Arm sling with neck issues puzzle!

December 1, 2024 12:34 PM

I fractured my shoulder and was told to use a sling to take the weight off it for 3 weeks. I already have a bad neck so wearing a sling isn't feasible as it has already set my neck off. Has anyone found or come up with a solution to this beyond sitting on the sofa with one's arm supported by cushions? I was thinking about a top with an inbuilt sling perhaps (a hoodie's pouch is too low).
posted by Lucy_32 to Health & Fitness (11 answers total)

This immobilizer? Basically your hoodie idea, except at the right height. (I have used this one personally, but to keep me from using a specific hand/wrist post-ligament repair aka not its intended use.)
posted by smangosbubbles at 12:47 PM on December 1

If you have someone there to help you ask them to tie your arm- the one that's attached to the hurt shoulder- to your chest with a long scarf, wrapping around your whole torso. Put your upper arm in a relaxed position by your side and then bend your elbow so that your upper arm goes across your chest with your hand almost to your opposite shoulder.

Or maybe this.
posted by mareli at 12:52 PM on December 1 [1 favorite]

Maybe try a front-facing baby carrier? The ErgoBaby is designed with a padded belt at the waist so that most of the weight of the front sling is supported by your hips. It would be easy to rotate the belt slightly to position the sling closer to your side, or to adjust the height by adding a towel or pillow underneath your arm. As a bonus, you can buy old Ergos very cheap on Facebook and Ebay.
posted by Bardolph at 12:54 PM on December 1

Yes, you need an immobilizer, not a sling. Here's something that might work and also protect your neck at the same time.
posted by dancinglamb at 12:55 PM on December 1 [1 favorite]

Talk to your doctor about this! You can probably get an immobilizer prescribed, and paid for by your insurance. (You could see what your policy has to say about "durable medical equipment.")
posted by BlahLaLa at 1:45 PM on December 1 [2 favorites]

Here to mention immobilizer or "hemi" sling. Are you already referred to Physical Therapy? They should be able to get you one and fit it correctly.
posted by Lyn Never at 1:49 PM on December 1

Response by poster: Thanks for answers so far! I was in fact given an immobiliser by the clinic, sorry for the confusion, they called it a sling. It causes too much neck pain for me to wear.

I’ve ordered the chest immobiliser suggested , but please keep coming with suggestions! Am trying to source a baby carrier also to general amusement!
posted by Lucy_32 at 2:08 PM on December 1

If you know anyone who has a sewing machine and knows how to sew, it would be extremely easy for them to move a hoodie's pouch up higher. It would probably only take them about fifteen minutes. Or perhaps you could have a tailor do it.
posted by SageTrail at 4:16 PM on December 1

I was thinking of having someone-who-can-sew add the soft side of a lot of Velcro all over the front of a snuggish soft vest. Easier on and off than a full hoodie, and you could adjust your healing arm’s support with one arm, I think.

Could even be hand sewn, hook and loop is forgiving.
posted by clew at 5:06 PM on December 1

When I had a broken arm I used an abduction sling with pillow that was fastened around the waist. It did have a shoulder strap but the weight was carried by the pillow.
posted by a humble nudibranch at 10:53 PM on December 1 [1 favorite]

Consider a double shoulder brace? When I had some insane shoulder spasms and pain recently, I bought one and it was amazing. Not only did it help the shoulders, it seemed to have global effects on my back pain. There's no telling if it would make your neck better or worse, but maybe it's worth a try?
posted by kitcat at 9:11 AM on December 2