A shoulder immobilizer and a shoulder sling are similar devices that are helpful during the recovery process after an injury or surgical procedure, but their specific design and functions differ, meaning it’s important to know which device is right for you. In today’s blog, we take a closer look at shoulder immobilizers and slings and explain which device may be recommended for you if you’re hoping to recover following a surgical procedure or injury.
What Is A Shoulder Immobilizer?
As the name implies, a shoulder immobilizer is designed to restrict significant shoulder movement. The device consists of a sling that supports your arm, a waist strap that secures your arm to the body, and in most instances an additional shoulder strap that further prevents shoulder and upper arm movement. The goal is not only to support the shoulder complex, but limit any movement that could serve to cause pain or additional damage to the underlying structure.
What Is A Shoulder Sling?
A shoulder sling is a device that is designed to provide some support and protection to the shoulder and arm area following an injury or surgery, but because of the lack of additional straps and supports, you’ll have much more mobility in a sling. Range of motion will still be limited, but this limited movement should not jeopardize the underlying structures or compromise surgical correction.
The sling is a simple fabric pouch that helps to cradle your arm and an adjustable strap that goes over your neck or shoulder for support. This additional support helps to protect the shoulder and arm from the stress of gravity and limit some movements that could cause discomfort.
Do I Need A Shoulder Immobilizer Or Shoulder Sling?
The determination of whether you need a shoulder sling or an immobilizer will likely be made by your treating physician since these types of injuries oftentimes warrant physician intervention. They’ll be able to make some personal recommendations based on your individual issue, but oftentimes a sling is recommended for more basic shoulder injuries, while an immobilizer is reserved for more complex issues. With that in mind, a sling may be prescribed if you are dealing with a shoulder sprain, a non-complex fracture or minor surgeries. A shoulder immobilization device is often recommended after severe fractures, shoulder dislocations or following major shoulder surgery, and the patient typically needs to wear the device for a longer period than someone who has been given a sling.
Again, which device you will need will be up to your doctor and your individual needs. If the ultimate goal is to restrict as much movement and stress on the shoulder complex as possible, then a shoulder immobilizer is likely the right call. However it’s not always best to restrict that much movement. Some injuries, like a rotator cuff injury or a sprain, heal better if some supportive shoulder movement is allowed so that the soft tissues and muscles in the area atrophy less and maintain some flexibility.
Finally, it’s worth noting that many patients end up spending some time in both an immobilizer and a sling. As we just noted, it’s not always great to restrict as much movement and stress as possible, and transitioning from an immobilizer to a sling can be the first step in allowing the shoulder area to handle more stress on its own. Many patients start their recovery in an immobilizer and then transition to a sling in a couple of weeks. Your shoulder specialist can walk you through your specific recovery timeline and when you can expect to ditch the immobilizer for a sling as you work to restore function in the area.
For more information about shoulder slings, like how to wear a sling correctly, check out the blog or reach out to Dr. Holloway today at (865) 410-7887.
