Patients always ask for recommendations or preferences. We have curated a few of our favorites, based on years of use or patient suggestions. The items chosen below are unbiased, as we do not have any financial association with the products featured. Additionally, the provided links are solely intended for informational purposes and should not supersede the advice of your provider.
“Ask us before purchasing - some items (slings, braces, crutches, etc.) might be provided at the time of surgery and billed to your insurance!”
Basic Yet Handy (No Pun Intended)
It’s true, this is the type of horrible sling you go to the ER with an injury. But hear us out…flimsy mesh slings have use! You can wear it in the shower! The mesh fabric allows for water to pass through easily and for quick drying times. Also, if you are going to get sweaty by siting in the sun (wear sunscreen!) or doing a workout (with permission by your surgeon of course) then this sling is great for breathability and post-sweaty-activity washing. One size fits all.
For Shoulder Dislocations
We often use this brace when returning athletes to their sport once they’ve recovered from a shoulder stabilization procedure. The brace is designed to stabilize the shoulder by restricting the movements that cause a shoulder dislocation. There are several braces like this on the market - and trust us, none of them are all that comfortable. But it’s better than re-injuring your shoulder!
“Reduce, Reuse + Recycle! Ask family, friends, co-workers if they have some of these items to borrow!”
For “Sloppy” Kneecaps
This brace is intended for “mild to moderate” kneecap maltracking, dislocations, subluxations, etc. The straps put a “true” pull on the patella, keeping it aligned. Will is stop you from dislocating your kneecap? Probably not. But patients with patellar alignment issues often find this brace provides comfort and support. This brace comes in multiple sizes, so be careful when ordering!
Your Legs Will Thank You
These are our “go to” compression socks for long days of standing in the operating room. Great for long plane rides and 8-hour desk days. Comfortable for all-day wear, durable and with playful yet sophisticated patterns. They offer “graduated compression” which puts different amounts of pressure at different parts of your legs and feet for optimal circulation (tighter at the ankles and looser as the sock goes up the leg). This helps blood flow freely instead of pooling. Choose moderate (15-20 mmHg) or firm (20-30 mmHg) graduated compression. A blend of Merino Wool and Bamboo. Multiple Men’s and Women’s sizes. Made in the USA!
Crutch Crampons
To avoid slips or falls, we recommend putting crampons on your crutches for safer traction during winter conditions. For all those winter-sport enthusiasts with injuries, these will not allow you to cross glaciers, ascend snow slopes or scale icy rocks. But, you can pretend to do so when crossing an icy parking lot, slippery driveway or snowy sidewalk. These crampons can be put on canes and walkers as well. They flip up for safe use when indoors or on hard surfaces (concrete, tile, hardwood, etc.).
Tried & True Sling
The fancy version of a basic sling - used after rotator cuff repairs and shoulder stabilizations. The waist strap secures your arm in a neutral position. The neck strap has a comfortable pad that can be repositioned to the place of your choice. All straps are adjustable and secured with velcro and buckles, making it easy for taking on an off. The material feels “sporty” with areas of breathable mesh. This sling comes in 4 sizes and is universal for right and left.
Icing Made Easier
Kind of expensive, but we’ve never had a surgical patient say it wasn’t worth the money. This cold therapy unit recirculates ice water through a universal pad that you can wrap on your shoulder, hip, knee, ankle, etc. It’s super easy to use…with “plug-n-play operation”. It’s nice and small which appeals for transporting, storing, etc. There are different pads you can purchase for each specific body part if you prefer, but the universal pad does a great job! Keep in mind - only run the machine for 20 minutes at a time if the pad is directly on your skin!
Velcro For The Win!
Yes, believe it or not, we looooove this type of ace wrap. This is just a 6-inch ace wrap. But what makes this so special is it secured with velcro, not those annoying sharp, metal clips. We love everything about these…and so do patients! 6-inch is great for wrapping larger areas of your body…like your leg, knee and thigh. We recommend 4-inch for smaller areas (ankle, elbow, etc.).
Incisions Need Love Too
Patients always ask what helps incisions heal quickly and minimizes scarring. Moisture! We think petrolatum-based ointments, such as Aquaphor Healing Ointment, are a great and easy option. This product helps keep wounds moist after surgery and a moist environment helps the cells to replicate and bond together, allowing the incision to heal faster and cosmetically. Please avoid antibiotic ointments (Neosporin, Polysporin, Bacitracin, triple antibiotic ointments, etc.) as these can cause allergic reactions and interrupt the normal, healthy bacteria on your skin that promotes healing.
Say Goodbye (Sort Of) To Scars
It is agreed upon that silicones role in scar reduction is undisputed. It will not get rid of your incision, but it will help improve the appearance of scars by reducing the thickness, color, and texture of the scar. The most popular forms are silicone gel sheets/tapes and topical gels. You should not apply these products until the incision is healed and sealed (>3 weeks after surgery). Visible results generally require 3+ months of continuous application.
“Backpack-Like” Neck Support
The souped up version of the UltraSling III…with the same 4 sizes, universal right and left fit, same materials, velcro, buckles, etc. But….the IV has an additional 3-point strapping system to take pressure of your neck. Think of it like wearing a backpack, rather than carrying a purse. Patients can get a little confused trying to take it on and off…but once they get the knack of it, it’s worth it!
For information on this brace, read about the DonJoy X-Act ROM for similar details.
“Some of these items are readily available on various websites and in stores ~ not just limited to the the links listed here!”
Squeaky Clean For Surgery
We recommend patients shower the night before and morning of surgery with Hibiclens to help prevent infection (please refer to instructions on the “Surgery” page). It’s an antiseptic skin cleanser with a long track record in hospitals. It bonds with the skin and kills microorganisms for up to 24 hours even after it is rinsed off. It’s unscented, hypoallergenic and mild on skin. Do not to use this on or near your face, eyes, ears or head. This is a small, 8 oz bottle - no need for more than that!
Shoe-pendous Orthotics!
Not everyone needs orthotics, but your feet are unique to you, and those running shoes you purchased last week have the same cookie-cutter insoles as if everyone is one-size-fits-all. Orthotics can provide comfort, support and sometimes even prevent breakdown injuries. SuperFeet has a wide array of insoles geared toward specific anatomy, activities, use and footwear. There are lots of options and we recommend stopping into a store that sells these orthotics to try them out in your shoes!
Unlimited Massages
Percussive therapy can help alleviate discomfort from sore muscles. Does it increase flexibility, enhance performance or accelerate recovery? Eh…the scientific evidence is soft, but it sure does feel good to use! We like to use this before or after a workout, or after a long day of standing in the operating room or sitting in front of a computer. Patients who are recovering from knee surgery, might find it useful on their other leg which is doing the burden of work or their traps, pecs, shoulders, etc. (after crutching around all day). Lightweight, easy to use, 3-speeds, small enough to fit in your gym bag. You certainly don’t need this, but it’s a handy little device that provides comfort.
The “Ultra-ist” UltraSling
You guessed it…the same features as the III and IV…but the “shoulder ring” is an easier version of the 3-point strapping on the IV. The goal? To evenly distribute weight and take pressure off your neck; like the IV, but fancier. This is a universal sized sling that adjusts to accommodate “most size patients”.
Oh No! You Kneed Surgery!?
The DonJoy and Breg knee braces are the 2 best out there for post-op ACL reconstructions and several other knee surgeries. One sitze fits all, but they have features so you can customize the fit to your leg. The telescoping sliders help the brace fit any leg length. Each strap can be fit to size with the velco. The straps secure easily with quick-clip buckles. The hinge allows you to lock the brace and set range of motion parameters. Universal right and left. You gotta admit…they are kinda look cool too, that is if you have to wear a knee brace.
The Cousin to Stitches
Good enough for us to use on your incisions in the operating room, good enough for you to use at home! 3M is our favorite brand and 1/2 inch is our preferred size. Hypoallergenic without latex. Steri-strips take tension off the incision and keep the edge approximated - allowing for better healing!
Post-Surgery Hydration
Staying hydrated after an injury or surgery helps with recovery! How? Hydration helps decrease inflammation, increases blood flow which thereby increases nutrients to the injured area, helps remove waste products, prevents constipation and more! When dehydrated after surgery, you can have headaches, fatigue, dizziness and generaully feel icky - which can already be an issue after surgery/anesthesia. We <3 Nuun because is contains all the important electrolytes without all the added sugar. Plus its gluten free, vegan and kosher. This should be a staple in your recovery and we can’t emphasize enough how important hydration is after surgery!
Wheelin’ Around After Ankle Surgery
This exact scooter allowed my wife to mobilize around for 6 weeks after foot surgery. It was so useful, that I loaned it to 10+ patients after their ankle surgeries. It had many miles on it before we retired it. Durable. Comfortable. Folds up for easy transport. Useful basket to carry phone, books, snacks, etc. Gives your shoulders and wrists a break from crutches. These scooters allow for independence and efficient mobilization. The seat and handle bars are adjustable to your height - ask us or your PT to fit it for safe use. Be cautious - these can be fun to zip around on, but they aren’t meant for speed! Falling or tipping over and suffering another injury is ill-advised!