How to adapt recliner for right arm surgery

If you’re going to have surgery on your right arm, there are a few things you need to think about and plan for. One important thing is how you will recover after the surgery, whether it will be at home or somewhere else. You also need to consider what kind of furniture will be easiest for you to use when you go back to your home.

Recliners are good chairs for post-surgery recovery because they can easily lean back and lift up again with very little effort. They are a great starting point when adapting your home for recovery. However, recliners need more space than regular chairs. They have levers on either side that allow the chair to recline and raise up with ease, and levers on the left side that control the left armrest, so it’s called a “right arm recliner.” Manual recliners can be troublesome after right arm surgery because of their power reclining mechanism.

To make your recliner easier to use after right arm surgery, here are some tips you can follow.

Decide Where You Will Be Recovering

Before your surgery, you need to decide where you will recover. Will you recover at home, in a hospital, or while traveling? This decision is important because it will affect how you will recover from the surgery.

If you decide to recover at home, you need to consider the space you have in your home. Where will you put the recliner if you buy a new one? If you already have a recliner, you need to make sure it’s comfortable and not noisy. You also need to think about where you will place other things like a food tray. If you buy a new recliner, make sure it’s electric, so you can adjust it easily.

It’s important to ask these questions before you decide where to recover. If you already have a recliner and plan to recover at home, you should talk to your doctor and make sure someone can help you. It’s important to take surgery seriously, so talk to your doctor before you decide where to recover.

Create a Safe Environment for Recovery

When you are recovering, it’s important to make sure that you are safe and comfortable. You should have a room that is at a comfortable temperature, with low lighting and minimal noise.

If you are recovering at home, it’s a good idea to have someone stay with you. They can check on you and make sure everything is okay.

If you are recovering in a hospital, a nurse will check on you and make sure everything is safe and comfortable.

If you are traveling, you need to make sure your room is safe and comfortable on your own.

Install PVC Pipe (For a Manual Recliner)

If you have a manual recliner, you can use PVC pipes to help you recline the chair. This is because the levers can be hard to move after a right arm surgery.

Here’s how you can use PVC pipes to recline your chair:

  1. Make sure the PVC pipe is the right length.
  2. Make sure the pipe fits the lever.
  3. You can use duct tape to attach the PVC pipe to the lever, or you can make sure the PVC pipe fits the lever perfectly.
  4. If you don’t like how the pipe looks, you can cover it with some cloth.

Add a Slip-Resistant Mat

If you’re recovering at home after surgery, it’s a good idea to put a mat in front of your recliner. This will help you avoid slipping and falling, which is important because you may have limited use of your right arm.

I want to make sure that you are comfortable and safe during your recovery, so it’s important to take these precautions.

Use the Assistive Device

It’s a good idea to keep an assistive device nearby while you recover from surgery. This could be things like a call button, flashlight, water bottle, or anything else you might need. Make sure it’s close to you so you don’t have to reach or strain it.

You should also have a food tray nearby so that someone can bring you food and drinks while you’re in your recliner. This will make it more comfortable for you and help you avoid unnecessary movement.

Add more cushion to the right armrest

Before your surgery, ask someone to check the cushioning on the right armrest of your recliner. You might want to add extra cushioning to make it more comfortable, especially if your arm will be heavier with a plaster.

Keep in mind that having an armrest may affect blood flow to your right arm. So, be careful when adjusting it, and try sitting in your recliner to make sure it’s comfortable for you.

Add Furniture That Supports Your Limbs

If you had surgery on your right arm, it’s a good idea to have furniture that is easy to use and supports your limbs. You can add a few more things to your list of items to help with your recovery:

  • A food tray that is low and easy to reach.
  • A pillow to support your arm while sleeping or eating.
  • Another pillow to support your leg while sleeping or eating.
  • A blanket to keep you warm and comfy. You can choose a comforter if you prefer.

Related post

FAQs for adapt recliner for right arm surgery:

Q. Why do I need to adapt my recliner for right arm surgery recovery?

After right arm surgery, it may be difficult or painful to move or use your arm. Adapting your recliner can make it easier and more comfortable for you to rest and recover.

Q. What are some ways to adapt my recliner for right arm surgery recovery?

There are several ways to adapt your recliner for right arm surgery recovery, including adding cushions, using PVC pipes to help recline the chair, adding a mat to prevent slipping, and having a food tray and other assistive devices within reach.

Q. How do I choose the right cushion for my recliner?

When choosing a cushion for your recliner, look for one that provides enough support and cushioning for your right arm. Consider using an overfilled cushion to provide extra comfort, especially if you have a cast or splint.

Q. Can I use an electric recliner instead of a manual one?

Yes, an electric recliner can be easier to use and adjust than a manual one. However, make sure you have someone show you how to operate the electric recliner before you use it, and make sure any cords or wires are safely out of the way.

Q. What kind of food tray should I use?

Look for a food tray that is low to the ground and easy to reach, with enough space to hold a plate, utensils, and a drink. A tray with adjustable legs can be helpful for finding the right height.

Q. Do I need to consult my doctor before adapting my recliner?

It is always a good idea to consult your doctor before making any changes to your recovery plan, including adapting your recliner. They can offer guidance and advice based on your specific needs and situation.

Conclusion

Recliners are great for recovering from right arm surgery because they can be easily adjusted and require less effort. But, they need more space than a regular chair. So, you should make sure that the recliner is in a safe location and has enough space around it.

To make it easier to recover from right arm surgery at home, you can also add things like slip-resistant mats, assistive devices, and furniture that supports your limbs. And if you have a manual recliner, you can modify the lever using PVC pipes.

I found a helpful video on YouTube that shows how to adapt a recliner for right arm surgery, and I’m sharing it with you

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