Version July 2025
Please read the Disclaimer at the end of this page.
What are discharge instructions? —
Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of yourself after getting medical care in the emergency department ("ED").
What should I know? —
You came to the ED, and the doctor gave you a shoulder sling (also called an "immobilizer"). The sling can help reduce pain and protect your shoulder as it heals.
There are different types of shoulder slings that hold the arm in different positions. The sling might use:
●A strap to support your arm in the sling
●Straps to hold your arm in a specific position right next to your body
●Straps and a foam pillow to hold your arm slightly away from your body
Some slings also have straps that go around your thumb to keep your arm in the correct position.
How long you need to wear the sling depends on your injury or why you have shoulder pain. Ask the doctor if you are not sure how long to wear it.
How do I care for myself at home? —
Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.
You should also do the following:
●Call your regular doctor and tell them you were in the ED. Make a follow-up appointment if you were told to.
●Follow the doctor's instructions about how to put the sling on and when to wear it. You might need to wear it all the time. Or you might be allowed to take it off to sleep, bathe, do physical therapy, or do exercises.
●Follow the doctor's instructions about using your arm and hand. You might be able to lift a little weight, or no weight at all. For some injuries, you need to avoid movement while you heal. For others, the doctor might tell you to do specific movements or exercises.
●Make sure the sling fits well and is not too tight. Make sure your elbow fits snugly, all the way in the back of the closed part of the sling. Your hand should be at or above the level of your elbow.
●Follow the care instructions to keep the sling clean. You can usually wipe it down with soap and water. If you have to wear a sling all the time for many weeks, you might want to get 2 of them.
●Ice can help with pain and swelling from recent injuries. Place an ice pack or a bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a towel over your shoulder. Never put ice right on your skin. Do not leave the ice on more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time. Use for the first 24 to 48 hours after an injury.
●As your shoulder heals, you might need to work with a physical therapist (exercise expert). They can teach you exercises to strengthen your shoulder and keep it moving well.
When should I get emergency help?
●Return to the ED if:
•You have trouble breathing.
When should I call the doctor? —
Call for advice if:
●You have very bad shoulder pain even after taking pain medicines.
●Your arm gets more swollen or painful.
●Your fingers are numb, tingly, or blue or gray.
●You have new or worsening symptoms.
Patient education: How to use a shoulder sling (The Basics)
Patient education: Shoulder pain (The Basics)
