- As your shoulder begins to heal,
your surgeon may have you wear a shoulder abduction sling
to support and protect it.
Abduction refers to moving your arm away from your body.
The sling has a pillow to hold your arm in this position.
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 abduction slings
are available from several manufacturers.
We'll demonstrate how to put on this model.
Your sling may be different from this one.
A pillow is attached to the sling
to hold your arm the proper distance from your body.
One strap on the sling goes around your side.
Another goes over the shoulder that is not healing.
A shorter strap helps keep your arm in the sling.
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.
There's a removable strap on the sling
to separate your thumb from your fingers.
This may be helpful in supporting your hand.
When you're being instructed on the use of your sling,
ask your health care provider if you should use this.
If you are using it,
your helper gently removes the strap.
Next, your helper releases the strap
holding the sling closed at your forearm.
Your helper releases the Velcro on the shoulder strap
and removes it from the rings, allowing the sling to open.
Finally, your helper unbuckles the strap
going around your side.
The sling can now be removed.
Your helper stands so he or she
is looking down the length of your arm toward your elbow.
He or she grasps your wrist or forearm with one hand
to support your arm and keep it from moving.
With the other hand,
your helper slowly pushes the sling off toward the elbow.
You may hold your wrist or hand
to help keep your arm from moving,
but do not lift your arm to help.
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.
Your helper must support your arm so it doesn't move.
You may help by holding onto your hand.
Your helper asks you
to lean slightly away from the sling
as he or she pulls the sling onto your arm
until your elbow is securely in the end.
Throughout this process,
your helper should be careful not to lift your arm.
If at any point you feel like your shoulder is being moved,
immediately tell your helper to stop.
Your helper brings the shoulder strap
over the shoulder you did not have surgery on
and threads it through the two rings.
He or she attaches the Velcro to the bottom part
of the shoulder strap, closing the sling.
Your helper then releases the Velcro on the upper part
of the shoulder strap to adjust it.
The strap needs to be tight
across the back of your neck to support your shoulder.
It's a common mistake to have the strap too loose.
That may feel more comfortable,
but it doesn't support your shoulder properly.
The protective pad should be over your neck.
The strap should be adjusted
so your arm is bent slightly upwards.
This takes stress off the shoulder muscles.
Next, your helper attaches the strap
that holds the sling closed at your forearm.
Your helper attaches the strap under your thumb,
if you're using it.
Finally, your helper buckles the strap
that goes around your side.
It should fit snugly.
Lean away from the pillows so your helper can remove them.
The abduction pillow should hug your body.
Your elbow should be in front of your body.
Your arm should bend slightly upwards.
Your wrist should be near the middle of your body.
The shoulder and waist strap
should be snug enough to hold your arm firmly in position.
As you move, the sling might need to be readjusted.
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 abduction sling.