How to Tie a Foam Cuff & Sling

A foam cuff and sling refers to a specific form of rehabilitative support used for patients with arm or wrist injuries or those who need a clavicle brace or something to keep their shoulder immobilized. A foam cuff and sling consists simply of a long strip of foam, around 2 inches to 3 inches wide. The foam provides support to the injured limbs without obscuring them as traditional slings do. It also offers medical care professionals a low-cost option because this sling only requires the precise amount of foam necessary for each specific injury.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Scissors
• Roll of foam strips
• Plastic clips

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Instructions

• 1

  Measure the length from the top of the patient's neck to the bottom of his ribs. Cut a piece of foam that is twice this length.

• 2

  Lay the strip of foam around the patient's neck so that the two ends of the foam hang down across his chest at equal lengths.

• 3

  Pull the side of the foam that is on the same side as the injured shoulder, arm or wrist, so that it hangs down further around 3 inches or so.

• 4

  Hold the shorter end of the foam in place with one hand while wrapping the longer piece of foam around the outside of the wrist of the injured side of the body.

• 5

  Pull on the end of the foam once it has wrapped once around the wrist. This will elevate the wrist, causing it to be directly in the center of the patient's chest.

• 6

  Press the two ends of the foam together. Clip them in place with the plastic clip. The patient's wrapped wrist should still be in the center of his chest.