Difference Between Arm Sling and Shoulder Immobilizer

Shoulder and arm injuries commonly occur in our daily lives. A sudden fall, a minor sports injury, or even household accidents can leave your arm, wrist, and shoulder hurting terribly, which is very common. Even simple things like lifting, typing, or cooking become challenging. That’s when an arm sling and shoulder immobilizer become more than just support; they're relief. These orthopedic gears are designed to support your arm during the recovery process. Among the trusted and best brands is the Leeford Ortho Arm Support and Shoulder support belt, which is known for its sturdy support and comfort.

In this blog, we will explore the differences between an arm sling and a shoulder immobilizer, their comfort levels, and the duration for which they can be worn.

Arm Sling vs Shoulder Immobilizer

Purpose

• An arm sling is designed to support the weight of the arm and keep it in a relaxed position. It aids in relieving shoulder, elbow, and wrist pain.
• A shoulder immobilizer provides firm restriction on shoulder and upper arm movement. It is ideal for severe injuries or post-surgical recovery.

Design

• Arm slings are often made of a single supportive strap and a fabric pouch that holds the arm close to the body.
• Shoulder immobilizers are commonly crafted with wider chest straps and additional arm straps that wrap around the abdominal area. They often have a Velcro closure for sturdy stabilization.

Level of Support

• An arm sling ensures moderate support suitable for relieving forearm pain and any other arm discomfort.
• A shoulder immobilizer ensures extra or maximum support to prevent the shoulder from risky movements.

Movement Capability

• An arm sling enables free hand and elbow movement, making it easier to perform light daily tasks, like cooking, eating, or writing.
• A shoulder immobilizer keeps the injured shoulder in a fixed position, limiting your performance in daily tasks like carrying groceries or lifting heavy things. This might sound challenging, but it brings comfort considering the severity of your injury.

Comfort Level

• The arm sling is lightweight and skin-friendly, ensuring your comfort even after prolonged use. It makes it comfortable for you to prepare a meal, clean your room, or write your homework.
• The Shoulder Immobilizer is more rigid and almost restricts movement. This helps the joints to heal safely and to prevent them from further injury. It protects your injured arm from sudden bumps and accidents.

Typical Uses

An arm sling is often used for:

• Mild shoulder, wrist, or arm sprain
• Post-cast support
• Minor fractures
• Soft tissue injury or strain

A shoulder immobilizer can be used for:

• Shoulder dislocation or fracture
• Post-surgical recovery
• Rotator cuff repair recovery
• Severe ligament or joint injury
• Chronic pain, like osteoarthritis

Is a Shoulder Immobilizer More Comfortable Than a Sling?

The comparison of experiencing comfort while wearing a shoulder immobilizer or arm sling depends on the type of your injury. To improve comfort:

• Consult your healthcare provider to determine whether a shoulder immobilizer or an arm sling is suitable for your condition.
• Choose a proper fit. A loose or tight arm or shoulder support might lead to injury recurrence or slower recovery. 
• Sleep on your back to protect your arm and shoulder.
• While you’re taking a break from wearing an arm sling or shoulder immobilizer, use a soft pillow to support your hand.
• Check your alignment by keeping your elbow bent at 90° and your arm pointing comfortably.
• If you notice any kind of unusual pain, swelling, or discomfort in the arm, it's better to consult your healthcare provider for the proper treatment.
• If you have been debating on how to choose between a sling and an immobilizer, the answer is simply based on the type and severity of your injury.

Do Both Arm Slings and Shoulder Immobilizers Help with Pain Relief?

Both arm slings and shoulder immobilizers are ideal for pain relief. They support, stabilize, and restrict unnecessary movement. Both of them are ideal for reducing strain in the arm, wrist, and shoulder area. Wearing them provides support, which takes off pressure in the wounded muscles, bones, and joints. They also help to manage pain, which is triggered by stiffness, swelling, and inflammation.

How Long Should I Wear an Arm Sling or Immobilizer After Injury?

Your healthcare provider determines how long you should wear an arm sling or immobilizer after your injury. This decision is based on various factors that include:

• The type of your injury
• The location of the injury
• Whether it is post-surgery recovery or a minor injury

It's crucial to know that an arm sling or immobilizer helps reduce pain, but overuse may cause stiffness. In conditions like

• Minor sprain: 1-2 weeks
• Moderate: 3-4 weeks
• Severe: 6 weeks or more

In general, you can wear an arm sling:

• During the day: You can easily wear an arm sling while moving around and performing light activities.
• During exercises: Remove it only if instructed by your doctor; otherwise, incorporate light and gentle hand or shoulder strengthening stretches. This promotes natural recovery.
• At night: Keep the arm sling on during sleep if your doctor has instructed you to do so.

Wrapping Up

Understanding the comparison between an arm sling and a shoulder immobilizer is a crucial aspect that influences effective and safe healing.  Shoulder immobilizers are ideal for severe fractures, whereas slings are often used for minor fractures. With the right support, like a Leeford Ortho Arm Sling or Arm Sling Baggy, you can safely go back to a comfortable daily life. You can also consider a Leoford Ortho Shoulder Support to mobilize your shoulder and prevent recurring strain during the rehabilitation phase. Finding the right or comfortable arm sling or shoulder immobilizer means matching it to your injury and its severity, as well as your daily routine.

Comfort comes with a few cautions, which include choosing the proper support as per your injury, choosing a snug fit, refraining from high-impact activities, and regularly checking if there is improvement in your recovery. Above all, seek advice from a healthcare provider to determine the type of your condition, its severity, and the proper support you can use.