Even the simplest things, such as lifting things, typing, or simply sleeping comfortably, can be stopped by an injury to your arm. Many people who are side sleepers often find shoulder surgery associated with sleeping problems. To make these daily chores easy an arm sling is advised. It is an effective orthopedic tool that helps to reduce the pain and makes you comfortable. If you’re going to wear one for hours or even weeks, you might as well pick something that helps in speedy recovery and is comfortable. Healing should not feel like a punishment.
The NIH study aimed to compare the effects of a sling and an abduction brace on sleep quality and clinical outcomes after ARCR. It was hypothesized that immobilization in a sling would result in better sleep quality while not deteriorating clinical outcomes and bone-tendon healing compared with an abduction brace. The use of a sling resulted in better sleep quality, less anxiety, and higher satisfaction compared with an abduction brace in the first 6 weeks after ARCR.
In this blog we will discuss what an arm sling is and when it can be worn along with tips to sleep in a better way.
What is an Arm Sling?
An arm sling is a medical device to hold the arm, shoulder, elbow or wrist still and immobile after an injury or surgery. It restricts the movement and puts less pressure on the tissues, helping them to heal quickly.
The slings are light, adjustable, and comfortable. They may be:
- Elbow sling
- A shoulder and arm sling
- Full arm immobilizer
Doctors often prescribe arm sling for fractured bones, soft tissue injuries, post surgical injuries and persons who are suffering from chronic pain
When to Wear a Sling for Your Arm?
When is it a good idea to wear an arm sling? An arm sling is often used if a movement can worsen an injury or slow the healing process. Here are the most frequent situations:
- Support of the arm after fracture
After a bone fracture, it is very important to keep the arm, wrist or collarbone still. An arm support after a fracture holds the bones together and reduces the pain of movement.
- Shoulder Pain Arm Sling
If you suffer from a shoulder injury such as dislocation, rotator cuff tear or a severe strain, you will often require a shoulder arm sling to relieve the pressure and prevent the injury from recurring.
- Broken wrist arm sling
A broken wrist does not just hurt the wrist, it hurts the whole arm. An arm sling for a broken wrist is used to support the weight of the arm and prevent it from getting too much strain.
- Arm support post-operation
After surgery on your shoulder or elbow, it is important to use a sling to support your arm and help decrease pain as your arm heals.
- Injuries of the elbow
An elbow sling can be advised in cases such as tennis elbow, ligament injuries or fractures, providing support through stabilising the joint and assisting to decrease the redness and swelling.
- Pain that persists or appears suddenly
Many people who are constantly in pain are searching for the best arm sling for pain to reduce stress on their muscles and joints during everyday tasks.
Tips to Sleep Better
If you’re having trouble sleeping after shoulder surgery, here are some tips to help you sleep more comfortably. Arm sling specializes in after-care for common shoulder conditions.
- Rest in a semi-reclined position
One of the most advised strategies after shoulder surgery is sleeping reclined. Lying flat may put pressure on your healing shoulder and cause you more pain. Many patients observe that a recliner chair is the most comfortable place to sleep in the first few weeks of recovery. If you don’t have it, you can create a similar effect by adjusting a pillow to keep your torso at the right position. That bears the pressure off your shoulder. It helps to keep you from rolling onto it while sleeping.
- Support with Pillows
The pillow is your pain relief aid when you are going to bed after surgery. Use a cervical pillow or sometimes rolled towel to adjust your arm at a comfortable position under your elbow. You can also use a wedge pillow to help keep you upright in bed. With the right kind of support, there is less movement, less strain on the surgical site and better circulation.
- Rest in Your Sling
Your surgeon may direct you to wear your sling or immobilizer even while sleeping as recommended. The sling keeps your arm in immobile position. Arm sling helps to prevent you from rolling onto your shoulder and adds comfortability. It might seem uncomfortable initially, but sleeping in the sling can greatly increase the comfort as well as safety during your recovery.
- Control Pain Before Bedtime
Pain management is necessary to have restful sleep after shoulder surgery. Take your prescribed pain medications as your surgeon recommends, particularly at bedtime. Patients may also find that a cold therapy device or ice pack prior to going to sleep can help reduce swelling and discomfort.
- Don’t sleep on your stomach or on the side of your surgery
Avoid lying on your stomach or on the side of your operated shoulder for a comfortable sleeping pattern. Both positions bear too much pressure on the joint and could hinder healing. Instead, try to sleep on your back or on the opposite side with supportive pillows adjusting the affected area to keep your shoulder in a immobile position.
- Fix an appointment with your orthopaedic doctor
If you have tried the above tips and are unable to fix the problems, it may be time to see a qualified orthopedic doctor. The symptoms are accessed and a customized post-op recovery plan after shoulder surgery is prepared by your doctor. These personalized treatment plans may contain post operative instructions or shoulder replacement post surgical instructions.
Conclusion
An arm sling pouch may look like an easy device but it plays a significant part in recovery. Wearing the correct sling at the correct time can make all the difference if you need arm support after a fracture, help for shoulder pain or dependable arm support after surgery.
If you’re going to depend on something to assist your healing arm every day, make sure you pick the right one. Arm Sling not only gives you comfort, strength and confidence, it also helps you heal your arm. Your arm sling shouldn’t be making healing harder.
