The sling is one of the most inconvenient aspects of shoulder surgery, yet it is critical for healing. Attempting to drive while wearing a shoulder sling may be very hazardous. 

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You’ll need to utilize both arms actively to cope with unforeseen roadside shocks while driving. This is especially true at high speeds (on motorways and highways) when response time is critical.

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Generally, the purpose of the shoulder sling is to prevent shoulder mobility. Therefore, it is OK to remove it while at home with your arm at your side.

Therefore, it is OK to remove it when sitting at home with your arm at your side. You may remove the sling from the arm and prop it up on a cushion, simulating the posture it would be in without the sling. 

The majority of individuals seem to have amnesia after shoulder surgery in one particular area: driving. I do inform people before shoulder surgery that if a repair is performed, they will be in a sling for at least four weeks – which means they will be unable to drive. I am very aware of how challenging this is, but there is no way around it.

Since wearing a sling affects driving, I must further suggest that you postpone driving (especially at high speeds) until you no longer wear your sling and have weaned off narcotic pain medicines. 

This will last between two and six weeks, depending on the extent of your surgery and recovery regimen.

Often, individuals are unaware of the magnitude of their situation until they are stuck at home. However, most people live in the suburbs, where being unable to drive is comparable to being placed under house arrest. 

You may prepare in advance by filling your home with essential goods and enlisting the assistance of a friend or family member to take you about or setting up a vehicle.

I often hear that there are individuals who can drive with just one arm. While this is true, these individuals have customized their vehicle and steering wheel to make driving “one-armed” safer.

The basic issue is that you cannot drive if you are required to wear a sling. It is not safe, particularly if you meet any unexpected obstacles on the road. 

Prepare for this period by organizing carpools, stocking the home in preparation for surgery, and accumulating tasks that can be completed with one hand to keep you occupied.