Shoulder Brace Instructions

How to safely manage your shoulder and immobiliser brace following surgery

SHOULDER MANAGEMENT
You are required to wear the shoulder immobiliser brace for 6 weeks following surgery and not to drive a motor vehicle during this time. Healing of tendon to bone takes six weeks. Secure healing requires some controlled stresses at the bone – tendon junction. The brace is worn to prevent inadvertent injury to the repair and also to provide comfort.

You may take the brace off in safe conditions for comfort, showering and mobilisation as the repair is secure and will only be disrupted by a fall or the like. You can be confident to remove the brace as you need.

SHOULDER IMMOOBILISER MANAGEMENT
When you recover from your anaesthetic you will find your brace has been fitted. Don't completely disassemble this brace.
Removal of the brace is simple following the instructions below.

TALKING THE SHOULDER IMMOBILIZER OFF

1. Undo the Velcro on the shoulder strap (2)
2. Use the unaffected hand to pull the shoulder strap off
3. Unfasten the waist strap (3)
4. Undo the snaps on the sling to take your arm out
5. Straighten your elbow and keep your arm supported on your lap or a pillow beside you

PUTTING THE SHOULDER IMMOBILIZER ON

1. Place forearm in brace then adjust the elbow back as far as possible into the sling
2. Fasten snaps
3. Use your nonsurgical arm to place the waist strap (3) to go from the affected to the unaffected side and shoulder strap (2)
4. Place the curved hump of the pillow under your breast line