If you have surgery on your shoulder, elbow, wrist, or anywhere else in your arm area, you will most likely be asked to wear a sling for a number of weeks. This is done in order to keep the area immobile while you heal.
A shoulder sling is effective in your recuperation process as long as it is worn correctly. Let’s go over a few tips to help you achieve a swift and full recovery after having arm surgery, and where you can go here in the Maryland area for an efficient orthopedic evaluation and treatment for your arm pain.
How to Put On a Sling
The main goal of wearing a shoulder sling is to minimize the movement of your healing arm while providing support. This also means it’s important to be careful every time you put it on, which involves the following steps:
- Using your other hand, slowly and gently wrap the sling over your arm and elbow area.
- Take the strap behind your elbow. Pass it behind your head, around the nape of your neck, then pull the strap and insert it into the loop-like structure of the sling near your hand.
- Tighten the strap while ensuring your comfort and proper elbow elevation. Your sling may have Velcro fasteners to secure the strap and to keep your arm and elbow in place. Your hand in the sling should be positioned at or slightly above your elbow level.
Maintain Proper Tightness
The sling should keep your arm immobile, so it needs to be appropriately snug – but not so snug that it cuts off your circulation and causes you to feel tingling and numbness. Always be sure that your sling supports both your upper arm and forearm, with your elbow held at a 90-degree angle. If the sling is too loose, contact your surgeon.
Ensure Correct Positioning in the Sling
If your arm is hanging too low, with your hand resting below elbow height in the sling, then pull the strap so that it gets back into the proper position. Your shoulder sling must also hold your arm against your body firmly. Otherwise, your recovering arm or shoulder will experience strain and stress, which will slow down the recovery process.
Shoulder Surgery in the Greater Chesapeake Region
Here at Greater Chesapeake Hand to Shoulder, our experienced orthopedic surgeons and specialists provide the latest treatments for shoulder pain, elbow pain, arthritis, and arm injuries. We can quickly and efficiently diagnose the source of your pain and explain your various treatment options – so you can get back to your active lifestyle as soon as possible.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation with one of our world-class arm specialists in Maryland, contact our friendly staff today by calling us at (410) 296-6232 or by filling out our easy-to-use appointment request form online now. We look forward to being your orthopedic healthcare partner!
