What is the difference between a sling and shoulder immobilizer?

A shoulder immobilizer is a device used to keep your arm from moving while your shoulder heals. It is different from a sling because it keeps your arm close to your body. An immobilizer usually has a chest band, an arm band, and a wrist band. Each band will be attached to the chest band.

How long do you wear a shoulder immobilizer?

Wear your shoulder immobilizer or sling With many rotator cuff surgeries, you wear a sling or immobilizer at all times for 4-6 weeks. During this time, you can move your hand, wrist, and fingers, but the full motion of your arm is limited.

Do you sleep with a shoulder immobilizer?

It is also to protect your arm from other people pulling on or against the arm and to protect the arm at night, so you do not sleep on it wrong or move it in the wrong position. You should wear the brace at all times except when showering or doing your exercises.

When do you use a shoulder immobilizer?

A shoulder immobilizer is designed to hold your arm against your body. It’s used for injuries where you need to limit how much you can move your shoulder. These injuries include a shoulder dislocation or shoulder fracture where moving your shoulder too much could cause harm.

Do you have to sleep in a sling after shoulder surgery?

Wearing your sling during the day helps keep your arm in the proper position but also provides protection. This is true at night as well. Wearing your sling at night for the first week can help protect your shoulder from movement and keep it properly positioned while you sleep. Use a pillow prop.

What happens if you don’t wear your sling after shoulder surgery?

One-and-a-half months after surgery, patients who did not wear a sling had increased shoulder motion, including external (outward) rotation and active elevation. Both groups showed continued improvement at three months, but shoulder elevation remained greater in the no-sling group.

How long do you have to wear a sling after shoulder surgery?

It is very important to wear your sling as directed by your doctor after surgery. The sling is typically used for 4 to 6 weeks after surgery. You should not do any reaching, lifting, pushing, or pulling with your shoulder during the first six weeks after surgery.