
Apply a piece of tape from the base of the nipple up and over the top of the shoulder to about mid-shoulder blade level. Lay one or two more strips of tape over the first for firm support. Then, wrap two or three straps of tape around the middle of the biceps muscle.
How do I tape my shoulder?
All taping techniques require expert instruction; ask your doctor to make sure you're taping correctly. You generally need two layers of tape to stabilize your shoulder joint: a hypoallergenic tape underneath and a more rigid tape to restrict muscle movement over the top, placed in the direction determined by the injury.
How to tape shoulder subluxation in hemiplegia?
Taping for Shoulder Subluxation In a Patient with Hemiplegia Prepare the arm: - Shave area to be taped, if needed - Clean with alcohol prep wipes, then apply protective skin barrier Positioning: - Approximate arm either on arm rest or a table - Position trunk and scapula in neutral, humerus next to the patient’s trunk Taping:
How do you tape the middle part of the deltoid?
Taping of the middle part of deltoid muscle begun by attaching the first 4 cm of the strip over the acromion process with no stretch. Then, the rest of the strip was stretched downward to the deltoid tuberosity with 20–30% of tension. For taping the teres minor, the shoulder was flexed with a little internal flexion.
How do you stabilize your shoulder joints?
You generally need two layers of tape to stabilize your shoulder joint: a hypoallergenic tape underneath and a more rigid tape to restrict muscle movement over the top, placed in the direction determined by the injury.

Does KT Tape help with shoulder subluxation?
Conclusion. The results indicate that the kinesiology taping is effective in reducing the shoulder pain and subluxation and increasing muscle activity and AROM for patients with HSP after stroke.
Does KT Tape help shoulder instability?
Reported benefits include pain relief, improved circulation and lymphatic drainage, improved posture, and increased joint stability. The results of this study indicate that kinesiology tape application has no effect on shoulder stability and functional performance in healthy college-aged adults.
How do you rehab a shoulder subluxation?
Shoulder flexion (lying down)Lie on your back, holding a wand with your hands. Your palms should face down as you hold the wand. ... Keeping your elbows straight, slowly raise your arms over your head until you feel a stretch in your shoulders, upper back, and chest.Hold 15 to 30 seconds.Repeat 2 to 4 times.
How long does it take for a subluxation of the shoulder to heal?
Shoulder subluxation can take 12 to 16 weeks to fully heal. A shoulder subluxation is a partial shoulder dislocation, which happens when the ball of the upper arm bone (the humerus) comes partially out of the shoulder socket.
Why does shoulder subluxation occur?
A shoulder subluxation occurs when the humerus partially slides in and out of place quickly (Figure 2). Shoulder dislocations occur when the humerus comes all the way out of the glenoid (Figure 3). It may fall back into place after time or may need to be put back into place with medical assistance.
How do you tape a shoulder for support?
2:183:52Taping guide for Shoulder Pain - Rotator Cuff Strain - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTake that backing off and I'm just going to secure the anchor of the tape. Just off the shoulderMoreTake that backing off and I'm just going to secure the anchor of the tape. Just off the shoulder blade with no stretch at all. I'm now going to carefully go around the edges of the tape.
Can subluxation fix itself?
While complete dislocations often need to be guided back into place, subluxations (as long as the joint remains in alignment) can heal on their own with proper rest, ice, elevation, anti-inflammatory medication (RICE) and a splint or brace for added support and stability.
What does a subluxed shoulder feel like?
What Are Symptoms of Subluxation? A partial shoulder dislocation may cause pain, joint instability, arm weakness, numbness or tingling down your arm, and swelling. When the humerus moves out of place, it can damage muscles, tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels in the shoulder joint.
Can you weight bear on Subluxed shoulder?
Answer: The stroke patient should consult with a physician to make sure the shoulder is stable for weight training. If a person has moderate to good movement in the affected arm, has only a small residual subluxation from a previous stroke, and has no pain from lifting weights then it shouldn't be a problem.
Can a chiropractor fix shoulder subluxation?
A chiropractor is a great option, because they will be able to diagnose and then treat your shoulder subluxation. Chiropractic care has been proven to be effective when it comes to treating shoulder subluxations, and it is an all natural, non-invasive option without the side effects of surgery.
How can you tell if a joint is Subluxed?
You may have numbness in your limbs or difficulty bending or twisting. A subluxation can also cause burning and tingling sensations in your back. Unusual, persistent headaches can signal subluxation as well. Spinal subluxations require chiropractic adjustment to realign the vertebrae.
Is subluxation serious?
Is subluxation serious? A subluxated joint is less serious than a dislocated joint and typically easier to treat. Depending on the cause, manipulating the joint back into alignment may cause symptoms to resolve.
What does KT Tape do for shoulders?
In the shoulder, KT tape is used principally to provide stability, support, and structural alignment. By providing stability, support, and neutral alignment, KT Tape is believed to improve pain and accelerate healing.
How do you fix a loose shoulder?
The primary treatment for the loose shoulder is physical therapy with strengthening exercises. Other treatments can include cortisone injections and anti-inflammatory medications. Severe cases may require surgery.
Does strapping help shoulder dislocation?
Strapping / taping a relocated shoulder can be beneficial or may even help to prevent a dislocated shoulder, but it's not considered medically necessary, so don't expect it to be part of your standard medical care.
How long can you leave KT Tape on?
It's breathable, water-resistant and lasts on your skin for three to five days — even as you shower, ice injuries and engage in regular activities.
Research
Systematic Review on Effectiveness of shoulder taping in Hemiplegia: provides sufficient evidence to suggest taping is a beneficial method for reducing pain and shoulder subluxation among stroke subjects (Ravichandran, et. al, 2019).
Taping Methods
Various taping methods have been utilized in research studies. They are presented below, in no particular significant order.
Support Your Shoulder With Kinesiology Tape
If you have shoulder pain, you may benefit from physical therapy to help decrease your pain, improve your shoulder mobility and strength, and improve the functional use of your arm. Your physical therapist may use various treatments and modalities to help you return to your optimal function.
Apply Tape to the Front of Your Shoulder
To begin, be sure your shoulder is clean and dry. If hair is present, a buzz clipper can be used to remove it. You may also want a friend to help you apply the tape to ensure it is done properly.
Apply Kinesiology Tape to the Back of Your Shoulder
Once the "I" strip is secured to the front of your shoulder, it is time to place an "I" strip on the back of your shoulder. Here is how to do it:
What sort of tape should be used to tape my shoulder?
There are many different tapes and bandages available for use by physiotherapists and patients. However, when the purpose is to restrict undesired motion, adhesive, non-stretch (rigid) sports tape is generally the most appropriate. (For shoulder strapping 38mm is usually the most appropriate size).
Indications for Shoulder Taping
It is generally beneficial to tape a shoulder in the following instances:
Shoulder Taping Techniques
The following taping techniques may be used to provide support for the shoulder and are particularly beneficial following an AC joint sprain or for shoulder instability (often following dislocation), or, to prevent a shoulder injury.
Anchors
Begin this taping technique in good posture with the hand positioned on the hip as demonstrated (figure 2). Place a strip of tape around the upper arm keeping the biceps tense and a strip of tape from the shoulder blade to the chest (figures 1 & 2). Begin by following the black arrows and conclude by following the white arrows (figures 1& 2).
Straight Lines
Begin this taping technique in good posture with the hand positioned on the hip as demonstrated (figure 2). Start the tape at the level of the upper arm anchor at the side of the arm by following the black arrow (figure 3). Conclude this taping technique by firmly following the white arrow.
Shoulder Crosses
Begin this taping technique in good posture with the hand positioned on the hip as demonstrated (figure 2). Start the tape at the level of the upper arm anchor at the side of the arm by following the black arrows (figure 4). Conclude this taping technique by firmly following the white arrows.
Rotational Lines
For detailed information about how to apply rotational lines for additional shoulder support ‘Become a Member’.
Closed reduction
Doctors move the shoulder back into place using a procedure called closed reduction. Because this process can be painful, you may get a pain reliever beforehand. Or, you might be asleep and pain-free under general anesthetic.
Immobilization
After a closed reduction, you’ll wear a sling for a few weeks to keep the shoulder joint still. Immobilizing the joint prevents the bone from slipping out again. Keep your shoulder in the sling, and avoid stretching or moving it too much while the injury heals.
Medication
The pain from a subluxation should ease up once your doctor performs a closed reduction. If you still hurt afterward, your doctor can prescribe a pain reliever, such as hydrocodone and acetaminophen (Norco).
Surgery
You might need surgery if you have repeated episodes of subluxation. Your surgeon can fix any problems that are making your shoulder joint unstable.
Rehabilitation
Rehab can help you regain strength and movement in your shoulder after you have surgery or when your sling is removed. Your physical therapist will teach you gentle exercises to strengthen the muscles that stabilize your shoulder joint.
Potential Benefits
Shoulder taping has no definite proven clinical benefit, physical therapists George Davies and Ann Thatcher state in the textbook "Shoulder Rehabilitation: Non-Operative Treatment." Studies have showed both positive and negative results of taping shoulder joints.
Determining the Best Way to Tape
Determining the type of taping that might help your shoulder requires input from your medical practitioners. Different types of injury require different taping techniques.
Techniques
You generally need two layers of tape to stabilize your shoulder joint: a hypoallergenic tape underneath and a more rigid tape to restrict muscle movement over the top, placed in the direction determined by the injury.
Removing Tape
Remove tape after 48 hours to prevent skin damage. Cutting tape off with blunt-nosed scissors prevents injury to the skin from ripping the tape off, as well as injury to the joint from the stress of pulling on the tape. If you experience increased pain or signs of skin irritation, remove the tape immediately.

Method 1 – Huang, Et. Al
- I-type strips were used with light tension (15–25%) for the supraspinatus with the arm in adduction. The strip was crossed over the line of shoulder joint. A Y-shaped strip was then applied to the...
- The head of the second strip was applied to the radial tuberosity where the biceps is inserted. The first tail of the second strip was applied along the short head of the biceps tendon to the …
- I-type strips were used with light tension (15–25%) for the supraspinatus with the arm in adduction. The strip was crossed over the line of shoulder joint. A Y-shaped strip was then applied to the...
- The head of the second strip was applied to the radial tuberosity where the biceps is inserted. The first tail of the second strip was applied along the short head of the biceps tendon to the delto...
- The third strip was applied from the anterior to the posterior shoulder, covering the acromioclavicular joint with a 50–75% stretch.
Method 2 – Yang, Et. Al
- First, the supraspinatus was taped. The shoulder was positioned in an abduction potion at about 30 degrees with a slight flexion and internal rotation, and the humeral head was repositioned to the...
- After this, the patient’s shoulder was placed in abduction at 30 degrees. Taping of the middle part of deltoid muscle begun by attaching the first 4 cm of the strip over the acromion proces…
- First, the supraspinatus was taped. The shoulder was positioned in an abduction potion at about 30 degrees with a slight flexion and internal rotation, and the humeral head was repositioned to the...
- After this, the patient’s shoulder was placed in abduction at 30 degrees. Taping of the middle part of deltoid muscle begun by attaching the first 4 cm of the strip over the acromion process with n...
- For taping the teres minor, the shoulder was flexed with a little internal flexion. The base of the tape was placed on the inferior angle of scapular. The rest of the strip was stretched with 15–25...
- The last one tape was used to reduce the subluxation of the shoulder and was cut into Y sha…
Method 3 – Kaya, Et. Al
- We started with the supraspinatus muscle which mainly provides scapular stability and placed the base of the strip 3 cm below the greater tubersity of the humerus with no tension. Then, the patient...
- Secondly, we applied the taping to the deltoideus muscle. The base of the Y-shaped strip was placed 3 cm below the deltoid tuberosity of the humerus without tension. Both anterior and p…
- We started with the supraspinatus muscle which mainly provides scapular stability and placed the base of the strip 3 cm below the greater tubersity of the humerus with no tension. Then, the patient...
- Secondly, we applied the taping to the deltoideus muscle. The base of the Y-shaped strip was placed 3 cm below the deltoid tuberosity of the humerus without tension. Both anterior and posterior tai...
- Lastly, we performed the taping of the teres minor muscle. The I-type strip was placed on the lower facet of the greater tuberosity of the humerus with no tension. Then, the patient abducted the sh...
Method 4 – California Tri-Pull; Hayner, AJOT
- The three pieces of rigid tape were applied to the patient’s shoulder on top of the already applied self-adhesive cotton tape. 1. The first piece (medial) was applied from 1.5 in. below the deltoid tuberosity running straight up the middle of the arm to 2 in. above the top of the glenoid fossa between the clavicle and the spine of the scapula. 2. T...