What brace is used for a rotator cuff tear?

For rotator cuff tears, a shoulder abduction sling or abduction brace is typically prescribed. The Ossur Shoulder Abduction Sling holds the arm in a supported position, while the DeRoyal Warrior Wing Abduction Brace holds the arm at a specific abduction angle to reduce tension on the repaired tissue post-surgically.

What is an AC joint injury?

An AC joint injury (acromioclavicular separation) is a sprain or tear of the ligaments connecting the collarbone to the shoulder blade. Grade I-II injuries are typically treated with a sling and rest. Grade III injuries may require surgical repair followed by an abduction brace.

How long do you wear a shoulder sling after rotator cuff surgery?

Most patients wear a shoulder sling or abduction brace for 4-6 weeks after rotator cuff surgery, depending on the size of the tear and the surgeon's protocol. Always follow your surgeon's specific instructions on duration and positioning.

Does cold therapy help a shoulder tear or sprain?

Yes. Cold therapy reduces swelling, bruising, and pain in the first 48-72 hours after a shoulder injury or surgery. The eLife Shoulder Cold Therapy Compression Wrap is designed to conform to the shoulder anatomy and deliver targeted cold and compression simultaneously.

Shoulders Tear / Sprain

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Shoulder Tear & Sprain Braces — Rotator Cuff, AC Joint & Labrum

Shoulder tears and sprains are among the most debilitating orthopedic injuries — affecting everything from reaching overhead to sleeping comfortably. OrthoTape carries clinical-grade shoulder braces, abduction slings, and cold therapy wraps specifically suited for rotator cuff tears, AC joint separations, labrum injuries, and shoulder sprains. Our products come from trusted brands — Ossur, DeRoyal, and eLife.

Products in This Collection

Ossur Shoulder Abduction Sling — immobilizes the shoulder and holds the arm in a supported abducted position post-surgically or during rotator cuff healing
DeRoyal Warrior Wing Shoulder Abduction Brace — rigid abduction brace for post-surgical stabilization, external fixation, and controlled ROM recovery after rotator cuff repair or labrum surgery
eLife Shoulder Ice Pack & Cold Therapy Compression Wrap — anatomically contoured cold therapy wrap for reducing shoulder swelling, bruising, and pain after injury or surgery

Common Shoulder Injuries These Products Support

Rotator cuff tears (partial or full thickness) — supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis
AC joint separation (acromioclavicular joint sprain, Grade I–III)
Labrum tears (SLAP tears, Bankart lesions)
Shoulder dislocations requiring immobilization during healing
Shoulder sprains and soft tissue injuries
Post-surgical recovery from rotator cuff repair, labrum repair, or shoulder replacement

Sling vs. Abduction Brace — What’s the Difference?

Shoulder sling: Holds the arm close to the body in a neutral position. Used for general immobilization, fractures, and minor sprains.
Shoulder abduction brace: Holds the arm away from the body at a prescribed angle (typically 15–45°). Required post-surgically when the repaired tissue must be kept in abduction to reduce tension on the repair.

Why Cold Therapy Matters for Shoulder Injuries

Applying cold therapy within the first 48–72 hours of a shoulder injury or surgery significantly reduces swelling, bruising, and pain. The eLife Shoulder Cold Therapy Compression Wrap conforms to the shoulder’s complex anatomy and delivers simultaneous cold and compression — more effective than a loose ice pack.

Related:
Shoulder Braces & Slings — full shoulder support collection.
Cold Ice Therapy — cold therapy wraps for all body parts.
All Bracing & Support Products — knee, ankle, foot, back, elbow, wrist, and neck.

Shoulder braces are medical devices. Always follow your surgeon’s or physical therapist’s instructions on positioning, abduction angle, and duration of use. OrthoTape is an authorized dealer of Ossur, DeRoyal, and eLife products.