30 SECONDS OF THERAPY: PRECISION SHOULDER TAPING

Mar 10

3 min read

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START:

1. Taping:

a. Rotator Cuff Pathology:

i. Position Shoulder: Shoulder Abduction, Slight Internal Rotation

ii. Apply: YStrip From Base at deltoid tuberosity no tension. 2 tails along the supraspinatus muscle to the superior border of the scapula. With 25 o 50% Tension.

1 Horizontal Strip across Supraspinatus muscle belly.

A muscular man with Rotator cuff taping on his shoulder, featuring blue and yellow kinesiology tape applied in a structured pattern to support the shoulder joint and relieve pain.

b. Shoulder Instability

i. Position: Neutral or slight external rotation.

ii. Apply: I-Strip From coracoid process over anterior deltoid to proximal humerus (25- 50% tension). Y-Strip: From deltoid tuberosity to anterior and posterior deltoid, ending at acromion (25-50% tension). Horizontal Strip: Across glenohumeral joints (25-50% tension).

A muscular man with shoulder Instability taping applied to his upper arm and shoulder, featuring a pink and blue tape strip positioned to provide support and stability for shoulder function.

c. Impingement Syndrome

i. Position: Shoulder in slight abduction and external rotation.

ii. Apply: Y-Strip: From deltoid tuberosity, with tails running along the supraspinatus muscle to the superior border of the scapula (25-50% tension), I-Strip: From acromion process down over the deltoid muscle (25-50% tension) and Decompression Strip: Horizontally across the subacromial space for pain relief (light tension).

A fit young man seen from behind with impingement tape applied to his shoulder, designed to provide support and relieve pain from shoulder injuries.

STOP:

1.Skipping Skin Prep

i. Always check for allergies, Ask, Test (Small patch 15 min, forearm), and Prevent (If irritated.

ii.use hypoallergenic underlayer or skin protectant spray).

iii. Clean and dry the skin (Clean with soap or alcohol wipes, dry skin) Trim excess dense hair, but don’t shave right before taping (prevents skin irritation).

2. Applying Wrong Tension

i. Anchor strips? No stretch.

ii. Support strips? 25-50% stretch.

iii. Decompression strips? Moderate stretch over the pain area.

3. Ripping Off Tape

i. Use oil or adhesive remover—let it sit for a minute.

ii. Peel slowly in the direction of hair growth while supporting the skin.

iii. Teach patients proper removal to avoid irritation or tape burn.

WHY:

1. Facilitates Motor Control and Muscle Activation.

Cues specific muscles for better engagement, aiding in postural correction and movement efficiency; beneficial for conditions like scapular dyskinesis and rotator cuff weakness.

2. Reduces Pain and Enhances Function.

Decompression taping alleviates pressure on inflamed structures, reducing pain and improving joint mobility; useful for AC joint dysfunction and chronic shoulder pain syndromes.

References: 1. Gulick, D. (2009). Ortho Notes: Clinical Examination Pocket Guide (2nd Edition).

F.A. Davis Company. Philadelphia.