How to tape your shoulder

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Taping is an effective method for addressing shoulder complaints. Want to learn how to do it yourself? Keep reading this page for all the details!

The deltoid muscle, located in the shoulder, plays a crucial role in providing support and shaping the outer contours of the shoulder. It facilitates arm movements in various directions, allowing you to lift and maneuver your arms freely. However, discomfort often arises in the middle part of this muscle. If you’re experiencing issues in the upper arm and shoulder joint area, applying the following taping technique can provide relaxation and pain relief.

Get started with these items to tape your shoulder

Christina peter

Christina’s advice when taping your shoulder

When taping your shoulder, it’s crucial to choose a tape that provides strong adhesion and support. That’s why I recommend CureTape kinesiology tape. For regular use, CureTape Classic or Art is ideal. However, if you’re engaging in extreme sports or swimming, opt for the extra sticky CureTape Sports variant!

Christina Peter, Sports Physiotherapist and Tape Instructor for CureTape since 2003

How to tape your shoulder

Tips for Effective Shoulder Taping:

  • Make sure you understand what’s causing the pain or discomfort
  • Check if there are any reasons why taping might not be a good idea.
  • Before you start, read the instructions carefully.
  • Choose a tape colour or print that suits your style!
  • Round of all the edges to prevent peeling.
  • Avoid stretching the tape at the beginning and end.
  • Rub the tape firmly for better adhesion; warmth helps activate the adhesive.
  • You can shower or swim with the tape on; just pat it dry gently afterward, avoiding vigorous rubbing.
  • To remove the tape easily, use body or massage oil.

Preparation for taping your shoulder

Tape

Shape: I-Tape.
Number of strips: 3.
Technique: Muscle technique (slight pull).

Measuring and cutting the tape

Step 1:

how to tape shoulder

  1. Stand in front of a mirror and measure the length of the tape strips needed from the centre of the upper arm to the head of the shoulder.
  2. Cut three I-tapes of equal length.

 

Applying the tape to your shoulder

Step 1:

how to tape shoulder

Step 2:

how to tape shoulder

Step 3:

how to tape shoulder

Step 4:

how to tape shoulder

Step 5:

how to tape shoulder

Step 6:

how to tape shoulder

  1. Start with the middle tape. Without stretching, place the base under the muscle in the middle of the upper arm. Let the arm hang down and apply the tape with a slight stretch towards the head of the shoulder. Attach the anchor to the shoulder.
  2. Lightly tape the base of the second tape without stretching next to the first tape. Stretch your arm slightly backwards and guide the tape with a slight stretch around the front of the shoulder muscle, fixing the anchor at the top of the shoulder.
  3. Finally, place the base of the third tape slightly offset next to the other two tapes. Move the arm slightly forwards and guide the tape with a slight stretch over the back of the shoulder muscle, fixing the anchor at the top of the shoulder muscle, and securing the anchor at the top of the shoulder.
  4. Rub all three tapes well to activate the adhesive layer.

If the illustrated application technique does not relieve the pain, apply the tape in exactly the opposite direction. In the case of painful shoulders, the deltoid is often not injured but simply too weak. Place the base of each of the three tapes at the level of the shoulder head and let the tapes run from top to bottom until the middle of the upper arm. Now you will clearly feel how the shoulder head is pressed towards the socket, and the arm can be lifted more easily. This tape has an activating function, in contrast to the previously described technique, which has a relaxing effect.

Learn how to tape

Want to learn how to apply tape yourself*? We have created the ultimate guide for that! This helpful guide contains:

  • 30 taping instructions for common injuries that taping can help you with
  • 176 pages of clear written instructions
  • 200 step-by-step instructions accompanied by photo’s, illustrations and scannable video’s through QR codes

What are you waiting for? Order your copy today!

*This book is intended for people who want to tape an injury or complaint themselves. If uncertain about the complaint, consult a physiotherapist.

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Who are we?
THYSOL is the manufacturer of the kinesiology tape brand CureTape. As CureTape, we have been training and supplying professionals for almost 25 years. And consumers now know how to find us too! By manufacturing all our tapes in our own factory, we can guarantee the best quality!

Disclaimer
Please note that the indicated tape applications and information on our website about the possibilities with kinesiology tape have not yet been scientifically proven. The statements and examples mentioned are based on long-term experiences of patients and trained therapists.

Contraindications not to tape: pregnancy, open wounds, broken bones, unexplained complaints, allergies and skin diseases, use of medication such as blood thinners, thrombosis and fever. Always apply tape in consultation with a specialist.