How to Strap a Full Shoulder

SHOULDER_42f44a3d-f2df-4272-a04f-960d5144f0ae - SPORTTAPE

Taping Guides

How to Strap a Full Shoulder

This application uses both Kinesiology Tape and Zinc Oxide Strapping Tape for maximum efficacy. Popular in contact sports such as Rugby, this application provides postural support and muscular activation around the shoulder.

WATCH NOW

WHAT YOU'll NEED

From £2.99

£17.99

From £6.99

From £6.99

Step-By-Step Strapping Guide

STRAPPING A FULL SHOULDER

IMPORTANT: Please seek medical advice before applying K Tape. Whether you’re a seasoned taping pro or a newbie, always fully assess before applying.

STEP 1

Start by K Taping the Deltoid.
Measure the tape from the deltoid tuberosity to the acromiom, allowing a little extra for the stretch on the muscle.
Rip your backing paper to allow you to place the base of the tape down over the deltoid tuberosity aiming slightly anteriorly.
Get the patient to bring their hand behind their back, placing the shoulder in horizontal adduction and medial rotation.
Lay the rest of your K Tape strip down over the posterior deltoid towards the acromion process.

STEP 2

Return the arm to neutral and lay your second anchor down, but this time aim medially. Again be cautious that this is placed with no stretch.
Ask your patient to straighten their arm across the chest, supporting it with the other arm if needed. This places shoulder into abduction, extension and external rotation.
Lay the rest of your second I strip over the anterior deltoid towards acromion process.

STEP 3

Measure Fixation Tape and apply from anterior to posterior shoulder.
Apply Zinc Oxide Tan over the Fix Tape, pulling the shoulder back. This will secure the shoulder in place and create a postural correction.

STEP 4

Measure K Tape from front of shoulder, along the length of the supraspinatus muscle.
Prepare a Y strip by cutting your strip down the centre, leaving a small tab, and round the edges.
Internally rotate and extend shoulder once again, by placing the patient’s hand behind their back.
Lay the anchor at the front of the shoulder, and rest of the tape along the line of supraspinatus with 0% stretch.

THE STICKY STUFF

Our most popular taping FAQ's

WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ZINC OXIDE WHITE AND ZINC OXIDE TAN TAPE?

Zinc Oxide Tan is made from a rayon cloth, which provides unrivalled tensile strength. It is 3x stronger and more durable than Zinc Oxide White, which is made from an organic cotton cloth. Cotton is more lightweight, pliable and comfortable to wear. The tape you choose should be based on budget, joint size and the purpose of the taping application.

IS ZINC OXIDE TAPE WATERPROOF?

Zinc Oxide Tape is not waterproof but it is water resistant. However, unlike other tapes, our glue is laid to make sure the tape is porous, allowing the skin to breath and moisture to wick away more easily. As a result it is more suited to withstand the demands of sport. Our Zinc Oxide Tape has been used by water sports athletes with great success.

I'M ALLERGIC TO ELASTOPLAST, WILL I GET A REACTION TO TAPE?

Our glues don’t contain any colophony or rosin, which are the normal irritants for anyone with an Elastoplast allergy. However, we would recommend that anyone with an Elastoplast allergy trials a small test patch before using tape as the skin sensitivity may disagree with any kind of adhesive against it.

SHOULD I SHAVE BEFORE APPLYING TAPE?

Shaving before applying is not necessary. The level of adhesion combined with adequate pressure will hold the EAB in place.

Still need help?

Contact Us

DOWNLOAD NOW

FREE EBOOK

Take your learning off line. Written by elite sports physiotherapists. Our eBooks contain easy to follow, step-by-step instructions and advice from the best in the business.

DISCOVER MORE