DIY Shoulder Support

Shoulder injuries are common occurrences for many people. While normally associated with athletes, such as pitchers and boxers, shoulder injuries can occur to anyone at any time. Any activity that places the arm in an extreme position of motion or subjects the shoulder joint to impact, such as a bad fall or improper lifting, can result in shoulder injury and instability. After a shoulder injury, a doctor should be consulted immediately; however, you might need to stabilize the shoulder overnight until a doctor visit can be arranged.

Things You'll Need

• Ice
• Sheet or towel
• Pillow

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Instructions

• 1

  Ice the shoulder for 15 to 20 minutes. This will help the muscles tighten around the joint providing some shoulder support. Avoid applying ice directly to the skin for intervals of more than 20 minutes to prevent frostbite.

• 2

  Sit down and rest your forearm across your stomach. This allows your shoulder to hang naturally, keeping the weight of your arm from pulling at the shoulder joint.

• 3

  Make a temporary sling. Wrap a sheet or towel around your neck so that the cloth goes from the top of your healthy shoulder, under the injured arm cradling the elbow and forearm. Secure the sling at the neck either by tying it or using safety pins.

• 4

  Rest either on your back or on the opposite side of the injury. If lying in a particular position causes pain, then switch to another. Place a pillow under the injured shoulder for extra support, if needed.