About this Information

This page explains how to wear and care for your broad arm sling following treatment at one of our Minor Injury Units or Urgent Treatment Centres. It includes advice on when to wear your sling, how to prevent stiffness and when to seek further help.

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Why Have I Been Given a Broad Arm Sling?

A broad arm sling helps support your injured arm while it heals by:

• Reducing movement.
• Providing comfort.
• Allowing the injured area to rest.

Wear your sling for as long as your clinician has advised.

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Wearing Your Sling

Unless your clinician has told you otherwise:

• Wear your sling during the day.
• Remove it before going to bed.
• Remove it for washing and dressing.

Before taking your sling off, take a moment to note how it is fitted. This will make it easier to put back on correctly.

When you get up in the morning, put your sling back on.

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Preventing Stiffness

To help keep your joints moving:

• Remove your sling every three to four hours.
• Gently move your:
  • Shoulder
  • Elbow
  • Wrist
  • Fingers

Regular movement helps prevent stiffness while your injury heals.

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Swelling

If your hand becomes swollen following your injury:

• Remove any rings from the affected hand.
• Do not wear rings again until the swelling has completely gone.

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How to Put On Your Broad Arm Sling

Follow these simple steps:

1. Place the sling across your chest with the longest side hanging vertically.
2. Rest your injured arm across your body.
3. Bring the lower corner of the sling up and over your arm towards your opposite shoulder.
4. Tie the two ends behind your neck using a bow.
5. Secure the material at your elbow with a safety pin if advised.

Your clinician will show you how to fit your sling correctly before you leave the department.

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Sleeping

For your safety:

• Remove your sling before going to bed unless your clinician has specifically advised you to keep it on overnight.

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When to Seek Medical Advice

Call NHS 111 if you urgently need medical help or advice but your condition is not life-threatening.

For less urgent concerns, contact your GP.

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Our Urgent Care Services

Our Minor Injury Units and Urgent Treatment Centres provide treatment for urgent minor injuries and illnesses.

No appointment or referral is required.

Bristol Urgent Treatment Centre

Minor injuries and illnesses

Open 8am to 8pm, seven days a week

South Bristol NHS Community Hospital
Hengrove Promenade
Hengrove
Bristol
BS14 0DE

Telephone: 0117 342 9692

Yate Minor Injury Unit

Minor injuries only

Open 8am to 8pm, seven days a week

Yate West Gate Centre
21 West Walk
Yate
BS37 4AX

Telephone: 0300 125 6800

Clevedon Minor Injury Unit

Minor injuries only

Open 8am to 8pm, seven days a week

North Somerset Community Hospital
Old Street
Clevedon
BS21 6BS

Telephone: 01275 546852

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Accessible Information

This information is available in a range of accessible formats, including:

• Large print
• Audio
• Easy Read
• British Sign Language
• Other languages

Please contact the service if you need this information in an alternative format.