About this topic
After a stroke, one of your arms may be weak or you may not be able to move it at all. If your muscles are weak, your upper arm bone may get out of its normal position in the shoulder socket. This is a shoulder subluxation. Your doctor may want you to wear a brace called a hemi sling to keep this from happening. This brace holds your upper arm bone in the socket. ‚
General
Ask your doctor about your brace. Learn how often you should wear it. Your doctor may want you to put the brace on when you are sitting or while you are standing. Most doctors suggest putting it on while sitting. ‚
Braces will differ slightly. Always read the manufacturers instructions for your particular brace. ‚
How to put the brace on: ‚
- Sit in a chair or on the edge of a bed.
- Unhook and loosen all of the straps before you start.
- With the O ring or the crossing straps towards the back, put your good arm in through the strap.
- Bring the arm sling part around the back.
- Fasten the velcro straps to secure the arm brace part on your weak arm.
- Adjust the back straps.
- Fasten the strap across the chest.
- Adjust the straps by the shoulder.
- If your brace has a part to support the lower arm, fasten it on with the velcro straps.
How to take the brace off: ‚
- Remove the lower arm support by loosening the velcro straps.
- Loosen the straps by the shoulders.
- Loosen the chest and back straps.
- Take the brace off of your weak arm.
- Take off the brace.
Helpful tips
- Use mild detergent to wipe down the brace. Air dry.
- Mark the straps with a pen once they are adjusted. This will make putting the brace on easier.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚