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Sling

A sling is a bandage used to support an injured arm.

To apply a sling:

  1. Support the arm above and below the site of the injury.
  2. Place the triangular bandage under the injured arm and over the uninjured shoulder to form the sling.
  3. Tie the ends of the sling at the side of the neck.

Do not use a sling for a long period of time. Immobilizing an arm for too long can cause a frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis).

Last Revised: July 28, 2010

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine & H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine

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