A shoulder sling is a medical device designed to temporarily hold and support the arm, limiting movement in the shoulder joint and surrounding structures. Its primary function is to provide rest, reduce pain, and prevent further injury by keeping the arm still and close to the body. While a sling can offer immediate relief, it is a tool for management, not a substitute for a professional medical diagnosis of the underlying cause of shoulder pain. Using a sling without a doctor’s recommendation can sometimes worsen a condition or delay appropriate treatment.
When A Sling Is Recommended
A medical professional typically recommends a sling when the shoulder, arm, or collarbone requires significant immobilization to ensure structural protection and healing. These situations usually involve acute, traumatic injuries where stability is compromised. A sling is often necessary after a confirmed bone fracture, such as a broken clavicle (collarbone) or humerus (upper arm bone), to keep the fragments aligned while the bone knits together.
Slings are also commonly used immediately following a shoulder dislocation to prevent the joint from popping out again and to allow the surrounding soft tissues to begin healing. For severe soft tissue injuries, including high-grade sprains, strains, or significant rotator cuff tears, a sling protects the damaged tendons and ligaments from undue stress during the initial, highly painful inflammatory phase. In the post-operative setting, especially after complex procedures like rotator cuff repair, the sling is deliberately used for several weeks to guard the surgical site and the repaired tissue against movement that could compromise the repair. The duration is highly variable, ranging from a few days for minor soft-tissue issues to six weeks or more following a major surgical procedure.
When To Avoid Wearing A Sling
Wearing a sling for minor or chronic shoulder pain, such as mild tendonitis, general aches, or discomfort from poor posture, is generally discouraged because movement is often beneficial for these conditions. The most significant risk of unnecessary immobilization is the development of adhesive capsulitis, commonly known as “frozen shoulder.” This painful condition occurs when the connective tissue capsule surrounding the shoulder joint thickens and tightens, severely restricting range of motion.
A sling can also contribute to muscle atrophy, which is the weakening and wasting of muscle tissue due to lack of use. When the shoulder and arm muscles are consistently rested and not required to bear weight or move, they begin to lose strength rapidly. This deconditioning can significantly prolong the recovery process and necessitate more intensive physical therapy later. Furthermore, prolonged immobilization can cause the shoulder joint to rest in an unnatural, forward-slumped position. This posture can tighten the pectoral muscles and place increased, unnecessary stress on other structures, potentially creating new pain issues or hindering the recovery of the original injury.
How To Wear A Sling Safely and Temporarily
If a medical professional has advised the use of a sling, proper wear is necessary to maximize support and minimize secondary problems. The sling should be fitted so that the elbow is bent at approximately a 90-degree angle, with the hand and forearm resting comfortably. Crucially, the wrist should be slightly elevated above the elbow to prevent fluid from pooling in the hand, which can cause swelling and discomfort. The sling should be snug enough to hold the arm securely against the body without causing uncomfortable pressure points or restricting circulation.
For non-fracture injuries, the duration of full immobilization is often limited to the first few days of acute pain, unless a doctor specifically instructs otherwise. While the shoulder must remain still, adjacent joints like the elbow, wrist, and hand should be moved regularly to prevent stiffness. Gentle exercises, such as bending and straightening the elbow or making a fist to maintain grip strength, should be performed several times a day after briefly removing the arm from the sling. These small, deliberate movements help maintain joint mobility and blood flow in the entire limb.
What To Do After Removing The Sling
Removing a sling, whether after a few days or several weeks, marks the beginning of the rehabilitation phase, not the end of treatment. The next step should be a formal consultation with a physical therapist to receive a structured recovery plan. The therapist will assess the current range of motion and strength, which are often significantly diminished after a period of immobilization. A key focus in this phase is restoring the full, pain-free mobility of the shoulder joint through guided stretching and mobilization techniques.
Once mobility is regained, the program will progress to strengthening exercises to rebuild the atrophied muscles and stabilize the joint. During the initial days after sling removal, managing residual pain and inflammation can be aided by simple measures like applying ice to the shoulder area. Over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may also be used to supplement the physical therapy process by controlling pain and swelling.