Some slings, called immobilizers, have a strap that goes around your waist to hold your arm against your body.
Your doctor may have given you a custom sling that holds your arm in a certain position. If not, you can use a ready-made sling from a pharmacy.
But a sling can create problems. Keeping your arm in one position for too long can cause serious problems, such as frozen shoulder. Ask your doctor what you can do to prevent these problems.
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
How can you care for yourself at home?
To put a sling on by yourself without using your shoulder, place the sling on a table. Lower your forearm into the sling pocket. Then secure the strap(s).
If you are able, you can first strap the sling over your shoulder, then slip your forearm into the sling pocket.
Make sure that the sling allows your arm and shoulder to relax.
Follow your doctor's instructions for how often to:
Take the sling off.
Do exercises to prevent problems such as frozen shoulder.
If the fingers of the arm in the sling were not injured, wiggle them every now and then. This helps move the blood and fluids in the injured arm.
Keep up your muscle strength and tone as much as you can while protecting your injured arm or shoulder. Your doctor may want you to tense and relax the muscles protected by the sling, but only if it's not painful. Check with your doctor or your physiotherapist or occupational therapist for instructions.
Use the sling until your doctor tells you that you no longer need it. How long you wear a sling depends on your diagnosis and how you heal.
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Try to keep your arm elevated for the first few days after the injury. If possible, remove the sling to move your joints regularly. This will help prevent stiffness. Follow your doctor's instructions, and don't wear the sling more often than necessary.
The elbow should be bent at a right angle. Tie the sling together at the side of the neck and pad the knot for comfort. If the sling was placed correctly, the person's arm should rest comfortably against their chest with the fingertips exposed.
When slings are worn improperly, they place the shoulder in an unnatural position and force it to carry the load of the arm. This can have many negative effects on your recovery, including increased pain, difficulty regaining range of motion, and adding strain on the repair that was done on your shoulder.
But a sling can create problems. Keeping your arm in one position for too long can cause serious problems, such as frozen shoulder. Ask your doctor what you can do to prevent these problems.
Wear the sling or immobilizer at all times, unless the surgeon says you do not have to. It is OK to straighten your arm below your elbow and move your wrist and hand. But try to move your arm as little as possible. Your arm should bend at a 90° angle (a right angle) at your elbow.
Precautions to Take: Use only for rated load, never “Shock” load, protect sling from sharp corners, never use sling if damaged or corroded, avoid dragging sling under or over loads, avoid dropping slings from heights, avoid rolling loads with slings, maintain slings by proper storage and lubrication, avoid extreme heat ...
Slings shall be securely attached to their loads. Slings shall be padded or protected from the sharp edges of their loads. Suspended loads shall be kept clear of all obstructions. All employees shall be kept clear of loads about to be lifted and of suspended loads.
Soaking slings in mild soap and water for short periods of time is non-damaging. After cleaning, rinse slings thoroughly and allow them to completely dry before returning them to storage. A clean sling, free of dirt and grime is easier to inspect for damage. Consider replacing slings, instead of attempting to clean.
Slings should be placed over the load so that the load is evenly distributed across their width. The sling must be fixed in such a way that the load cannot fall during lifting. Position the sling so that the lifting point is directly above the center of gravity and so that the load is balanced and stable.
Introduction: My name is Melvina Ondricka, I am a helpful, fancy, friendly, innocent, outstanding, courageous, thoughtful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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