Shoulder taping is widely used by physical therapists, athletic and personal trainers, and sports medicine physicians as an aid for prevention and treatment of shoulder pathology and dysfunction, particularly shoulder impingement. Primary impingement results from the rotator cuff impinging against the undersurface of the acromion, coracoacromial ligament, and the acromioclavicular joint, leading to pain and inflammation. The majority of shoulder impingement syndrome is primarily managed non-operatively with rest, activity modification, physical therapy, and/or injections. Rehabilitation focuses on restoration of glenohumeral kinematics and muscle activity patterns through multiple therapeutic techniques and modalities, including kinesiotaping.

Kinesiotaping was initially described in the 1990s by Dr. Kenso Kase, with the theoretical purpose of supporting injured muscles and joints by lifting the skin and allowing improved blood and lymph flow. Kinesiotaping, also referred to as tension taping, is an elastic therapeutic tape that claims to stretch to 120-140% of its original length, then recoils to its initial length after application, exerting a pulling force to the skin. Proposed benefits include the facilitation of joint and muscle realignment, improved circulation, decreased pain and increased proprioception. Tape is typically applied in three-day intervals. Taping has been used as both an isolated treatment, and as an adjunct to traditional physical therapy to manage pain and increase function in various musculoskeletal injuries.

The benefits of taping for shoulder impingement are unclear, and recent evidence regarding its efficacy has been conflicting, although taping remains wide-spread in clinical practice by patients, athletic trainers, physical therapists, and medical professionals.

Courtsey: https://orthojournalhms.org/19/article18_23.html