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What Is a Sling Immobilizer?

When a person injures his arm, orthopedic doctors require the patient to wear a sling immobilizer. This is to prevent the injured arm from being stressed due to unnecessary movement and to avoid further injury. The sling immobilizer has served to be of great use on patients with arm, shoulder and elbow problems, thus making them one of the most common and widely used orthopedic devices.

  1. Structure

    • A sling immobilizer is made up of a thick, comfortable fabric attached with a gartered, adjustable strap placed on the person's shoulder for support. The fabric serves as the arm's rest, and the patient wears it with his arm bent on a 90-degree angle until the injury fully heals.

    Function

    • The main purpose of wearing a sling immobilizer is to prevent the injured arm or shoulder from being further hurt or injured due to the patient's actions (both intentional and accidental). The shoulder blades are surrounded by muscles which connect them with the arm bones, and it needs adequate time to heal and recover after being injured or surgically reconstructed.

    Eligibility

    • People who are recommended to use an immobilizer include those who have suffered serious arm trauma and injury, those who have dislocated elbows and shoulders, and those who recently underwent surgical procedures on the arm. Immobilizers reduce the occurrence of sprain and muscle ache while the arm and shoulder tissues are undergoing repair.

    Effects

    • The use of sling immobilizers fosters internal rotation of the shoulder blades. Through internal rotation, muscle buildup in the injured area is boosted. Sling immobilizers lessen the pressure felt by the affected arm and control the affected area's involuntary motion, in turn allowing the arm to heal on its own while the patient is recovering.

    Warning

    • Wearing a sling immobilizer isn't always recommended. With certain arm and shoulder problems, particularly those conditions where the arm is required to exercise external rotation, the use of sling immobilizers is discouraged. People suffering from pain due to muscle cramps and weakness are rather advised to perform stretching exercises to loosen the stiffness. Recent studies also suggest that the use of sling immobilizers does not really speed up the person's recovery from arm injury and may even delay the healing process. Consult an orthopedic doctor for advice before using a sling immobilizer.

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