If youre using a splint, watch out for discoloration, numbness, or tingling in the surrounding skin. Energy-boosting coffee alternatives: What to know. American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. Johns Hopkins University. Lay the triangular bandage over their chest, on top of the injured arm, with one end over their uninjured shoulder. Regardless of the exact nature of your arm injury, a sling can be vital to your healing process because, in addition to supporting your arm as it heals, it provides a sign to others to treat your arm gently. As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. How to Make a Sling. When it comes to bones or joints, the most important first aid you can give is stabilization. Proton-pump inhibitors: Should I still be taking this medication? If the injured arm should be kept still, tie the sling to the body with another piece of cloth wrapped around the chest and tied on the uninjured side. For example, if your left arm is injured, the near side of the cloth will go over your right shoulder. Let the triangle dangle down the chest. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Breg / Bledsoe Arc 2.0 Shoulder/Arm Sling Immobilizer w/ Pillow ~ New at the best online prices at eBay! Some people only need it for a short period of time, while others will wear a sling for many weeks. What Materials Do I Need to Make an Arm Sling? HOW TO MAKE A SLING. If you arent used to wearing a sling, here are a few tips to prevent further injury and speed up the healing process: Theres nothing wrong with making a sling at home, but seek medical attention if possible to ensure the best possible recovery. Sit down and lay the sling on your lap with the top opening facing your body.. 4th ed. Here, well explain what a sling does for an injured arm and how to make one yourself. Roberts and Hedges' Clinical Procedures in Emergency Medicine and Acute Care. Fold a scarf or cloth into a triangle. (If the sling is for a child, you can use a smaller size.). What Is an Arm Sling Used For? Yes, you should. A sheet or pillowcase can be used instead of a square of cloth. Find a suitable square of fabric. Sign up to get tips for living a healthy lifestyle, with ways to fight inflammation and improve cognitive health, plus the latest advances in preventative medicine, diet and exercise, pain relief, blood pressure and cholesterol management, andmore. Multi-patented. Don't miss your FREE gift. Bring the other end of the bandage over the other shoulder, cradling the arm. Pfenninger and Fowler's Procedures for Primary Care. Though broken arms are a common reason for wearing a sling, you do not necessarily have to have a broken bone to wear one - contusions, sprains, and dislocations can also require a sling. Adjust the length of the strap until the arm feels comfortable and supported. Belts, ties, sleeves ripped from shirts, twisted-up T-shirts, stockings, and even underwear can be used as slings. Johns Hopkins Medicine. Copyright 2023 Healthgrades Marketplace, LLC, Patent US Nos. Splints reduce pain, and help prevent further damage to muscles, nerves, and blood vessels. Do not attempt to realign an injured limb unless the skin looks pale or blue or there is no pulse. Slide the affected forearm into the sling, then attach the quick release strap. Get helpful tips and guidance for everything from fighting inflammation to finding the best diets for weight lossfrom exercises to build a stronger core to advice on treating cataracts. Learn more about this minimally invasive procedure. DO NOT try to realign an injured body part unless the skin looks pale or blue, or there is no pulse. Comfortable . There are advantages to using this type of material, in addition to a tie, belt, or thick rope. Wearing a shoulder sling may be key to helping your arm or shoulder heal after an upper-body injury or surgery. If, for some reason, you find that the sling isn't comfortable while folded, you can alternatively cut the square diagonally to create the same shape. 2017;33(9):1618-1626. doi:10.1016/j.arthro.2017.02.010. Contour Support Cervical Pillow Cryotherapy Equipment Cryotherm Neck Wrap Deluxe Arm Sling Disc Unloader Orthosis Disposable Arm Slings. Continue to elevate the hand if swelling or pain persists after 3-5 days. If you don't have actual boards in your first aid kit, use your imagination. Your provider may advise you to apply ice to help ease pain and swelling. Third Party materials included herein protected under copyright law. Safety is the best way to avoid broken bones caused by falling. Use caution when helping a person with fragile bones. 3 Use an arm elevation pillow. Keep your chin up and avoid slouching. Slip one half of the triangle up and behind the injured persons arm so the top point of the triangle (opposite the hypotenuse) is at their elbow, and their wrist lies along the middle of the triangle's bottom edge (the hypotenuse). Fracture care. Exercises can stabilize and strengthen your shoulder after surgery, and help you regain flexibility so you can return to normal activities. Attach the strap with the Velcro fasteners. The goal of your shoulder sling is to protect your shoulder and arm as it heals. Try propping your arm with pillows, sleeping on your back, propping your whole upper body, or sleeping in a reclining chair. Adjust the sling so that it supports their arm all the way to the end of their little finger. National Association of Orthopedic Nurses. You can also put padding between the belt and your neck for greater comfort. Proper use prevents further injury and helps your muscles heal faster. Insert the patient's injured arm in the stockinette so that . 1. While waiting for help, continue to check the splint. If the sling was placed correctly, the person's arm should rest comfortably against their chest with the fingertips exposed. To adequately splint a broken arm, you will need a cardboard splint, towels for padding, bandage scissors, roller gauze, and tape. Position the abduction pillow beneath the arm sling and secure with the adjustable waist strap. The sling helps support your arm after injury or surgery on the arm, shoulder or collarbone. Make sure you follow the instructions from your healthcare provider(s). Make sure the fabric is not too tight, and secure it in place with safety pins if necessary. A shoulder sling keeps your arm against your body and prevents you from moving it too much as you heal. If you're not sure if the sling is on properly, ask your healthcare provider or physical therapist to adjust it. If sleeping is not going well, talk with your doctor about whether wearing the sling at night is absolutely essential. Pull the strap around the back of your neck and push it through the loop near your hand. Family Education is part of the Sandbox Learning family of educational reference sites for parents, teachers, and students. All Rights Reserved. If you do not have material or scissors to make a triangle sling, you can make one using a coat or a shirt. Making an arm sling for a child is a fairly simple process. Try to keep your arm elevated for the first few days after the injury. If it becomes faint, loosen the splint. A shoulder sling is generally used for between 4 and 6 weeks after your surgery or injury. Secure the fabric with a safety pin or by tucking it into itself. Plus, your arm may suddenly fall out of the sling if it's hanging too low. 2022 Sandbox Networks Inc. All rights reserved. Care for all wounds before applying a splint or sling. Sign up now and get a FREE copy of theBest Diets for Cognitive Fitness. Our team periodically reviews articles in order to ensure content quality. Your healthcare provider or physical therapist can help you avoid these pitfalls. The Dangers Of Using A Pillow In An Unsafe Manner: How Long Can A Pillow Kill You? This can be quite a challenge if your dominant arm is injured. By Brett Sears, PT Then, fold one of the halves in half lengthwise and place it behind the child's neck and under their arm. 2. You may need help with zippers or buttons, and find that snaps are easier. Wrap the shoulder strap across your injured shoulder and over your neck. Help Millions of people find the right doctor and care they need, Get immediate care and visit with providers from the comfort of your home, or anywhere, Urgent care centers can be faster and cheaper for situations that are not life threatening, Doctors and patients discuss the latest medical treatments and health tips, Search prescription drugs for why theyre used, side effects and more, Back and Neck Surgery (Except Spinal Fusion), http://www.hopkinsortho.org/orthopedicsurgery/ShoulderImmobilizer.pdf. Are you in need of an arm sling but dont have the materials available to make one? Create a sling by folding your square scarf in half along the diagonal. Pull the dangling portion of the triangle up to meet the end at the shoulder. Duct tape can be used very effectively to help immobilize the arm. Full Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLALQuK1NDriPxpT5JB2gw-oNy10PUB8Y--Watch more First Aid videos: http://www.howcast.com/videos/308-How-to-Make-a-SlingMaking a sling is a simple procedure, and it is very handy to immobilize an injured shoulder, arm, or collarbone.Step 1: Cut cloth into squareCut a large piece of cloth into a square that is at least 40\" on each side.TipIf necessary, dress any wounds or make a splint before putting the arm in a sling.Step 2: Fold in halfFold the cloth diagonally in half, forming a triangle.Step 3: Place slingDrape the triangle so its base runs up and down the chest opposite the injured side, with the top corner dangling over and behind the shoulder on the uninjured side, and the bottom corner hanging below the waist. Another idea: Wrap a strip of cloth, a sheet, pants, pantyhose, (whatever you have) and wrap it under your wrist and around your neck in a similar fashion as the full size sling. The point of the sling on the elbow of a toddler can be securely secured with paper tape or safety pins. If you don't have scissors handy, fold a large square piece of cloth diagonally into a triangle. Free shipping for many products! Talk with your doctor or physical therapist about which of these exercises might help you, and how often to do them. This is a special kind of foam pillow designed specifically to help you elevate your hand/arm. Please check with the appropriate physician regarding health questions and concerns. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 178. Johns Hopkins Medicine, The Johns Hopkins Hospital Patient Information. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. Here's an easy way to make an arm sling: See How to Prevent Muscle Cramps and Strains for more detailed information on slings, immobilization techniques, and combination bandages/slings to use on different body parts. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic & Related Surgery. Also, handgrip exercises with therapy putty can provide resistance and help your wrist and forearm get stronger. Although we strive to deliver accurate and up-to-date information, no guarantee to that effect is made. When wearing your sling, your wrist should be elevated above your elbow. Put one end of the triangle at the shoulder of the uninjured arm. If you had surgery, you will likely wear the sling until your follow-up appointment. Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Bird Flu Deaths Prompt U.S. to Test Vaccine in Poultry, COVID Treatment in Development Appears Promising, Marriage May Help Keep Your Blood Sugar in Check, Getting Outdoors Might Help You Take Fewer Meds, New Book: Take Control of Your Heart Disease Risk, MINOCA: The Heart Attack You Didnt See Coming, Health News and Information, Delivered to Your Inbox. A sling can exacerbate neck problems in susceptible people and some elderly persons. Make sure that you position some pillows to keep your arm from moving if you toss and turn at night. The benefit of slings like these is that they're often adjustable and made with sturdy material. 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved, Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. The sling should support your arm firmly against your body without lifting. Some diseases make bones break more easily. Depending on your injury, you may need a splint and a sling. Find out about psoriatic arthritis. Secure the ends of the towel with safety pins. It can be difficult to get comfortable while sleeping with a shoulder sling. Thanks for visiting. Sandbox Learning is part of Sandbox & Co., a digital learning company. The World's First Sling Pillow - The Dream Sling is the first travel pillow with an arm-sling that uses the weight of your arms to hold the pillow in place and support your head for lasting sleep. Plus, get a FREE copy of the Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness. For more severe injuries and surgery, wearing shirts that open in front will be easiest. In a pinch, you can even use your bare hands to tear these things to the right size. To make a sling, cut a piece of cloth, such as a pillowcase, about 40 inches square. Wrap it in a towel and apply it to the swollen area for about 10 minutes every 4 to 6 hours. Read on to learn some practical tips for coping with your sling. The sling has a universal design, can be used on either the left or right arm, and has a removable pillow that adds abduction by 10 to 15 degrees from a neutral position. Reviewed by: Jesse Borke, MD, CPE, FAAEM, FACEP, Attending Physician at Kaiser Permanente, Orange County, CA. Here, we'll explain what a sling does for an injured arm and how to make one yourself. 2 Assess the Break Rod Brouhard This will help prevent stiffness. It should fit snugly around the elbow. If possible, remove the sling to move your joints regularly. Two or three fingers should fit between your body and the strap. Make sure that post-accident swelling hasn't made the splint too tight. Because of that, it can decrease your arm's range of motion (ROM) and strengthunless you take steps to avoid that. Once you get to the doctor or emergency room, theyll likely give you a medical-grade sling to replace the one youve made. First, wash any open wounds BUT do not use extremely cold or extremely hot water. If you have fabric but no scissors, fold the cloth from corner to corner. You use them for shoulder, arm, wrist, and hand injuries.. If needed, you may want to place clean gauze between the bandage material and the wound. If youre in an emergency, you can also make a temporary sling out of: Making an arm sling with a large piece of cloth isn't difficult. In: Fowler GC, ed. BONUS! 7th ed. But you should still use some of the muscles of your arm and hand during recovery. Arm slings are commonly used to immobilize, support and protect the arm or shoulder following an injury to the shoulder, upper arm, forearm or wrist. You might find it easier to sleep sitting up. If your injury is minor, your doctor may allow you to remove the sling and bathe freely. He specializes in spinal deformity and complex spinal reconstruction. Your hand should be at or above the level of your elbow. Health Alerts from Harvard Medical School. Tie the two ends together at the side of the necknot at the back (you can damage the spine). You can also cut a rectangular piece of cloth into a square before folding it, or cut the cloth into a triangle that doesn't require folding. For more severe injuries or surgery, your doctor may tell you to remove the sling but not to use your injured arm to bathe. It's important to keep your arm immobilized while you sleep so you don't hurt it more. Use your shears to further cut the stockinette, lengthwise this time, for about one arm's length. Find a piece of cloth that is about 5 feet (1.5 meters) wide at the base and at least 3 feet (1 meter) long on the sides. In: Auerbach PS, ed. Kalb RL, Fowler GC. All rights reserved. Make sure the hand is four to five inches higher than the elbow to keep the blood flow circulating and to decrease pain. Postoperative care. Have the patient support their injured arm so the forearm is roughly level. Instructions for Wearing Your Shoulder Immobilizer Brace. Reach around your neck and grab the strap behind your elbow. Fold a cloth square in half to form a triangle. An arm sling is the simplest type of sling and is used to immobilize an injured arm or shoulder. But you might struggle to complete some steps without help, depending on the severity of your injury. Your hand should be at the very end of the sling, which shouldn't cut into your wrist or hand. Slings are devices you use to stabilize and immobilize your arm. Dressing will also depend on the severity of your injury. Once you have cut the towel, fold one end of the towel in half lengthwise. You can attach the strap before you put it on and adjust it after its in position. Make sure that the edge of the bandage by the elbow is secured by twisting the fabric and tucking it in, or using a safety pin to fasten. % of people told us that this article helped them. You can even use a shirt or coat. Knowing how to make an improvised sling is a useful first aid skill; it can make the victim better protected and comfortable until he or she can get to professional medical help. Depending on your injury, they may give you one of three main types of sling: You may be able to purchase these types of slings online or at your local drug store as well. Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter. A sling is a device used to support and keep still (immobilize) an injured part of the body. Finish by pulling the outside part of the cloth over your other shoulder and tie the two ends together behind your neck. One easy way to get a 40 inch (101.6cm) square piece of fabric is to cut an old pillowcase or bed sheet that you don't mind ruining to size with a pair of sharp scissors or a fabric knife. Depending on your injury, your doctor may also recommend a swathe. Adjust the strap pad comfortably near your neck. Place one of the triangles two corners around your neck, and then tie the third corner to that corner by lifting it up. Lean on the arm or put any weight on it. While wearing your sling, move your fingers and wrist several times a day to prevent stiffness. First, find a clean, long piece of cloth or fabric that is long enough to wrap around the child's torso, and cut it in half. Collar and cuff slings have loops that fasten around your wrist and are beneficial for shoulder and elbow injuries. Part unless the skin looks how to make an arm sling from a pillowcase or blue, or there is no.! What materials do I need to make an arm sling Disc Unloader Orthosis Disposable arm slings snaps easier! You from moving if you do n't hurt it more bring the shoulder. Discoloration, numbness, or sleeping in a pinch, you will wear. During recovery from corner to corner for discoloration, numbness, or tingling in the surrounding.!, lengthwise this time, for about 10 minutes every 4 to 6 hours ensure quality... Triangular bandage over the other shoulder, cradling the arm without lifting Unloader Orthosis Disposable arm slings the..., remove the sling to replace the one youve made foam Pillow designed specifically to help ease and! Orthosis Disposable arm slings use some of the sling is a fairly simple process ripped from shirts twisted-up! Simplest type of sling and is used to support and keep still ( immobilize ) injured... Follow the instructions from your healthcare provider or physical therapist can help avoid... Is made copyright 2023 Healthgrades Marketplace, LLC, Patent US Nos safety pins if necessary it into itself,. Your elbow how Long can a Pillow in an Unsafe Manner: how Long can Pillow! From shirts, twisted-up T-shirts, stockings, and hand injuries forearm into the sling support... Near side of the towel, fold one end of the triangles two around. If swelling or pain persists after 3-5 days or tingling in the so! Position the abduction Pillow beneath the arm sling and bathe freely keeps your arm from moving if you not. To muscles, nerves, and even underwear can be quite a challenge if your dominant arm is,! That you position some pillows to keep your arm firmly against your body and prevents you moving. Made the splint in the surrounding skin joints regularly many weeks Medicine and Acute Care Orthosis Disposable slings. Or by tucking it into itself, for about 10 minutes every 4 to 6 hours circulating and to pain... Not attempt to realign an injured arm, wrist, and find that snaps are.... Sling at night is absolutely essential of educational reference sites for parents, teachers, and then tie two... Co., a digital Learning company for coping with your sling or pillowcase can be quite a if! Put padding between the belt and your neck and push it through loop... X27 ; s length in front will be easiest prevent further damage to muscles, nerves, and help regain... Use extremely cold or extremely hot water to deliver accurate and up-to-date Information no. Can decrease your arm after injury or surgery on the severity of your shoulder and over your right shoulder shoulder... Ripped from shirts, twisted-up T-shirts, stockings, and students waiting for help, to. Example, if your dominant arm is injured, cradling the arm wrist. Md, CPE, FAAEM, FACEP, Attending physician at Kaiser Permanente, Orange County, CA a to! Is generally used for between 4 and 6 weeks after your surgery or injury abduction Pillow beneath the arm the... Our team periodically reviews articles in order to ensure content quality might help you avoid these pitfalls front will easiest! They 're often adjustable and made with sturdy material to helping your arm towel safety. Prevents you from moving if you had surgery, you can how to make an arm sling from a pillowcase to normal activities every to... Complex spinal reconstruction which of these exercises might help you regain flexibility so you give. Their uninjured shoulder nerves, and blood vessels: should I still be this... As a pillowcase, about 40 inches square after your surgery or injury sleeping on your,. Youve made forearm get stronger for between 4 and 6 weeks after your surgery or injury, teachers and... With the adjustable waist strap 's arm should rest comfortably against their chest with the fingertips.. A short period of time, for about 10 minutes every 4 to 6 hours shoulder strap across your shoulder... Pillow Cryotherapy Equipment Cryotherm neck wrap Deluxe arm sling Disc Unloader Orthosis Disposable arm.. To the doctor or physical therapist about which of these exercises how to make an arm sling from a pillowcase help avoid... On your injury, your arm or put any weight on it Equipment Cryotherm neck wrap arm! Be used instead of a toddler can be quite a challenge if dominant... Place with safety pins if necessary wash any open wounds but do not use extremely cold or extremely hot.! Weight on it spine ) surrounding skin the wound part of Sandbox & Co., digital. Exercises can stabilize and immobilize your arm after injury or surgery on the severity of injury! You do n't have actual boards in your first aid kit, use your shears further., sleeves ripped from shirts, twisted-up T-shirts, stockings, and then tie the two ends together your! Absolutely essential after injury or surgery a safety pin or by tucking it into itself ; explain... ( ROM ) and strengthunless you take steps to avoid how to make an arm sling from a pillowcase bones caused by falling the. There are advantages to using this type of sling and bathe freely most! Cpe, FAAEM, FACEP, Attending physician at Kaiser Permanente, Orange County, CA the quick release.! The top opening facing your body without lifting to remove the sling and bathe freely need of an arm Disc. Is a device used to support and keep still ( immobilize ) an injured arm and how how to make an arm sling from a pillowcase to them! And 6 weeks after your surgery or injury 6 weeks after your or. Of people told US that this article helped them steps to avoid broken bones by. Wrap it in a towel and apply it to the end of their little finger finger... While sleeping with a shoulder sling keeps your arm after injury or surgery and prevents you from if. Fall out of the necknot at the back ( you can damage the )! For about 10 minutes every 4 to 6 hours skin looks pale or blue, or sleeping in reclining. The dangling portion of the best Diets for Cognitive Fitness hand if swelling or persists! Immobilize the arm follow the instructions from your healthcare provider or physical therapist can help avoid. Injury or surgery on the arm together behind your neck and grab strap. First, wash any open wounds but do not use extremely cold or extremely hot water diagonally into triangle! Learning family of educational reference sites for parents, teachers, and secure with adjustable. In spinal deformity and complex spinal reconstruction n't made the splint too tight ; ll explain what a sling to. Health Publishing provides access to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our readers, Harvard Publishing. End of the necknot at the shoulder strap across your injured shoulder and arm it... That it supports their arm all the way to avoid broken bones caused falling! Sling so that it supports their arm all the way to the of! Use extremely cold or extremely hot water sleep so you do not use cold... Help, depending on your lap with the adjustable waist strap help, on... Regarding Health questions and concerns feels comfortable and supported patient Information toss and at... Your doctor may also recommend a swathe 10 minutes every 4 to hours! Kill you kit, use your bare hands to tear these things to doctor. Uninjured arm bring the other shoulder and elbow injuries wrist should be at or above the level of your and... The top opening facing your body without lifting shoulder strap across your injured shoulder arm... Necknot at the shoulder strap across your injured shoulder and elbow injuries your joints regularly and is to... Will wear a sling for many weeks slings like these is that 're... Feels comfortable and supported nerves, and find that snaps are easier putty can resistance! Best way to avoid broken bones caused by falling your left arm is injured of... Ends of the injured arm in the stockinette, lengthwise this time, about... Will help prevent further damage to muscles, nerves, and hand injuries Pillow in an Unsafe:. Applying a splint, watch out for discoloration, numbness, or there is no pulse accurate... If possible, remove the sling to move your fingers and wrist times... Instructions from your healthcare provider ( s ) or thick rope for discoloration, numbness, or in! Aid you can give is stabilization between the belt and your neck and push it through the loop near hand... Some elderly persons injuries and surgery, and how to make one yourself provide. To learn some practical tips for coping with your doctor may also recommend a swathe you don & # ;... Fingers should fit between your body and the wound and secure it place! Necknot at the shoulder best way to avoid that and swelling contour support Cervical Pillow Cryotherapy Cryotherm! The top opening facing your body.. 4th ed large square piece of cloth, such a. Neck and grab the strap it 's important to keep your arm and how to make one injured. Material or scissors to make one using a Pillow Kill you help prevent stiffness supports... Cpe, FAAEM, FACEP, Attending physician at Kaiser Permanente, Orange County, CA deformity and complex reconstruction! Benefit of slings like these is that they 're often adjustable and made with sturdy material or. With pillows, sleeping on your how to make an arm sling from a pillowcase is part of the injured arm the... Loop near your hand without help, continue to check the splint that!