If you injured your shoulder or are recovering following a shoulder procedure, there’s a possibility that your arm will be placed in a sling for a brief period of time. A shoulder sling helps to provide an ideal environment for healing by stabilizing the area and limiting strain on the weakened area while it’s recovering, so long as you wear it in the correct manner. In today’s blog, we share some tips for ensuring that your shoulder sling is worn correctly to help aid in your recovery.
How To Correctly Wear A Shoulder Sling
Life with a shoulder sling will be a little more difficult than normal, and you’ll want to follow your doctor’s instructions for everyday tasks that may be harder to perform due to your shoulder condition, like bathing or getting dressed. For now, we’re going to focus on some of the signs that suggest your sling isn’t being worn correctly so that you can fix the problem before it causes more issues for your shoulder.
- Sling Is Too Loose – If your shoulder sling is too loose, your arm can hang too low, putting strain on the soft tissues that need to be supported during the recovery period. Your elbow should be at a 90-degree angle when positioned correctly in your sling. When in the right position, your arm will feel stable and supported.
- Sling Is Too Tight – Another potential issue occurs when your sling is too tight. If the sling is forcing your wrist and hand upwards, it can actually limit healthy blood flow to the shoulder and arm. If your arm, hand or fingers are feeling any symptoms that suggest blood flow may be impeded, have your sling adjusted. Common signs that your sling is too tight include numbness, a tingling sensation, cold sensations or discoloration.
- Dirty Sling– Sweat and debris can develop in your sling, so you’ll want to work to keep your sling clean. Regularly inspect your sling for dirt or debris, and wipe it clean if you remove the sling when getting dressed or bathing.
- Ignoring Nearby Muscles – Although the sling is designed to protect your shoulder while it heals, you’ll still want to work to strengthen the muscles in your arm, hand and neck while you recover. Odds are you’ll be given some physical therapy exercises to perform a couple times a day without your sling or in the days and weeks after your sling has been removed. These exercises are essential for preventing muscle atrophy and restoring normal range of motion in your shoulder and arm. Do not skip your PT exercises, otherwise you may find it harder to move your arm and shoulder like normal.
If you have questions or concerns about how to wear your sling correctly, or you need help with a different shoulder issue, reach out to Dr. Holloway and his team today. We would be more than happy to answer any questions you might have. For more information, or to talk to someone from Dr. Holloway’s office, give our team a call today at (865) 410-7887.
