Strapping, often called taping, uses non-elastic adhesive tape to provide temporary external support to a joint or soft tissue structure. This technique mechanically limits excessive or painful ranges of motion and provides a constant cue about the joint’s position. The primary goal of shoulder strapping is to reduce discomfort and enhance joint stability, allowing for more confident movement during activity or recovery by physically restricting end-range movements.
Identifying When Strapping Is Safe
Strapping should only be used for minor issues, such as mild muscle soreness or chronic, low-level instability, not for acute trauma. It is never a substitute for a professional medical assessment, especially if the injury involves immediate, intense pain or sudden loss of function. Seek emergency medical care immediately if you observe a visible deformity, hear a distinct popping sound, or experience numbness, tingling, or an inability to move the arm. These symptoms indicate a serious injury, such as a fracture or dislocation, requiring professional immobilization. For minor issues, apply the tape only if it immediately reduces pain and does not cause new or increased symptoms.
Essential Supplies and Preparation
Effective shoulder stabilization relies on using rigid athletic tape, typically a non-stretch, zinc oxide-based tape, 38mm to 50mm wide. This rigid tape provides the necessary strength to physically restrict joint movement. Because rigid tape can irritate the skin, always apply a thin layer of protective underwrap (pre-wrap) first to the skin. You will also need strong, blunt-nosed scissors or specialized tape cutters for safe application.
Proper skin preparation is crucial for secure adhesion. The skin must be clean, completely dry, and free of lotions or oils. If the area has significant hair, shaving it approximately 12 hours before application prevents painful removal and reduces irritation. In areas of high friction or sweat, a pre-taping adhesive spray can be used to further enhance the bond.
Applying the Stabilization Technique
Applying a robust stabilization technique requires a helper, as the shoulder must be held in a specific, slightly protected position. For general instability, position the arm in slight internal rotation with the hand resting on the hip or held slightly away from the body. This position gently tensions the joint capsule, allowing the tape to restrict movement into vulnerable positions like extreme external rotation or abduction. The first step is creating anchors: non-tensioned strips of underwrap or rigid tape placed circumferentially around the upper arm and across the chest and shoulder blade.
Once anchors are secured, apply the main support strips using a basket-weave or corkscrew pattern to bridge the two anchor points. These rigid support strips are applied with tension to physically limit unwanted movement, often running from the chest anchor over the shoulder and wrapping around the upper arm anchor. Strips should overlap by about half their width to ensure maximum strength and prevent skin pinching. For comprehensive support, layer multiple strips in varying directions, often forming an “X” or “fan” shape over the glenohumeral and acromioclavicular (AC) joints.
The final step involves applying non-tensioned “lock-off” strips of rigid tape over the initial anchors to secure all underlying support strips. This prevents the ends of the tensioned tape from peeling up, maintaining the strapping’s integrity during movement. When applying the anchor around the bicep, instruct the individual to tense the muscle slightly; this prevents the tape from constricting blood flow once the muscle relaxes. The completed strapping should feel secure and restrictive but never painful or excessively tight.
Monitoring and Safe Removal
Immediately after strapping, monitor the area for signs that the tape is too tight or causing a reaction. Check circulation in the arm and hand by pressing gently on a fingernail; the color should return instantly. The person should report no feelings of numbness, tingling, or excessive throbbing. If any of these signs appear, the tape must be removed immediately and reapplied with less tension.
Rigid strapping tape is designed for short-term support and should typically be worn for no more than 24 to 48 hours to minimize skin irritation. Prolonged use can lead to maceration, the softening and breakdown of the underlying skin. For safe removal, use tape-cutting scissors to gently cut the tape along a soft-tissue area, avoiding bony prominences. Alternatively, dissolve the adhesive using an oil-based solution or specialized tape remover, peeling the tape off slowly in the direction of hair growth to prevent skin damage.