Broad arm sling

About your sling

We usually prescribe an arm sling after an injury or surgery to the shoulder or upper arm.

Wearing a sling helps to rest your arm, protect your injury, and might help to reduce pain. 

We will let you know how long you will need to wear the sling.

When we fit your sling for the first time, we will show you how to put it on and take it off. Your sling is for your use only.

Parts of the sling The sling, with built-in shoulder strap. A short strap with 2 clips/rings attached. A short strap with no attachments, and Velcro on both ends. A long, plain strap or belt, with Velcro on each end (or a buckle).

Risks

Pressure areas

The main risk of wearing a sling is the development of pressure areas on your skin where the sling rests.

You may notice some red marking of the skin when you remove the sling. This is normal. The marks are likely to disappear within 30 minutes after you take the sling off. If pressure areas persist, speak to your healthcare professional for advice.

Check your skin at least once a day, especially if you experience numbness or tingling.

Stiffness

There is also a risk of your arm joints becoming stiff.  

We will give you some exercises to do at home to prevent stiffness.

Putting on/taking off your sling

Putting it on

We advise you to fit your sling while you are in a sitting position.

You can fit it yourself, but it is much easier to do if someone helps you.

Support the weight of your affected arm. Put it inside the sling, with your elbow as far into the corner as you can manage.
Close the sling over your wrist by using the strap with the buckle attachments. One buckle should be in the centre, facing up. The other buckle should be on the side facing you. Close the end of the sling nearest to your elbow by attaching the short plain strap.
Bring the long shoulder strap behind your back and over your opposite shoulder. Place the strap through the top buckle. Loop the Velcro end back onto the long strap. The sling should now support the weight of your arm with your hand at the same height as your below. This will allow you to fully relax your shoulder and arm.
Use the separate body strap if you need to ensure full immobilisation (lack of movement) at your shoulder. Attach one end with Velcro to the front of the sling at your elbow. Pass the strap around your back and loop the other Velcro end through the buckle facing you. Tighten it snugly by attaching the other end of the Velcro back onto the strap.

Taking off the sling

Follow these instructions to take your sling off.

Try to only open the 2 small closing straps (2 and 3) over the top of the sling.

This will make sure that the sling continues to fit you well each time you take it off and put it on.

Only remove your sling to wash or when your healthcare professional asks you to remove it.

Washing and dressing

Follow this guidance when washing and dressing.

Washing

Any wound dressings and bandages must stay dry when you wash. 

You can remove your sling when you wash, but remember to keep your arm close to your body. This will stop you moving the arm too much.

To wash under your armpit, you may be able to lean forward and allow your injured arm to naturally fall away from your body.

Make sure your skin is dry before you get dressed, especially under your armpit. This will help to prevent skin irritation.

Dressing

We advise you to wear your clothes underneath your sling.

We recommend you wear loose-fitting or front-opening clothes. They are easier to put on and take off.

Make sure you put your injured arm into your clothes first. When you have dressed your upper body, remember to place your arm back into the sling.