A shoulder immobilizer is designed to hold your arm against your body. It's used for injuries where you need to limit how much you can move your shoulder. These injuries include a shoulder dislocation or shoulder fracture where moving your shoulder too much could cause harm.
You should use the immobilizer all the time or as advised by your healthcare provider. This will prevent other people from accidentally pulling on your arm. It also keeps you from sleeping in an incorrect position or moving the shoulder into a position that might make your injury worse.
A joint that is immobilized too long can become stiff and lose range of motion. Follow-up with your healthcare provider as advised. Don’t use the shoulder immobilizer longer than you are told to. Ask if you should move your elbow, wrist, and hand.
Home use
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Leave the shoulder immobilizer in place as long as your healthcare provider tells you to. Unless your healthcare provider tells you otherwise, you should sleep with it in place.
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If you are being treated for a shoulder dislocation, you may take the immobilizer off to bathe or dress. But while it’s off, don’t try to raise your arm away from your body. Put the immobilizer back on as soon as possible.
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If you are being treated for a shoulder fracture, leave the immobilizer in place until your next exam.
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The shoulder immobilizer can be adjusted. If it becomes loose, adjust it so that your arm is snug against your body. Your forearm should be level with the ground (horizontal). Your hand should be level with your elbow.
Online Medical Reviewer: Raymond Turley Jr PA-C
Online Medical Reviewer: Stacey Wojcik MBA BSN RN
Online Medical Reviewer: Thomas N Joseph MD
Date Last Reviewed: 08/01/2022
© 2000-2026 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
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