Dr. Trent McKay: Tutorial On Using a Sling After Shoulder Surgery

Orthopaedic Shoulder Specialist, Dr. Trent McKay of Olympia Orthopaedic Associates, discusses how to properly and comfortably wear your sling after shoulder surgery as well as common mistakes made with shoulder slings. He also discusses how to minimize swelling.

[DSharp]

Thanks for posting this. Not a patient of yours, but appreciate that you would do this for the public.

[kbardh]

The people at the hospital put it on wrong and I've been in pain for the past 3 days, thanks to you I've almost got it at least it's a lot more comfortable now

[guygaudreau]

This video is the most informative and well explained that I have seen. Thank you Doctor

[AK-rvdq]

This is the surgeon that did both of my rotator cuff repairs. I'm very familiar with those slings. If you get McKay as a surgeon, you are in good hands.

[Drag]

Thank you for the excellent explanation. I have been wearing the sling for two weeks after shoulder surgery, and now I understand why it is important to wear.

[rickmohr]

Excellent advice about the sling and ice machine. I had surgery in 2019. My surgeon strongly recommended the ice machine. He told me that if i brought it with me to surgery, i would wake up with it on my shoulder, and that's exactly what happened. If i were to give advice to anyone getting shoulder surgery, it would be this...get the ice machine and use it as much as possible. It's an amazing pain killer and swelling reducer. And during your recovery, try sleeping in a reclining chair. You can still use the ice machine with the sling, or prop your arm in place with pillows. It will keep you from rolling over on to your shoulder, and you will be able to get real sleep. Everyone told me i would be in excruciating pain, but i wasn't. Now i might need surgery on my other shoulder, but because of my prior experience, I'm not even nervous or worried. I wish you well with your treatment.

[PnatashaSimmons]

Just had my rotator cuff surgery last Wednesday and I have been struggling with the sling and the ice machine, but this video has really helped. I did not experience any significant pain just difficulty trying to sleep and getting comfortably positioned to do so.

[StephenWhite]

Great video - from the perspective of someone 3 weeks in advance of rotator cuff surgery, thanks for helping with my prep!

[charlesblackburn]

EASILY SOME OF THE BEST INFO IVE GOTTEN SINCE SURGERY !!!

[fakefake]

No lie, probably one of the most informative videos I've ever seen. Thank you for speaking on this from the user's perspective. That last part where you explained the fingers thing really brought it home.
A lot of what my doctor told me conflicts with what the nurses tell me and what the little handouts say. I have surgery in 2 days and I feel way more prepared now that I've seen this.

[phylliselam]

I JUST HAD SURGERY ON FEBRUARY 19, 2024. THIS IS SO HELPFUL. 🙂

[kathyfredrick]

Dr McKay, you helped me with my left shoulder replacement. I flew back up to WA after relocating to CA. I used both of these devices following my surgery at your recommendation. I can’t thank you so much for your excellent care. I had great success. Unfortunately I was my Moms caregiver and needed to have surgery done to continue with her care since she was bedridden. My replacement surgery was a success. I stayed in Shelton for 5 weeks following surgery. After you released me I returned to CA and was able to begin doing most of Moms care.. Did not do physical therapy due to location of living in the foothills and caring for Mom was forced PT. I want to thank you for the excellent care and compassion you shared with me. I am scheduled to have my right shoulder done Dec 1, 2021 at Stanford. Unfortunately the damage done is extensive and they are only able to do a partial. I just look forward to pain relief. I thankfully have both my ice machine and sling. Again, thank you so very much for all you did to help me. Kathy L Fredrick

[glennwest]

Greetings Dr McKay!

As a retired clinical/academic health educator, I really appreciate the quality of your entire series on shoulder rehab.

I recently underwent rotator cuff repair after avulsing the biceps long head. My surgeon did a perfect job, as far as I could tell, and demonstrated a well appreciated bedside manner.

Unfortunately, the facility where he is employed offered only a barely readable, multigenerational copy of patient instructions that seemed years old which conflicted with his verbal instructions.

After a long history of sports-related knee injuries, I am aware that I tend to push myself a little to hard a little too soon. Thus, I have been anxious about the inconsistent instructions I received; at least until about 30 minutes ago when I started watching your videos.

Of course, nothing takes the place of receiving instructions face-to-face from a confident and knowledgeable clinical professional (who is also an active listener), but your excellent series certainly provides a supportive “sling” to relieve the anxious discomfort of uncertainty regarding post-surgical activity. And patients can review the materials again and again. So, thanks again!

Highest regards,
Glenn West, PhD

[davidmay]

Thank you very much for an excellent demo and teaching video of the sling. None of this was explained to me after rotator cuff surgery. They sent me home with the sling from the hospital, and that was it. I wish I had seen your video much earlier.

[alexgrinsr]

Hey YouTube hero. Alex Grinenko here. I don't know if you remember me or not but you you rotator cuff repair on both my shoulders back in 2010-2011. I am in Florida now and saw your informative videos after checking on my reverse shoulder arthroplasty. Best wishes to you and your practice. You were the best.

[jewelsparrish]

I’m currently wearing the BREG slingshot2 arm-brace post Rotator cuff repair. A reviewer mentioned that the brace is not “female friendly ”. I find the brace to be very effective, comfortable, and female friendly. Perhaps I have a newer version, I’m wearing the one with the rubber ball to squeeze and increase your circulation. I’m 5’7, weight is 130# and wear a 34D braw. The sling does not interfere with my bra or breast. In fact, it’s worn below the breast on the waist. It’s female friendly for my build, but I have a long torso. I’m also an RN and have experience with numerous braces. I highly recommend the BREG brace. I’m sure that adjustments can be made for those who feel this brace is not female friendly. Hope this helps.❤

[rsmolkin]

Where do we find this sling type that makes it easier on the neck

[allencrossland]

Thank you Dr. McKay. I had surgery December 22nd on my rt shoulder for a complete tear of my rotator cuff muscle with 5 anchors, a bicep tendon relocation plus both shoulder blade and collar bones shaved from bone spurs. It's been over three weeks now and I am dealing with the inside of my rt arm from my thumb to the inside of my elbow. It's numb and sensitive to the touch. I'm hoping that it goes away soon. It's got me worried cause I have Basal joint arthritis that hurts more than my shoulder did. My surgery for it is held off because of my shoulder therapy. I saw my P A last week and he didn't say much about the numbness? What advice can you give me? Thank you

[kevindieterich]

Heading in for shoulder surgery tomorrow morning, this video is very helpful !

[davedavis]

Thank You very much . Not sure how anyone would have negative remarks or dislike this video . Very concise !