Showering after a C-section or abdominal surgery is often one of the first self-care challenges new moms or surgical patients face. Soreness, fatigue, and wound sensitivity can make this daily task risky without proper support.
So this guide is here to help you teach your clients a step by step method.
General Safety Considerations for Abdominal Surgery
✔️ Always confirm surgeon-specific precautions
✔️ Avoid bending, twisting, or overreaching
✔️ No soaking the incision until fully healed
✔️ Keep clean, dry materials on hand
✔️ Prioritize energy conservation and fall prevention
Pre-Shower Prep (What to Set Up First)
1. Remove or Protect Any Dressings
- Remove wound coverings before showering unless instructed otherwise.
- If you must keep a dressing on, cover it with Press’n Seal plastic wrap and secure with medical tape to shield it from moisture.
2. Set Up the Space for Comfort
- Consider fatigue and possible medication side effects.
- Ensure the bathroom is:
3. Set up Needed Equipment
- Shower chair or stool: Reduces fatigue, rushing and risk of falling
- Handheld shower head: Lets clients control water pressure and avoid blasting the incision
- Long-handled scrubber: Prevents bending or strain on healing tissue
- Hypoallergenic soap (like baby shampoo): Gentle on incisions
- Grab bar or Tub Rail: For safety with transfers
Step-by-Step Showering Process
1. Enter the Shower Safely
- Face the shower wall for support.
- Use grab bars if available—or press palms gently to wall for balance.
- Use a hand or assistive device to help lift legs over tub edge if needed.
- Sit on shower seat or remain standing based on comfort.
2. Control the Water
- Turn on water before stepping in to test temperature.
- Use the handheld shower head to spray water gently.
- Avoid direct water pressure on the incision—spray from above and let it cascade down.
3. Washing the Body
- Use long-handled tools to reach feet and lower legs without bending.
- Wash around incision using:
- Do not rub or scrub over the incision!
4. Drying Off
- Dry off in the shower seat before standing, if possible.
- Use a clean towel to pat the incision area—no rubbing.
- Thoroughly dry feet to reduce fall risk.
🧠 Hot water can drop blood pressure—teach clients to pause and stabilize before standing.
OT Tips for Teaching This Task 🧠
- Practice dry runs before surgery (if possible)
- Emphasize energy conservation—this is not the time to rush
- Keep towels, clothes, and products within reach
- Normalize seated showering as a safe, effective choice
💬 “Post-op independence starts with small wins—like a confident, safe shower.”
Final Thoughts
Post-surgical showers can feel intimidating for patients and nerve racking for OTPs especially when we haven’t yet had a lot of reps doing it. But with a little prep and guidance you’ll be hearing your patients sing your praises - grateful for that always awesome first shower!
Expert Contributor: Lindsay DeLong, OTR/L, Founder at EquipMeOT
Lindsay DeLong, OTR/L is the founder of EquipMeOT, an occupational therapist-led platform dedicated to making adaptive equipment accessible, understandable, and empowering for individuals of all abilities. With a passion for independence and safety in daily living, Lindsay blends clinical expertise with practical solutions to help people live life on their own terms. 🔗 Follow her YouTube channel for more great guides!