Following some types of surgery, a shoulder sling is worn for comfort and support but the arm is periodically released to perform physical therapy exercises.
When this is the case it is an advantage to have a shoulder sling the can free the arm while the rest of the sling remains on. This allows you to quickly and easily get back into it for support at the completion of the exercises.
There are many different components in a shoulder sling and subtle changes in each will alter the way it feels when supporting the arm.
One variable that does not change is the weight of the arm. A shoulder sling is designed to take the weight of the arm and the strap coming up over the opposite shoulder and around the neck takes the majority of this weight.
A simple feature to look at the determine how comfortable the sling will be is the width of the shoulder strap. Thin straps cut into the neck and are quickly painful. Anything less than 1 inch is likely to be a problem for medium to long term use.
Some shoulder slings have an additional pad that is positioned at the shoulder to make it more comfortable.
Color would usually be the last feature you think of when you choose a shoulder sling but if you are using one following an operation it can be important.
Why?
Most people bleed at least a little following surgery. A grey or light colored sling is quickly stained. Although a black sling is still soiled by bleeding it can be washed and any stain that remains is not noticed.
If you are in it for 6 weeks or more, a black shoulder sling will be much appreciated.
Most people who have had a Rotator Cuff Repair will need to be in a shoulder sling for up to 6 weeks. Sleeping in a sling can be a challenge.
Tips include:
Remember that 6 weeks in a shoulder sling is not long to endure to get function back in your shoulder. Don't mess it up!
The basic shoulder sling has the familiar elbow pocket and shoulder strap. An immobilizer also has a waist strap.
Top of the range slings also have additional features such as breathable material, extra padding, exercise balls to increase circulation, buckles and clips to aid in application and removal.
For short term use these don't make much difference but when a sling is worn for months they can be very valuable additions as far as comfort is concerned.
The straps on a shoulder sling can usually be divided into two basic categories:
The advantage of the clips is that once the sling is fitted initially, it is easy to get out of and when putting it back on the straps are quickly fastened in exactly the same position they were last time.
As a general rule, a shoulder immobilizer is better to sleep in than a shoulder sling.
The extra strap around the waist prevents the arm from moving away from the side of the body and adds to the feeling of security. It is especially important if the arm is still very painful.
Sleeping in a reclined position supported by pillows can also help.
