Arm Sling Guide: Choosing the Right Sling for Recovery

An arm sling looks simple, but the right one depends on the injury, the operation and what the person needs to do each day. Hospitals and physiotherapy departments use different arm slings to hold the arm high, keep the shoulder at an angle, or let someone shower without a soggy sling. Pelican’s arm slings range was developed with industry professionals and is made by our team in Western Australia.

This guide explains the main types of sling and how they are used.

When is an arm sling used?

Arm slings may be prescribed after rotator cuff operations, shoulder subluxation, or broken arms, wrists, shoulders or collarbones, as well as other general injuries. Some hold the shoulder at a certain angle using a bolster. Some are designed for bathing. Others are designed for use with a hoist, to hold a heavy arm or leg without straining the carer.

Your surgeon, physio or nurse will usually recommend the type of sling and how it should be fitted. The information below helps you understand the options.

Elevation slings

After hand surgery or injury, keeping the hand raised is often part of the plan to help reduce swelling.

• The Arm/Hand Elevation Sling holds the left or right hand on or above the level of the heart to help reduce swelling and minimise pain. The hand section is wider to give more room for a swollen or bandaged hand.
• The Vertical Arm Sling holds an arm at 90 degrees.
• For bed and chair use, the Arm Rest (30 Degrees) holds an arm raised, and the Arm Elevation Sleep Cushion is used after an arm or shoulder operation.

Abduction slings and shoulder supports

After some shoulder operations, the arm needs to be held slightly away from the body. This is called abduction.

• The Arm Sling & Abductor Pillow abducts the arm at approximately 15°. It combines an abduction pillow with a sling, fits a left or right arm, and has pockets for a phone, pens or wallet. It even comes with “Please Do Not Touch” stickers. It suits people after rotator cuff or similar operations, some dislocations, subluxation and strains, and is normally recommended and fitted by a medical adviser.
• The Shoulder Abductor supports the shoulder and arm.
• The Upper Arm Adductor is designed for use after rotator cuff operations.
• The Shoulder Cuff Kit is used to help prevent or reduce shoulder dislocation.

Everyday slings: elbow, wrist and swathe

• The Elbow & Wrist Sling has a hand section, an elbow section and a padded strap.
• The Arm Sling & Swathe is comfortable to wear and has an adjustable padded shoulder strap.
• The Elbow Sling for Theatre is wipeable and designed for operating theatres.

Shower slings

Putting a cold, wet sling back on after a shower is unpleasant. The Elbow & Wrist Showering Sling is made from nylon-reinforced vinyl that is easy to wipe dry, with foam padding for comfort on bare skin. It is designed for people who need to wear a sling while being washed. A webbing version is available in packs of 10 for hospitals and aged care.

Slings for hoists and heavy limbs

Lifting a heavy arm or leg by hand can strain a carer. The heat-sealed Leg/Arm Sling and the Bariatric Leg/Arm Sling are designed to help lift a leg or arm. For whole-body lifting slings, see our hoist slings range.

Living with a sling day to day

Recovery often takes weeks, so small details make a difference. A padded shoulder strap can make long periods of wear more comfortable. Pockets, like those on our abductor sling, keep a phone within easy reach when one hand is out of action. A separate shower sling means the everyday sling stays dry. At night, a cushion such as the Arm Elevation Sleep Cushion can help keep the arm supported in bed. Each product page includes brief instructions for fitting and use. If anything does not feel right, check with the person who prescribed it.

How to choose an arm sling

• Follow the clinical advice. The type of sling, the angle and how long to wear it should come from your surgeon, physio or nurse.
• Think about position. Elevation, abduction or a simple neutral sling each do a different job.
• Plan for daily life. A shower sling, a sleep cushion or a sling with pockets can make recovery easier.
• Consider the setting. Wipeable and heat-sealed slings suit theatres, wards and shared use.
• Check left or right. Many of our slings fit either arm, but check the product page.

Common questions

What is an abduction pillow for?

An abduction pillow holds the arm slightly away from the body. Ours holds it at approximately 15°, often after rotator cuff surgery.

Can I shower in an arm sling?

Our Elbow & Wrist Showering Sling is designed for this. It wipes dry, so you do not have to put on a cold, wet sling.

What does an elevation sling do?

It holds the hand on or above heart level, which is designed to help reduce swelling after hand operations.

Do you supply slings to hospitals?

Yes. Slings are widely used in hospitals and physiotherapy departments, and several of our slings come in multi-packs.

Order arm slings from Pelican

Pelican has designed and made care products in Australia since 1987, and most products carry a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty. We ship Australia-wide with next-working-day delivery in Perth, and we accept NDIS orders. Browse the full Pelican arm slings range or contact our team on FreeCall 1800 641 577 for help choosing.