- As your shoulder begins to heal,
you will wear a shoulder immobilizer or sling.
It supports your arm and makes sure you don't reach out.
Most people need help putting the sling on and taking it off.
Be sure your health care team has shown you
and your caregiver how to do this.
This helps you avoid movements
that could damage your shoulder as it heals.
Do not attempt to put the sling on
or take it off by yourself unless your surgeon
has given you permission to do so and a health care provider
has instructed you in the proper technique.
This program demonstrates how to put the sling on
and take it off with a caregiver's help.
You may be given different instructions.
Always follow the directions of your health care provider.
Shoulder immobilizers and slings are available
from several manufacturers.
We'll demonstrate with this model.
Your sling may be different from this one.
Sit on the edge of a bed or couch
to have the shoulder sling put on or taken off.
Have your helper arrange one or two pillows
for your arm to rest on.
Lean to the side as your helper puts the pillows in place.
Then sit upright to rest your arm on the pillows.
To remove the sling,
your helper releases the Velcro on the shoulder strap.
You or your helper hold onto your healing arm
so your arm is supported and doesn't move.
Your helper pulls the shoulder strap
out of the ring and off your shoulder.
Next, your helper releases the Velcro on the wrist strap
and pulls it out of the ring to open the sling.
There's a loop inside the sling for your thumb,
which may be helpful in supporting your hand.
Ask your health care provider if you should use this.
If you are using it,
your helper gently removes your thumb from the loop.
Next, your helper unbuckles the strap
that goes around your side under your armpit.
Now the sling is ready to be removed.
Your helper stands so he or she is looking down
the length of your arm toward your elbow.
You or your helper holds onto your wrist or hand
to keep your arm from moving
as he or she slowly pulls the sling off from the elbow.
Your helper should not lift your arm.
Don't try to help.
Just stay still, letting your arm rest on the pillows.
While the sling is off,
be very careful not to move your shoulder
until your surgeon tells you it is all right to do so.
Here's how the sling is put on.
Sit on the edge of a bed or couch
with the pillows in place.
Your helper places the sling
so he or she can pull it on from the elbow.
You or your helper hold your wrist or hand
to keep your arm from moving
as he or she pulls the sling on gently.
It may be helpful to pull a few inches on the inside,
then a few inches on the outside,
gradually walking the sling onto your arm
until your elbow is securely in the end.
You or your helper should always be
holding onto your arm so it doesn't move.
Your arm should not be lifted.
Instead, your helper pushes down on the pillows
to slide the sling under your arm.
Again, it is very important not to move your shoulder.
If at any point you feel like your shoulder is being moved,
immediately tell your helper to stop.
Once the sling is in place, your helper puts your thumb
in the inside loop, if you've been told to use it.
Next, he or she threads the wrist strap through the ring
and closes the sling around your arm,
fastening the Velcro to hold it in place.
Your helper brings the shoulder strap
over the shoulder on which you did not have surgery
and threads it through the ring.
Supporting your wrist and forearm,
your helper gently tucks your arm against your body
without moving your shoulder.
Your arm should be bent slightly upwards.
Your helper adjusts the triangle on the strap
so it's over your shoulder blade on your back.
This is the shoulder on which you did not have surgery.
The placement of this triangle is very important.
It helps keep your arm in the right position
and helps keep the strap from digging into your neck.
Your helper pulls the strap so there's no slack in it,
being careful not to tug your arm up,
and attaches the Velcro.
It's a common mistake to have the strap too loose.
That may feel more comfortable,
but it doesn't support your shoulder properly.
Next, your helper brings the side strap under your armpit
and inserts the clasp into one of the two triangular rings,
whichever feels most comfortable to you.
Again, it should fit snugly
to hold your wrist in the proper position.
Lean to the side so your helper
can remove the pillows without moving your arm.
Your elbow should be in front of your body.
Your arm should be bent slightly upwards.
Your wrist should be roughly at the middle of your body,
just above your belly button.
As you move, the sling might need to be readjusted
by your helper to keep it tight.
Your arm must be supported by pillows
before you loosen the straps and refasten them.
While wearing the sling, keep your arm and shoulder relaxed.
When you lie down,
use folded towels to keep your elbow supported
and to keep it from falling behind your body.
Most people are told
to wear it day and night for four to six weeks
except when changing clothes,
changing the dressing over the incision,
or taking a shower.
Your health care provider may give you instructions
for using a simpler type of sling when showering.
Do not shower until your surgeon
says it is all right to do so.
When doing exercises, the sling does not have to be taken off.
Have your helper open the sling
to free the arm for your exercises.
Ask your health care provider any questions you have
about how to safely put on and remove
your shoulder immobilizer or sling.