Arm Sling

What is the proper orientation of my arm in the sling? Horizontal or hand rasised to just below opposite shoulder?

4 Comments

ditch it

by Tracey_E - 2019-02-09 22:06:50

After the first 24-48 hours, the sling will only cause trouble. Usually they don't even send us home in the sling. Were you specifically told to wear it? Don't lift anything heavy, don't raise the arm overhead. Other than that, use the arm normally so your shoulder doesn't freeze. 

Arm sling

by Stoneyjohn - 2019-02-10 11:32:38

I agree with the previous comment No to the  Arm Sling Who dream't that up

Use it as a reminder....

by BOBTHOM - 2019-02-11 13:51:01

I used it so that it would remind me to not lift my arm over my shoulder.  I tried without and caught myself trying to reach into an upper cabinet.   The arm should lay across your stomach/chest,  not be up at the opposite shoulder.  And, as others said, make sure you move the arm, reach into drawers etc, not just push or pull hard, don't reach over your shoulder, and don't lift anything heavier than a gallon of milk for the first week or two, whatever your doctor recommends for your situation.

be careful

by dwelch - 2019-02-12 01:40:53

It hurts much worse to get  a stiff shoulder from not moving your arm those first few days/weeks after surgery than if you do and push it a little too far.  I am on number five and had one where I did the stiff shoulder thing, significantly more pain than the other four and took longer to get over that muscle pain than the others took for just the normal stuff.

Tracey E said it in two words...ditch it...doesnt get much simpler than that.

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