Shoulder instability occurs when the head of the humerus (upper arm bone) partially or completely moves out of the glenoid fossa (shoulder socket). This manifests as a subluxation (partial dislocation) or a full dislocation, often resulting from trauma or repetitive overhead movements. Taping the shoulder is a common, non-invasive technique used in sports medicine to provide temporary mechanical support. It limits excessive or high-risk movements, such as external rotation and abduction, where the joint is most vulnerable. Taping acts as a supplementary measure and is not a replacement for professional medical assessment, comprehensive rehabilitation, or definitive treatment.
Preparing the Shoulder and Necessary Supplies
Effective shoulder taping requires proper preparation to ensure maximum adhesion and minimize skin irritation. The skin must be clean and completely dry to remove sweat, oils, or lotions that compromise the tape’s bond. If dense hair is present, it should be shaved approximately 12 hours before application to prevent painful removal and ensure a secure attachment.
The essential supplies include non-elastic, rigid athletic tape, a hypoallergenic underwrap, and sharp scissors. Rigid tape provides the mechanical restraint needed to limit motion. Underwrap, or pre-wrap, is applied directly to the skin to create a protective barrier against the adhesive. Adhesive spray can enhance stickiness and longevity in high-sweat environments.
The final preparatory step involves positioning the shoulder correctly. For common anterior instability, the patient should hold their arm in a slightly forward and internally rotated position, such as placing the hand on the opposite hip. This pre-positions the joint in a stable alignment, allowing the tape to restrict movement out of this safe range when tension is applied.
Types of Tape and Their Specific Stability Goals
Achieving mechanical stability requires rigid athletic tape, which is non-elastic and physically restricts joint movement. This tape provides a strong mechanical restraint that limits the full range of motion, particularly movements like external rotation and abduction that can lead to subluxation or dislocation. Rigid tape is the primary option for locking down a vulnerable joint and providing maximal support during high-risk activities.
Elastic or kinesiology tape is highly flexible and moves with the body, mimicking the skin’s natural elasticity. While it provides sensory feedback and assists with pain modulation, it does not offer the same mechanical restriction as rigid tape. Kinesiology tape is primarily used for proprioceptive input and offering light support during rehabilitation. For limiting joint translation to prevent instability, rigid athletic tape is the necessary choice.
Step-by-Step Application Guide for Maximum Support
The application process uses rigid athletic tape to create a supportive cage around the joint. Begin by creating anchor points: strips of underwrap and rigid tape placed without tension around the upper bicep and across the chest and back of the shoulder. The bicep anchor must be applied while the muscle is flexed to prevent the tape from becoming a tourniquet when the muscle relaxes. These anchors serve as the stable base for the tension-bearing stabilizing strips.
Next, apply a series of tension strips, often called “stirrups” or “check-reins,” to physically restrict unwanted movement. For anterior instability, these strips begin on the front of the shoulder, are pulled with firm tension, and finish on the bicep anchor or the back of the shoulder. These strips are layered three to four deep, overlapping by about half to build strength. Tension is applied primarily to strips that cross the direction of instability, pulling the humerus posteriorly to prevent anterior slippage.
The final step involves locking the anchors and tension strips securely in place to prevent peeling. Additional strips of rigid tape are placed over the initial bicep and chest anchors, covering the ends of the tension strips. This ensures all stabilizing components are encapsulated, creating a cohesive, durable structure. After completion, circulation must be checked immediately by observing the color and temperature of the fingers and asking about numbness or tingling.
Important Considerations and When to Avoid Taping
Taping is a temporary measure and should not be worn for more than 24 to 48 hours to minimize the risk of skin maceration or irritation. Continuous monitoring for adverse reactions is necessary, including changes in skin color, excessive redness, or itching. If symptoms like numbness or tingling occur, the tape must be removed immediately as it may indicate compromised circulation or a skin reaction to the adhesive.
When removing the tape, use blunt-nosed scissors to cut along the skin, always lifting the tape away from the body to avoid skin shear or injury aggravation. Taping should be avoided entirely in cases of suspected bone fractures, acute full joint dislocations, or severe, undiagnosed pain. In these situations, the joint requires professional medical assessment and likely immobilization or realignment, as taping could cause further harm or mask a serious injury.