does it need a sling?

[crisgal]

my 7 year old hurt his shoulder at school today. I took him to the drop in centre and he was checked over (as he also bumped his head for the second time in three days!).
Dr says he's not broken anything but it is sore and to avoid further damage she has put him in a sling in order to rest it.
I just wondered if it's really doing any good. He keeps popping his hand out and using it, so do you think it's worth wearing the sling really?
What 'further damage' would she have meant?

[RATTER15]

Yes it should stay in a sling, if he has damaged anything it will not get the chance to heal if he doesn't rest it.

However, if it was me I would have chucked the sling by now :-)

[woofgang]

Slings for that kind of injury tend to be to remind other folk not to bump, pull or otherwise jostle the poorly arm and to comfort the user. It will also take the weight off the shoulder and rest the muscles and ligaments. Its better for the arm than having it dangling when he's not using it (and he shouldn't be playing Tarzan etcetera lol) but gentle use and movement will stop the shoulder stiffening up, so IMO your laddie is doing it all right!!!

[woofgang]

PS in bed he might be more comfortable resting the arm on a thin pillow or folded towel while he drops off tp sleep.

[crisgal]

thanks guys.
just read your other post, ratter, good luck for tomorrow x x x

[crisgal]

BTW he calls it a 'slink'!

[woofgang]

lol

[Sqad]

First rule as a doctor..........never let the patient go away without anything....tablets, injection......ANYTHING......even a sling.
Otherwise they will think that they have been "short changed"

The sling?............sling it.