The conservative treatment of dislocations of the shoulder is a controversial matter in orthopedics, with management in a sling for anything from one to six weeks. An immobilising strap may be applied around the waist but this is not universal. The arm is kept in to the side with the forearm across the abdomen (officially internal rotation and adduction) to prevent stresses to the injured areas, avoiding arm away from the body and moving it outwards (officially external rotation and abduction).