Wearing an arm sling makes combining it with outerwear like a jacket difficult without risking pain or compromising the healing process. The primary goal is to maintain the immobilization and support of the injured limb while adding a layer of warmth or protection. Doing this safely requires selecting the right garments and using a specific dressing technique to avoid strain on the injured arm, shoulder, or collarbone. By adopting these practical methods, you can comfortably integrate a jacket into your wardrobe without interfering with your recovery.
Selecting the Right Outerwear and Preparing the Sling
Choosing the correct jacket is the first step in simplifying the dressing process. Jackets that are oversized, featuring a loose or generous fit, are easier to manage than tailored garments. Look for outerwear that opens fully down the front, such as those with full-length zippers or snap closures, rather than pullover styles. Lightweight, soft materials like fleece, wool capes, or puffer vests are preferable because they drape easily and minimize friction against the sling.
Before adding outerwear, ensure the arm sling is correctly positioned and secured. The injured arm should be resting with the hand at or slightly above the elbow level, which helps prevent swelling and promotes proper alignment. Check that all sling straps are lying flat, untwisted, and snug enough to hold the arm in place without restricting circulation, particularly around the neck or under the armpit. This reduces the risk of accidental movement during the dressing process.
Step-by-Step Technique for Donning the Jacket
Prioritizing the uninjured arm minimizes movement of the immobilized limb. Begin by fully opening the jacket and inserting your uninjured arm into its corresponding sleeve first. Once the sleeve is on your good arm, you can use that arm to gently guide the rest of the jacket around your back and over your shoulders.
Next, you will carefully drape the remaining side of the jacket over the injured arm and the sling. The key is to avoid reaching, lifting, or pulling the injured arm; instead, let the garment simply rest over the supported limb. If the jacket has a wide enough opening, you can feed the fabric of the sleeve over the sling and hand, but in many cases, the injured arm will remain outside the sleeve entirely. This prevents the rotational or abducting movements that could cause pain or re-injury. If the jacket is heavy or stiff, having a friend or family member assist with the draping motion can prevent unnecessary strain.
Managing Comfort and Safety While Wearing
Once the jacket is on, focus on minimizing movement and maintaining the integrity of the sling. Use your uninjured hand to manage any closures, such as zipping the jacket up or fastening buttons. If the sling is worn underneath the jacket, ensure the jacket is loose enough that it does not bunch up or compress the sling, which could create uncomfortable pressure points.
Always monitor the area around your neck and shoulder for signs of restricted blood flow or nerve irritation, which may present as numbness, tingling, or increased pain. The sling’s straps should remain visible and untwisted outside the jacket, allowing for easy adjustment if needed. To remove the jacket, always reverse the process: remove the jacket from the injured arm first, lifting the fabric gently off the sling, and then pull the jacket off your uninjured arm.