How to Ice Down a Shoulder in a Sling

Shoulder injuries often require the use of a sling for a period of time. The sling allows your arm to rest while you go about your daily activities. Ice is a pain-relieving and swelling-reducing modality that is often used to treat the shoulder after injury or surgery. It can be used immediately after the injury occurs or right away after shoulder surgery. It is important to apply ice correctly to avoid an aggravation of your symptoms.

Things You'll Need

• Bag of frozen peas or corn
• Commercial ice pack
• Sealed bag of ice cubes

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Instructions

• 1

  Obtain or make an ice pack. You can use a bag of frozen peas or corn, a commercial ice pack, or a sealed bag of ice cubes. Sit or lay down on your back and rest your injured arm on a pillow next to your body.

• 2

  Unhook the shoulder strap on your sling. Place the ice pack on your shoulder on top of your clothing.

• 3

  Apply the ice for 15 to 20 minutes. Keep track of the time with a clock or timer. Overuse of ice can cause underlying tissues to freeze.

• 4

  Repeat every two to three hours as pain occurs or as instructed by your physician.