SHOULDER TAPING IN THE MANAGEMENT OF IMPINGEMENT OF THE ATHLETE

Abstract

961 Overhead athletes exhibit generalized laxity compared to non-athletic counterparts. This may predisopose some athletes to shoulder impingement because of a lack of humeral head stabilization. This, coupled with weakness of the posterior rotator cuff, promotes anterior migration of the humeral head. Shoulder taping may be effective in helping the athlete restore normal glenohumeral function. The purpose of this poster is to present the results of this treatment, including inclusion criteria and specific treatment guidelines. Seven recreational athletes (range 17-32 years) presented to physical therapy with a diagnosis of shoulder impingement. Their average length of symptoms was 7.5 months (range 1-24 weeks). Each had shoulder pain with forward flexion and a positive impingement sign, as well as a positive apprehension and relocation sign for pain in the involved shoulder. They also presented with capsular laxity in both shoulders and relative forward position of the humerus. Treatment included posture education and shoulder taping to reposition the humerus more posterior and superior. Subjective complaints of pain with forward elevation were decreased after application of the tape. Each patient was instructed on a home program and attended physical therapy for rotator cuff and scapular stabilizer exercises over an average of 11.4 visits (range 7-20 visits). No modalities were used in the treatments. Each athlete returned to full activity in a mean of 6 weeks (range 2-8 weeks) from the onset of therapy. This study provides (1) inclusion criteria for canditates which may benefit from shoulder taping: shoulder hypermobility, relative forward position of the humerus, positive apprehension and relocation for pain sign, and decreased pain with forward flexion after humeral reposition taping; and, (2) a description of management of impingement without the use of modalities.