Patrick DenardDirector Oregon Shoulder Fellowship, Oregon Shoulder Institute · Director Oregon Shoulder Fellowship at Oregon Shoulder Institute

Abduction Pillow Sling after Shoulder Surgery

12 Jun 2021 · 0 min

Watch on YouTube

0:28

In this brief instructional video, the presenter explains the abduction pillow sling, the most common post‑operative sling used after shoulder surgery. The sling is custom‑fitted by a bracing professional before the operation. The speaker emphasizes the correct arm positioning while wearing the sling: the arm should rest roughly parallel to the floor, and the hand should be placed near the body's midline, just above the belly button. This guidance helps patients understand how to wear the sling correctly to protect the surgical site and promote proper healing.

This is an example of an abduction pillow sling, which is the most common type of sling you'll have after your surgery. Before your surgery, you'll be fitted for this sling by one of our bracing professionals, but oftentimes people ask about what the positioning of their arm should be. When you have this sling on, you should make note that the arm should be roughly parallel to the floor and that the hand should be about midline in the body, just above the belly button.