FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do I put on an arm sling?
In an effort to prevent unnecessary movement and promote healing, standard arm slings are designed to keep your shoulder in place with your arm against your body. To avoid further injury, begin putting on your arm sling by gently placing the sling over your arm and elbow.
For a proper fit, make sure the sling fits snugly around your elbow and also supports your wrist and hand at the opposite end. Once the arm sling is properly placed, loop the strap around your neck and fasten it to the loop near your hand. Adjust the length as needed to ensure your hand and forearm are just above elbow level. Proper alignment will help to prevent fluid accumulation in your hand and the surrounding area resulting in inflammation-induced discomfort.
What is a swathe arm sling?
A swathe arm sling is similar to a standard arm sling with the additional attachment of a thick, laminated piece of foam designed to be wrapped around your torso to ensure your sling and arm stay close to your body. The swathe sling design serves as both an arm support as well as a shoulder immobilizer and is typically used when shoulder motion must be limited to resolve an injury or allow for post-surgical healing. A swathe arm sling usually comes with easy-to-use closures.
What are arm slings used for?
Arm slings can be used to support the forearm, wrist, hand, elbow, and shoulder for a variety of injuries. An elbow, shoulder, or wrist fracture may require the use of an arm sling to keep your arm immobilized and properly aligned. The use of an arm sling will also keep the arm in a horizontal position to avoid painful fluid accumulation during the healing process.
A rotator cuff injury, and the consequent surgery to repair it, might also require the use of an arm sling as a way of providing shoulder support. In the instance of temporary or permanent paralysis due to an injury or disease, you may use an arm sling to keep your arm comfortable.
How can I make my arm sling more comfortable?
The simplest way to make your arm sling more comfortable is to ensure you’ve put it on correctly and that it fits properly. A sling should provide a snug fit from your hand to your elbow, with your shoulder and wrist in a relaxed position. If the sling is too tight, it will put pressure on your elbow joint and upper arm, causing tingling, numbness, and swelling.
In contrast, if the sling for the arm is too loose, your hand will hang, your elbow will be too straight, and your shoulder will be in tension, which will likely cause discomfort. Make sure your elbow is at a 90-degree angle to maximize comfort levels.
Will an arm sling help with shoulder pain?
Yes, an arm sling can be worn to help with shoulder pain caused by injury or simply from overuse of your shoulder or arm. Wearing an arm sling can help take the strain off your shoulder by immobilizing the joint in a natural, resting position and relieving the burden of carrying the weight of your arm.
What are the different types of arm slings?
There are many styles of arm slings, each designed to provide support and immobilize the arm for different purposes.
On our website, we offer a variety of arm slings, including padded slings for added comfort, shoulder abduction slings especially designed for use post-surgery, C.V.A. Slings with two separate cushioned cuffs for the upper and lower extremities of your arm, along with standard arm slings and other orthopedic supplies.
You can even find one of the most innovative arm slings to date, called the GivMohr® Sling. This type of arm sling is designed to keep your arm in place while standing, and also reduce any pressure on your shoulder.
MEDICAL ADVICE DISCLAIMER
The information, including but not limited to text, graphics, images, charts, and any other material on this site, is intended for informational purposes only and does not take the place of medical guidance provided by your physician. No information on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult a qualified medical professional about your condition or circumstances before undertaking a new healthcare regimen.