor immediately.
- Reapply Sling: Carefully reapply your sling or brace as instructed by your healthcare provider.
- Skin Care: Ensure your skin, especially under the sling, is completely dry to prevent irritation.
| Tool | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Waterproof Arm Cover | Keeps casts, bandages, or dressings dry. |
| Shower Chair/Bench | Provides stability and a place to rest, reducing fall risk. |
| Long-Handled Brush/Sponge | Reaches difficult areas without straining. |
| Detachable Shower Head | Allows for targeted rinsing and better control. |
| Non-Slip Mat | Prevents slips and falls in the wet environment. |
| Liquid Soap/Shampoo | Easier to use with one hand than bar soap. |
Remember, patience and caution are paramount. If at any point you feel pain or discomfort, stop immediately and contact your healthcare provider.
