What is a sling?
A sling is a fabric support that cradles the forearm and holds the arm against the chest. It takes the weight of the arm off the shoulder, so the shoulder, collarbone, elbow or wrist can rest.
It is used after a dislocation, a fracture, a shoulder operation or a painful injury.
Why does it matter for a patient or family?
A sling protects the injury, but staying fully still for too long can cause stiff fingers, wrist, elbow and shoulder. The surgeon or doctor who gives the sling says how long to wear it and which movements are allowed.
Follow their instructions first. Your physiotherapist then helps with safe movement in the joints that are free, and plans what comes next when the sling comes off.
How to wear it comfortably
- The wrist should be supported, with the hand slightly higher than the elbow.
- The strap should rest on the shoulder of the other side, with a pad under it if needed.
- Check the skin of the neck for red marks, and keep it clean and dry.
- Keep moving the fingers and, if allowed, the elbow and wrist.
An everyday example in Ipoh
A cyclist falls on the road and has a surgeon-repaired shoulder. In the Ipoh heat, the sling strap makes her neck sweaty and sore, so she places a soft cloth under the strap and wipes the skin dry each time she changes it.
She follows the surgeon’s rules and begins gentle finger and wrist movements. At her first physiotherapy visit, the physiotherapist reviews what she is allowed to do next.
Related terms and our pages
- Brace: a firm support for a joint.
- Mobilisation: gentle movement of a stiff joint.
Read about shoulder dislocation, rotator cuff repair, wrist fracture, shoulder pain and frozen shoulder.