How to Tape for Shoulder Impingement

Swimmers who suffer from shoulder impingement can get relief by taping their shoulders.

A shoulder impingement is often referred to as swimmer's shoulder or thrower's shoulder because it results from pressure on your rotator cuff as your arm is lifted repeatedly. Symptoms can include pain in your shoulder, even when you're at rest, as well as swelling, bruising and tenderness. If you have a shoulder impingement, you may feel sharp pains when you move your arm. You can alleviate some of this pain by taping your shoulder area.

Things You'll Need

• Non-stretch athletic tape
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Place two strips of athletic tape, side-by-side, over the joint at the top of your shoulder. This is referred to as the anchor.

2. Bend your elbow and run another strip of tape along your upper arm. This tape will run on the outside of your arm from the top of your shoulder, beginning at the anchor to your bicep. It will then go around your bicep and come up the inside of your arm, ending back at the anchor.

3. Repeat step 2 to reinforce the taping.

Tips & Warnings

• Hold the tape taut when you are running it along your shoulder and arm.

References

• PhysioAdvisor: Shoulder Taping
• SportsInjuryClinic: Strapping and Taping

Resources

• American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Shoulder Impingement