Using a Sling: Care Instructions

Overview

A sling supports your forearm. It keeps an injured arm or shoulder from moving.

Some slings, called immobilizers, have a strap that goes around your waist to hold your arm against your body.

Your doctor may have given you a custom sling that holds your arm in a certain position. If not, you can use a ready-made sling from a drugstore.

But a sling can create problems. Keeping your arm in one position for too long can cause serious problems, such as frozen shoulder. Ask your doctor what you can do to prevent these problems.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• To put a sling on by yourself without using your shoulder, place the sling on a table. Lower your forearm into the sling pocket. Then secure the strap(s).
• If you are able, you can first strap the sling over your shoulder, then slip your forearm into the sling pocket.
• Make sure that the sling allows your arm and shoulder to relax.
• Follow your doctor's instructions for how often to:
  • Take the sling off.
  • Do exercises to prevent problems such as frozen shoulder.
• If the fingers of the arm in the sling were not injured, wiggle them every now and then. This helps move the blood and fluids in the injured arm.
• Keep up your muscle strength and tone as much as you can while protecting your injured arm or shoulder. Your doctor may want you to tense and relax the muscles protected by the sling, but only if it's not painful. Check with your doctor or your physical or occupational therapist for instructions.
• Use the sling until your doctor tells you that you no longer need it. How long you wear a sling depends on your diagnosis and how you heal.