Showering is the challenge almost everyone underestimates during non-weight-bearing recovery. Wet surfaces plus one working leg is exactly the situation that causes falls. The good news: with the right setup, it's completely manageable.
What you'll need
- A waterproof cast/bandage cover — keeps your dressing or cast fully dry (getting it wet can mean a trip back to the clinic).
- A shower chair or bench — so you sit for the whole shower instead of balancing on one leg.
- A non-slip bath mat — inside and outside the tub.
- A handheld showerhead — lets you rinse without standing or twisting.
Step by step
- Put on your waterproof cover before you get anywhere near the water, and check the seal.
- Get your chair or bench positioned and your handheld showerhead within reach.
- Transfer to the seat before turning on the water — sit down first, then start.
- Keep the injured leg extended and out of the direct stream where practical.
- Turn off the water, then transfer out onto a non-slip mat. Never stand on a wet surface on one leg.
The single biggest safety tip
Sit down for the entire shower. Standing on one leg on a slick surface is the number-one fall risk in recovery, and a shower chair removes it almost entirely.
Getting set up before your surgery date makes the first week far smoother. Read our full non-weight-bearing guide or browse the recovery essentials →
NWB Supply Co. sells comfort and convenience products only. This is not medical advice — always follow your surgeon's and physical therapist's instructions.