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Shoulder sling

Shoulder sling

Overview

After a shoulder injury you may be fitted with a shoulder sling to help immobilize the joint to aid in the healing process. Your provider may advise you to apply ice to help ease pain and swelling.

Review Date 6/4/2025

Updated by: C. Benjamin Ma, MD, Professor, Chief, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, San Francisco, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.