Outcomes Following the Intervention of Combined Taping Management for a Patient with Shoulder Impingement Syndrome: A Case Report

Abstract

Background and Purpose: Previous studies have stated the shoulder impingement syndrome was a common problem in patients with shoulder pain. In general, rotators cuff injury and abnormal scapula kinematics were the factors to caused symptom. The pain and decreased range of motion would be complained in patients with SIS. The taping management was applied for the treatment of SIS in the recent years. The purpose of this study is to describe outcomes from the combined taping management for a patient with shoulder impingement syndrome. Methods: A 32-year-old male presented R't shoulder pain and had difficulty to perform functional activities. The pain scale was 7/10. The findings of posture observation are forward head and thoracic spine excessive kyphosis. The X-ray examination showed no special abnormal finding. The findings of shoulder movement observation are insufficient GH joint external rotation and scapula upward rotation. The range of motion of shoulder flexion and abduction are 0-155 degrees and 0-160 degrees. The special tests showed positive empty can and impingement relief tests. Treatment consisted of mobilization and strengthening exercise. In addition, the leukotape combined with elastic tape intervention was applied for each treatment. This case accepted 6 treatment visits over 3 weeks. Results: The symptom showed improvement. The pain scale decreased from 7 to 1. The range of motion of flexion increased form 0-155 degrees to 0-175 degrees. The range of motion of abduction increased form 0-160 degrees to 0-180 degrees. Conclusions: Different materials of the tapes had the different effects for body movement and symptom relief. The leukotape is appropriate for posture correction and joint movement control. The elastic tape is appropriate for providing the tension to assist muscle contraction. The combined taping management immediately decreased the symptom of shoulder impingement syndrome, included the pain scale and the range of motion. Clinical Relevance: The combined taping management could be an effective intervention for patients with shoulder impingement syndrome. The management should be suggested as a program for shoulder impingement syndrome.