Types of Arm Slings: How to Find the Right One
If you've suffered an injury to the shoulder or arm, you'll need to use a sling at some point during your recovery. Which one is right best for your symptoms? That's the question we're here to answer.
Slings are a simple and effective device available in a range of different shapes and sizes. At Health and Care we've been helping the nation manoeuvre their way through their post-injury recovery for over a decade. We've put all the knowledge we've accrued in one place to help you Find the Right Arm Sling for you and your injury.
- Best Sling for Clavicle Fractures, Sprains and Broken Bones
- Best Sling for Shoulder Immobilisation
- Best Sling for Repetitive Strain Injury
- Best Sling for Frozen Shoulder
- Best Sling for Rotator Cuff Injury
- Other Useful Pages
- The Last Word...
Best Sling for Clavicle Fractures
Procare Blue Vogue Arm Sling
The ProCare Arm Sling is the perfect choice if you're recovering from a clavicle fracture or a dislocated shoulder. Sprains and strains are treated using full-shoulder immobilisation and it is exceptionally well made, blending polyester and cotton for a good level of user comfort.
The Best Sling for...
✔ Clavicle fractures where full immobilisation is key
✔ Injuries requiring elbow to wrist support during rehabilitation
✔ Users after a simple shoulder immobilisation sling
Why We Love It...
✔ Comfortable polycotton material, very well made
✔ Two inch thick padded strap adds to wearer security
✔ Immobilises and supports shoulder, arm, wrist and hand
Editor's Review: What makes the ProCare Vogue Sling special is the extra security you get with the 2" thick padded strap. You can adjust the sling to your liking using the contact closure and D-Rings.
Best Sling for Shoulder Immobilisation
ProCare Clinical Shoulder Immobiliser Arm Sling
The ProCare Shoulder Immobiliser Arm Sling is a quality sling with an adjustable shoulder pad and body straps. This shoulder immobiliser is perfect for anyone recovering from a serious to moderate shoulder injury or fracture, as it can be adjusted to completely restrict the injured side of the body.
The Best Sling for...
✔ Users after a deep pocket/envelope cradle
✔ Supporting the elbow whilst immobilising the shoulder
✔ Maximum adjustability and fit customisation
Why We Love It...
✔ Easy to use, thumb loop is a highly practical feature
✔ Contact closure adjustment prevents painful shoulder rotations
✔ Comfortable polycotton soothes aches and pains
Editor's Review: If you're in the market for seriously secure shoulder immobilisation brace that doesn't skimp on adjustability, look no further.
Best Sling for Repetitive Strain Injury
Rolyan Deluxe Shoulder Immobiliser
The Rolyan Deluxe Shoulder Immobiliser is an elevated shoulder immobiliser sling specifically geared towards repetitive strain injury (RSI) recovery. Most components are fully adjustable, allowing the wearer to gradually ease the restrictive elements over time.
The Best Sling for...
✔ RSI, carpel tunnel surgery and forearm strain injury recovery
✔ Waist strap limits shoulder movement to reduce chance of reinjury
✔ Injuries requiring gradual adjustments during rehab process
Why We Love It...
✔ Very comfortable neck pad with soft edges
✔ Waist strap limits shoulder movement to improve recovery
✔ Can be adjusted to make your perfect fit
Editor's Review: Great for users with large shoulders, the affixed waist strap maximises stability in the upper torso, preventing sudden or involuntary movement of the arm.
Best Sling for Frozen Shoulder
Universal Pro Collar and Cuff Sling
The Universal Pro Collar and Cuff Sling is a collar-and-cuff style sling that supports the neck and elevates the wrist to provide your collarbones with optimal comfort.
The Best Sling for:
✔ Those looking for an inexpensive sprain or minor injury sling
✔ Rehabilitation for minor injuries that don't require a full arm sling
✔ Maintaining elevation following a frozen shoulder diagnosis
Why We Love It...
✔ Convenient, lightweight design for use at work and at home
✔ Velcro fastening makes for quick and easy application and removal
✔ Highly comfortable, especially around the neck area
Editor's Review: Whilst the Universal Pro's minimal design might not be what everyone is after, this is a best-bang-for-your-buck model that will beat most standard slings supplied by hospitals.
Best Sling for Rotator Cuff Injuries
High Arm Sling
Lightweight and versatile, the High Arm Sling is a collar-and-cuff style sling like the Universal Pro, and offers an exceptional level of support for sprains, aches and pains. The High Arm is made from a combination of nylon and foam and is designed for long-term use.
The Best Sling for...
✔ Minor sprains, aches and pains
✔ Recurring pain associated with rotator cuff injury
✔ Stiffness along the forearm and shoulder
Why We Love It...
✔ Allows for maximum movement while still protecting your injury
✔ Highly adjustable thanks to Velcro and waist strap fasteners
✔ Easy to put on with one hand
Editor's Review: The High Arm Sling is a great device to just have at home for whenever you're feeling stiff or sore during the later stages of your recovery process.
Other Useful Pages
Still not found what you're looking for? Why not take a look at the rest of our slings? Click one of the links below to see what we have to offer:
The Last Word...
We sell thousands of arm slings every year by drawing on product expertise, customer feedback and the latest medical research. We understand that even with the correct diagnosis from a doctor, it can be hard to decide what the best arm sling is for your specific injury.
For some quick recommendations, see below:
- If you've got here and are still undecided, we recommend the ProCare Blue Vogue Arm Sling
- If you're wearing a cast and are looking for additional protection, check out our Best Waterproof Cast Protectors
- For an inexpensive and affordable all-rounder, we recommend the Universal Pro Collar and Cuff Sling
- Alternately, check out our Top 5 Arm Sling Accessories You Never Knew You Needed for additional recommendations.
Have you tried our Arm Slings? Let us know about which sling you have used and whether they helped below. Alternatively, why not reach out to us on Twitter or Facebook!
Actimove Arm Sling
- Designed to support arm in combination with a cast
- Comfortable immobilisation system for the arm
- Suitable for wrist, elbow or shoulder trauma
- Easy to use, versatile and effective support
ProCare Clinical Shoulder Immobiliser Arm Sling
- High-quality, durable sling with adjustable shoulder and body straps
- Suitable for shoulder injuries and to prevent shoulder rotation
- Features a comfortable shoulder pad for use over long periods
- Ideal for post-trauma use after shoulder dislocations
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Aircast Arm Immobiliser
- Available with an abduction pillow for angled support
- Limits posterior arm mobility to reduce discomfort
- Ideal for injuries to different areas of the arm
- Provides secure arm and shoulder support
Universal Pro Collar and Cuff Sling
- Excellent value collar-and-cuff sling
- Suitable for broken wrist, upper arm or forearm
- Universal design for ease of application
- Secures in place with hook-and-loop fastening
Boscombe Double Loop Arm Sling
- Boscombe arm sling with two forearm loops
- Ideal for wrist, forearm, elbow and shoulder injuries
- Highly adjustable straps to fit the majority of users
- Soft foam padding ensures excellent comfort