How to Strap the Shoulder

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

Taping Guides

How to Strap the Shoulder

Follow this taping guide to learn how to strap and lift the Deltoid. Used commonly in Rugby and other contact sports, this easy strapping application video will teach you how to strap a shoulder using Zinc Oxide Tape in 90 seconds!

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WHAT YOU'll NEED

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Step-By-Step Strapping Guide

STRAPPING THE SHOULDER

STEP 1

Using Fixation Tape as your anchors. Lay a strip from mid pectoral over the AC joint to mid scapula.
If you are using the 10cm width, 1 strip should be enough.

STEP 2

Depending on the size of the shoulder, use either Zinc Oxide 3.8cm or 5cm (Tan is preferable due to the joint being large and heavy).
Apply an anchor of Zinc Oxide Tape around the mid bicep.
Be sure to have your patient tense their bicep as you apply so that it is at maximum size. This will help prevent the tape compressing the area if the muscle expands during exercise.

STEP 3

Apply your first strip from the bicep anchor, aiming up along the centre of the deltoid. Tape with enough force to lift the deltoid.
Reinforce by applying a strip slightly offset on each side, each time creating a further lift on the deltoid.

STEP 4

To offer further support around the AC Joint, add a strip from the anterior anchor over the AC joint to the posterior upper anchor.
Repeat from the posterior side, creating an X shape over the midpoint of the AC joint.
Re-apply your anchors using Zinc Oxide Tape.
Cover with Kinesiology Tape if needed to provide further water protection.

THE STICKY STUFF

Our most popular taping FAQ's

WHAT IS 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.

SHOULD I SHAVE BEFORE APPLYING TAPE?

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

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.

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