With so many options on the market, finding the best shoulder immobilizer can be tricky. Luckily, Velpeau’s arm sling shoulder immobilizer stands above the rest when it comes to support, comfort, and adjustability. Plus, it comes with a storage pocket for easy access to your keys or phone. Keep reading to learn about the other top shoulder immobilizer brands that are making their mark on the market.
Best Choice - Arm Sling Shoulder Immobilizer by Velpeau
As comfortable as it is supportive, Velpeau’s arm sling shoulder immobilizer is extremely lightweight and breathable. The Velcro won’t stick to your skin and is designed to make the brace easy to put on and take off.
Buy on AmazonSymptoms of a shoulder injury include pain, instability, and a decreased range of motion. Thankfully, a shoulder immobilizer can help. Designed to deliver support, shoulder immobilizers protect you during the healing process. Take a look at our guide to the best shoulder immobilizers, and get back to the activities you love.
Our Top Picks
Best Choice
Velpeau
Arm Sling Shoulder
Top Performance
DonJoy
Shoulder Support Sling
Can’t Count Out
Vive
Shoulder Abduction Sling
The Seven Best Shoulder Immobilizers
| Product | Brand | Latex-Free | Sizing | Suitable for Either Left or Right Shoulder | Best Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arm Sling Shoulder Immobilizer | Velpeau | Not specified | Three sizes | Suitable for either shoulder |  |
| Shoulder Support Sling | DonJoy | Not specified | Four sizes | Suitable for either shoulder | |
| Shoulder Abduction Sling | Vive | Yes | One size | Suitable for either shoulder | |
| Shoulder Brace | EVS Sports | Not specified | Five sizes | Suitable for either shoulder | |
| Shoulder Brace With Compression Support | Vive | Not specified | One size | Suitable for either shoulder | |
| Shoulder Brace for Women and Men | FIGHTECH | Not specified | Two sizes | Suitable for either shoulder | |
| Support Shoulder Brace | Flex-Health | Not specified | Three size | Not specified | |
Best Choice: Arm Sling Shoulder Immobilizer by Velpeau
Buy on AmazonThis sponge shoulder immobilizer sling is ultra-soft and lightweight to keep you comfortable during recovery—you can even wear it while sleeping. Strapped on with skin-friendly Velcro, it is adjustable and comes with a removable chest belt. You won’t have to worry about your shoulder when wearing our top choice for the best shoulder immobilizer.
Main Features
- Lightweight and breathable
- Widened sponge straps
- Three size choices
- Accessory pocket
Pros:
- Thumb hook
- Comfortable while sleeping
- Adjustable straps
- 12 month guarantee
Cons:
- Hand wash only
Top Performance: Shoulder Support Sling by DonJoy
Available in four sizes, this DonJoy shoulder immobilizer features a contoured cushion to minimize pressure on the ulnar nerve. Plus, it comes with adjustable padded straps and a three-point strapping system for even weight distribution. The product’s breathable lining has been designed to keep you cool and dry as you go on about your day.
Main Features
- Contoured cushion
- Adjustable padded straps
- 3-point strapping system
- Breathable inner lining
- Can be worn on either arm
Pros:
- Delivers 15-degrees of abduction
- Comes in four sizes
- Takes pressure off the neck
- Customized fit
Cons:
- Higher price point
- Sizes run large
Can’t Count Out: Shoulder Abduction Sling by Vive
Made from a breathable mesh material, this latex-free shoulder immobilizer sling comes with a removable foam pillow for 15 degrees of abduction. It also features an adjustable waist and shoulder straps, a built-in thumb loop, and two interior pockets for storing personal belongings. This product is backed by a 60-day unconditional guarantee.
Main Features
- Removable foam pillow
- Breathable mesh material
- Adjustable straps
- 2 integrated pockets
- Built-in thumb loop
Pros:
- Non-stretch
- Contoured to fit the body
- Suitable for either arm
- Includes a foam exercise ball
Cons:
- May not fit all arms
- The waist strap is not removable
The Other Shoulder Immobilizers We Reviewed
Shoulder Brace by EVS Sports
Available in five sizes, this immobilizer contours the shoulder to deliver both support and compression. Plus, it is made from breathable air mesh with TPR gripper pull-tabs, making it easy to put on and take off.
This brace features an X-strap system to keep it securely in place. Those with sensitive skin will be pleased to know that the adjustable arm closure design minimizes the risk of underarm chafing. Unfortunately, this product’s sizing chart runs small.
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Shoulder Brace With Compression Support by Vive
Constructed from a breathable neoprene blend, this shoulder immobilizer brace has a reversible design, making it suitable for either shoulder and can be worn either under or over clothes. It can be adjusted with the built-in strap and retains therapeutic warmth to soothe sore muscles. On the downside, this one-size-fits-most brace is not the best option for small individuals.
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Shoulder Brace for Women and Men by FIGHTECH
Ideal for alleviating the discomfort of rotator cuff tears, labrum tears, and bursitis, this shoulder immobilizer contours to the shape of the body to provide support and compression. Plus, it is made from neoprene, comes with a pocket for hot or cold therapy, and can be adjusted for a personalized fit. While this product comes in two sizes, some users have complained that it was either too small or too large.
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Support Shoulder Brace by Flex-Health
Available in small, medium, and large, this neoprene shoulder immobilizer brace is made from hypoallergenic neoprene to minimize the risk of skin irritations. It also comes with adjustable straps, double-stitching, and a pocket for hot or cold therapy. Unfortunately, some reviewers have reported that despite following the sizing chart, this brace did not fit them.
Buy on AmazonHow to Wear a Shoulder Immobilizer
A shoulder immobilizer alleviates pain and accelerates healing after an injury or surgery by restricting your range of motion and delivering compression. However, in order to be effective, it needs to be worn correctly. Here are a few helpful tips.
Sizing
Many shoulder immobilizers come in a variety of sizes. It is important that you use the product’s sizing chart when selecting your size. A shoulder brace that is too large will not offer adequate support while a shoulder brace that is too small will be uncomfortable and may even cut off your blood circulation.
Under or Over Clothing
While most shoulder immobilizers are made from a breathable material, it is recommended that they are worn over clothing—loose shirts are ideal. This is because wearing a shoulder brace directly on the skin may cause irritation. If your shoulder brace comes with a pocket for an ice pack, always ensure that there is an adequate barrier between the ice pack and your skin.
Ease of Use
Not all shoulder braces are created equal. Most shoulder immobilizer slings are easier to put on than shoulder immobilizer braces. Nevertheless, if you are suffering from a shoulder injury, putting a shoulder immobilizer on or taking it off can be tricky. If you don’t have someone to help with your shoulder brace, make sure that you opt for one that is simple to put on and take off.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Shoulder Immobilizer
What Conditions Should I Wear a Shoulder Immobilizer for?
A shoulder immobilizer can speed up healing and alleviate the discomfort of the following conditions: shoulder fracture, tendonitis, shoulder dislocation, shoulder sprain or strain, rotator cuff injury, AC joint injury, frozen shoulder syndrome, and bursitis. Shoulder braces can also be worn after a surgery or a stroke.
Is it OK if my Arm Hangs Low in a Shoulder Immobilizer Sling?
An arm that hangs too low in a sling can actually place pressure on your shoulder. As such, when wearing your sling, make sure that your elbow is at a 90-degree angle and sits snugly against your body.
How Long Should I Wear a Shoulder Immobilizer After Dislocation?
Most patients are required to wear a shoulder immobilizer sling for at least a few days after the doctor pops their arm bone back into the shoulder socket. However, some individuals may be required to wear a sling on and off for up to six weeks after an injury. Be sure to consult your doctor, if you have any questions.
Weighing All the Factors
After a thorough side-by-side analysis, our title of the best shoulder immobilizer goes to Velpeau’s arm sling shoulder immobilizer. It is the best way to get shoulder support without compromising on comfort. DonJoy’s shoulder support sling and Vive’s shoulder abduction sling also offer a unique combination of features that makes them stand out from the pack.
Best Choice - Arm Sling Shoulder Immobilizer by Velpeau
As comfortable as it is supportive, Velpeau’s arm sling shoulder immobilizer is extremely lightweight and breathable. The Velcro won’t stick to your skin and is designed to make the brace easy to put on and take off.
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