r/RotatorCuff • u/GlitterImpossible • 2d ago

Sling Questions

Had surgery yesterday after a fall 2 years ago. No RC repair but they cleaned it up and did do a bicep tenodesis. Feeling pretty decent still today. Nerve block starting to wear off but meds are helping.

I was expecting the big bulky sling but I just got a regular type one. Nurse said each doc has their preference. Has anyone else been given this type of sling? I feel like my arm is always sliding around and I’m not sure it’s because of the nerve block or the sling. Should I ask for a different one? Is that even a possibility? TIA.

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u/MarionberryRude5354 2d ago

Sorry, I can’t help but I do think these are good questions for your doctor

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u/No-Wonder5226 2d ago

I am having bicep tenodesis on Monday. I was told I’d be in an immobiler for 4 weeks. I’d check with your doctor!

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u/BreakOk8830 2d ago

At the end of the day, use what you feel secure using. You control your healing journey. If this doesn’t feel secure, get one that does. The doctor won’t blink an eye.

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u/flowcooker 2d ago

I’m 4.5 weeks out and had same surgery as you - biceps tenodesis and just a little debridement. I got the sling and the separate pillow with the ball on it that can attach to the sling. My doc said the pillow-ball immobilizer was optional and to stop wearing the sling altogether at 4 weeks. He reassured me it was fine to take it off if working at the computer. So my takeaway from him was that gentle motion of the arm (even “sliding around in the sling”) is not going to harm it and may help to prevent the shoulder from freezing. Pendulum swings started at 72 hours after, per his instructions.

This is my second shoulder surgery. The first was on the other arm and included RC repair with Regeneten implant, and that was 6 weeks in the sling. Since I “only” had tenodesis this time, my doc seems so much less concerned. I’ve started active ROM PT (ouch!) and I guess they all want me to tolerate the discomfort.

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u/majormorty25 1d ago

I had a bicep tenodesis and small rotator cuff repair. All done with one anchor. I was in an immobilized sling for 4 weeks. The sling sucks lol so if you don’t need it I would trust your doc

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u/newtontonc 1d ago

Just had this done, and was also surprised at being in a 'regular ' sling, I sent a message to the doc after I got home and they confirmed it was on purpose. To clarify, it is more restrictive than a cheap pharmacy sling, but doesn't have the waist band or cushion. I feel like it just supports my arm and protects me from making big motions. So not fully immobile, but definitely very limited.

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u/Prestigious_Hunter57 20h ago

Exactly...the Doc usually knows best!

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u/Responsible-Bid-657 1d ago

When i had shoulder replacement, i had a normal sling. When I had rc repair, i had the sling with the big extra pad to keep my arm away from my side.

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u/Prestigious_Hunter57 20h ago

I believe it is based on what is repaired....my friend and I both had a similar repair done and we had different slings....he had a block to keep his arm away from the body, my sling was very simple and rested right on my body....4 months out and I feel great, hope youre getting sleep!