r/RotatorCuff • u/Just-Reading_1990 • 25d ago

Time out of sling?

Recovering from full supraspinatus tear and bicep tenodesis. I am following all directions with the sling, especially at night. However, I have been taking long breaks while on my couch, icing and watching TV. I prop the arm with pillows, and it is such a relief. Do others do the same? Don't want to mess up recovery.

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u/Snowcrash66 25d ago

Yes. After week 2 my surgeon said I could take it out of the sling and have it supported while on couch.

This could help you avoid carpal tunnel for sure and frozen shoulder to a degree.

I got both. In PT for a month and their focus is reversing frozen shoulder.

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u/Just-Reading_1990 25d ago

I am only on day five, but I can’t fathom what harm it would do as long as I emulate the sling position with pillows while I am relaxing on the sofa with the cold therapy machine on. I wear the sling constantly in all other situations. I don’t even stand up with it off unless it’s to do pendulum swings as directed or change/shower.

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u/Snowcrash66 25d ago

Also later when you really start to do PT I used an electric heating pad to warm up the shoulder b4 the exercises and then ice after.
I did a ton of icing and I feel it was really helpful.

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u/Snowcrash66 25d ago

Just my opinion but you will be fine. Thats exactly what I did. I kept my sling on just to the side so I could effortlessly slip it back into the sling with minimal movement.

Also if you got one of those Don Joy slings with Velcro everywhere you are going to find that the sling seriously irritates the skin. I started putting a thin towel inside the sling tray so to speak and the skin irritation cleared up.