How to Properly Wear a Shoulder Immobilizer: Step-by-Step Donning & Doffing Guide

katie64297
Nov 17
3 min read

When you’re recovering from a shoulder injury or surgery, your shoulder immobilizer becomes an essential part of the healing process. It’s designed to support your arm, reduce strain on the shoulder joint, and help protect delicate tissues while they recover.

But for many patients, the biggest challenge isn’t the brace itself—it’s figuring out how to put it on and off safely and comfortably. That’s why we created a simple, easy-to-follow video demonstrating how to don (put on) and doff (take off) your shoulder immobilizer, whether you’re doing it independently or with the help of a caregiver.

Below is a detailed guide to walk you through both methods.

What a Shoulder Immobilizer Does

A shoulder immobilizer helps to:

Stabilize the shoulder joint
Minimize unwanted movement
Reduce discomfort
Promote proper healing after injury or surgery

It typically includes a sling, waist strap, and sometimes additional stabilizing components. Correct placement is key to keeping the shoulder in the right position.

Donning the Shoulder Immobilizer (Putting It On)

If You Are Putting It On Yourself

Start Seated and Supported or utilize a countertop or back of the couch to help support you Sit in a stable chair with your arm relaxed at your side.
Prepare the Sling Open the sling fully and position it on your lap so the elbow pocket is at the back.
Slide Your Arm In Gently guide your injured arm into the sling, making sure your elbow fits snugly into the corner.
Secure the Shoulder Strap Bring the shoulder strap over your opposite shoulder, then attach the Velcro to the front of the sling. Tip: The strap should support the weight of your arm without digging into your neck. If it is digging into your neck, there is an offloader strap that can be attached to the brace to redistribute some of that weight.
Attach the Waist Strap Wrap the waist (or body) strap around your torso and secure it. This prevents the arm from drifting away from your body.
Adjust for Comfort Your arm should be supported at a 90-degree angle, close to your body, without pulling your shoulder forward. We want the shoulder and elbow to be in a parallel line.

If Someone Is Helping You

Position the Sling First The helper should open the sling and support your injured arm while guiding it into the elbow pocket.
Apply the Shoulder Strap The strap should go over the opposite shoulder and attach firmly in front of the sling.
Secure the Waist Strap Wrap the strap around your waist and fasten it to the sling. Ensure it’s snug but not restrictive.
Final Check The helper should make sure your arm is level, supported, and your shoulder isn’t rounded forward (Make sure the elbow and shoulder are in a parallel line)

Doffing the Shoulder Immobilizer (Taking It Off)

If You Are Doing It Yourself

Sit Down First or utilize a countertop or back of the couch
Remove the Waist Strap Undo the waist strap and let it hang.
Release the Shoulder Strap Carefully detach the strap and lower your arm out of the sling.
Support Your Arm Keep your injured arm close to your body as you remove it to avoid strain.

If Someone Is Helping You

Support the Arm The helper should support your injured arm to prevent it from hanging or pulling forward.
Remove the Straps in Order First release the waist strap, then the shoulder strap.
Gently Slide the Sling Away The arm should be guided into a comfortable, neutral position as the sling comes off.

Tips for Comfort & Better Healing

Keep the sling clean; spot clean as needed-cold water, mild soap, and let air dry.
Avoid over-tightening straps.
Check skin under the straps daily for irritation.
Follow your provider’s specific instructions—your immobilizer setup may vary after surgery vs. injury.
Do not wear the brace while showering-allow your arm to hang heavy at your side and get some extension back in your elbow.

Watch the Full Demonstration Video

To make everything even easier, we recorded a step-by-step demo showing both assisted and independent donning/doffing of a shoulder immobilizer.👉 Watch the video above and follow along at your own pace.