You have been treated with a collar and cuff sling. You have had a thorough examination and are now considered fit to be discharged. The following instructions will aid your recovery.
These are treatments used to support and protect injured shoulders, elbows, wrists and hands. The type of treatment applied will be appropriate to your injury. The treatment may be applied with your arm under your clothing and next to your skin, or over your clothes, again depending on your injury
Collar and Cuff
Collar and Cuff will provide effective support at your elbow and wrist, without obscuring the affected limb and without applying any force to your injured side.
Slings
You have been advised to keep your arm supported in either a Broad Arm Sling (BAS) or elevated in a High Arm Sling (HAS).
- BAS
This is used for arm and shoulder injuries. When correctly applied, the hand should be slightly higher than the elbow. The base of the sling should lie at the root of the little finger, leaving the fingernails exposed.
- HAS
This is used to support the hand and forearm in a well raised position. By keeping your arm elevated, it will help to reduce swelling or bleeding of the hand and wrist, which in turn will encourage healing of the injured limb.
If you have been advised to elevate the limb you can also do this at home by taking it out of the HAS and support your arm, eg, against a pillow whilst sitting out.
Broad Arm String
High Arm String
- Reef Knot
Always tie the ends of the sling with a reef knot; it lies flat, will not slip and is easy to untie. Make sure the knot does not press onto a bone or into the skin at the back of the neck.
What else can I do to help myself?
- Personal Hygiene
If the collar and cuff or sling has been applied with your arm under your clothing and next to your skin, you may become uncomfortable. Using minimal movement, you may wash both under your arm and your chest wall, and apply a light dusting of powder to prevent chafing. Be sure to dry thoroughly before applying any powder.
- Painkillers
Take any recommended painkillers as advised or prescribed.
- Exercise
If advised to do so, it is important that the arm is taken out of the collar and cuff or sling and exercised, this will help to prevent stiffness of the shoulder and elbow joint.
Exercises should include:
- Bending (flexing) and stretching (extending) the injured arm.
- Rotating the upper arm and shoulder.
- Touching the back of your head (within the limits of your mobility).
- Touching your lower back (within the limits of your mobility).
- If your arm is in a plaster cast, remember to exercise your fingers as advised.
Share this...
If you have any concerns, please do not hesitate to telephone us
Preston ED: 01772 522 878
or
Chorley ED: 01257 245 219
A senior nurse or doctor will be able to advise you. Alternatively, you may contact 111.
Were you prepared for the visit today?
Did you feel you were prepared for your hospital visit today? Not many people do. The focus of getting there, whether it is in an emergency or for an appointment, can easily end up with you in a muddle.
Am I Prepared?Related Information
Part 1 – Scanning QRs
This video provides step-by-step instructions on how to use QR codes with MySelfCare, making it easy for you to utilise this powerful feature
Read More
Exercise in the home
Everyone should aim to achieve 150 minutes of exercise a week, but for some it may not be so easy. Here are some tips for exercise…
Read More
Loss of a loved one
Coping with the loss of a loved one is one of the most difficult tests of our mental wellbeing many of us can go through. Whether…
Read MoreWas this information useful?
How easy to understand and how useful was the information for you. All feedback is anonymous. If you would like a possible response, please include your email.
How was your visit today?
How well did our staff do today in helping you with your condition. Please note All feedback is anonymous. If you would like a possible response, please include your email.
Treatment Feedback - Tools for Hospitals
Coming soon – order physical products, and new categories, review your documents and much more.
You must have a valid NHS Email to use this service.
Find Out More
