Proper Sling Use

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What is the Proper Way to Wear a Shoulder Sling?

Please watch this video on how to wear a shoulder sling properly or the Ultra Sling IV in this Video.

You may wonder how to use an arm sling or how to wear an arm sling properly. The quick answer, after having surgery on your shoulder, you may be asked to wear a sling for anywhere from 6-10 weeks. Most slings will have a strap going around your neck, a strap going around your abdomen, and an abductor pillow to keep your arm in a neutral position at your side. 

When slings are worn improperly, they place the shoulder in an unnatural position and force it to carry the load of the arm. This can have many negative effects on your recovery, including increased pain, difficulty regaining range of motion, and adding strain on the repair that was done on your shoulder. Proper sling use can be a vital part of the recovery process following a shoulder injury. Following these tips can help you wear your sling correctly and prevent complications while recovering from your shoulder surgery.

Please watch this video on how to get dressed after shoulder surgery.

How to Put on a Shoulder Sling

Quick answer, one of the most important aspects of proper sling use is to ensure that the sling is holding the entire weight of your arm. You should never raise your shoulder to move your arm while wearing the sling, as the muscles and tendons of the shoulder will be very sensitive following your procedure. Make sure your forearm is flat in the sling and parallel with the ground. Also, keep the elbow positioned as far back as it will go in the sling to make sure the whole sling carries the load of your arm. A good check for this to make sure that the end of the sling goes up to the edge of your hand so that only your fingers are exposed.

Another important aspect of proper sling use is to make sure your arm is in a neutral position at your side. Your upper arm should remain directly to your side and in line with the rest of your body. At the same time, it is important to keep your forearm at a 45° angle to your hip. Ensuring that your arm is not positioned too far in front of or behind can help reduce the strain on your shoulder, resulting in less pain overall. 

Bad Arm in Sling Positioning

In this picture, the patient’s overarm strap is too loose, resulting in the forearm not being parallel to the ground.  This results in the shoulder carrying some of the weight of the arm.  Also, the patient’s arm is too far back, resulting in an unnatural shoulder position.

Image of improper sling use

In this picture, the patient does not demonstrate proper sling use as the patient’s arm is not all the way into the sling, as noted by the elbow not being located at the back of the sling. The patient’s arm is also located too far in front of his body, leaving it unnatural.

Image of man in sling

In this picture, the patient is demonstrating proper sling use. It is at his side with his forearm parallel with the ground.  Also, his elbow was positioned all the way into the sling with just his fingers exposed.

Image of proper sling use

The Jacksonville Orthopedic Institute has many other articles about the shoulder which may be interesting to you.  This is a link to one of them HERE. or about our new waterproof cast or splint. To schedule physical therapy, please call 904-858-7045.

JOI Physicians are currently offering ASAP fracture and injury care. This is a new option for patients who would like to avoid the emergency room if they have suffered a fracture or soft tissue injury. To learn more about this service, read this article about fracture and injury care. Make an appointment by calling (904)JOI-2000.