KT Tape: Rotator Cuff

The rotator cuff is the group of muscles and their tendons that act to stabilize the shoulder. These muscles are relatively small, yet are extremely important in all shoulder movements. They start at the shoulder blade and connect to the upper arm in a fashion that forms a "cuff" to provide the needed stability and mechanics of the shoulder. To further explain the vital nature of these muscles, understand that the shoulder joint is much like a golf ball sitting on a tee. This design is necessary for the wide range of motion needed from the arm, but inherently creates a relatively unstable joint. The rotator cuff muscles are the muscles responsible for countering this unstable state. Though often thought to be an injury related specifically to athletic activity, incidence of rotator cuff injury is just as high in non-athletic populations.

Rotator cuff injuries generally involve many factors. Incidences of injury increases with age and degeneration of the tendons, but younger individuals with this condition have likely overused the shoulder joint or have developed muscle imbalances or poor biomechanics. Causes include muscle tears, overuse, hyperextension or hyperflexion of the shoulder, poor throwing form, among others. The tendons at the ends of the rotator cuff muscles can become torn or inflamed and lead to pain or restricted arm movement. Torn rotator cuffs can also occur following acute trauma to the shoulder, or more commonly through the overuse of the tendons. Athletes or individuals that frequently make repeated throwing motions, swinging motions, or explosive pushing or pulling motions are especially at high risk. Swimming, racquet sports, and throwing sports are all good examples of activities with high incidents of rotator cuff problems.

Rotator cuff pain presents as pain among the muscles in the shoulder that are responsible for rotation and lifting. Pain is generally felt at the front and outside of the shoulder or in the shoulder itself. Symptoms include pain, weakness, raised shoulders, and decreased range of motion. The pain is made worse with activities requiring the arm to operate overhead or out in front of the body. Clicking, catching, or snapping are rare symptoms in rotator cuff injuries and may be indicative of other problems such as a torn labrum or fracture.

Early diagnosis and action is essential to prevent irreparable damage. KT Tape can be used during the healing process to create stability, relieve pressure, increase circulation, and relax the overworked or strained muscle. Icing after activity and rest are essential and should be combined with NSAIDs to combat inflammation and pain. After the initial healing process has completed, a strengthening rehab program should be implemented.

[randyblythe]

Following these guides for my rotator cuff. I did it for full knee support and it works like magic. I’ve been putting off both knee replacements for about 3 years now with injections every 90-100 days. Injections only work for about 30 days now so I’m supplementing with KT. One more set of injections and then knee replacements Nov-Dec 2023. Thank you so much because this is a life saver!

[Kelseynotkels]

I wish they would show how to apply this by yourself. That would be really helpful

[iLuxe]

For you non believers. This WORKS! I USE IT ON MY TENDONITIS AND MY HUSBAND ON HIS KNEE. It works!! My trainer showed me how to use it and my chiropractor loves it too. Don't knock it before you try it. My massage therapist also is a huge advocate. It lifts the muscles an derives pain.

[amineaiffa]

Love KT tape for this application. Absolutely hate that no one I know understands how to put it on me, or that I actually need another person lol.

[KTTapevideos]

Each strip is for a different function. The 25% stretch is to function as a second layer of muscle tissue over the injury which aids in the support of the injury. The 80% stretch works to lift the skin which helps reduce pain.

[rbfitness]

I would like it if KT Tape would put images of the anatomical body showing which muscles/areas it's assisting. Love learning this kind of stuff!

[SluggerJT]

It helps relieve tension in muscles, provides more space so that muscles do not get irritated if they might already be swollen as well as supports. it also helps with drainage

[ponix]

As someone waiting for a rotator cuff surgery date, that has a full tear of the supraspinatus tendon, a full SLAP tear of the labrum and a partial tear of the prominent bursal this has been extremely helpful until my surgery

[steburkhalter]

my daughter has done competition cheerleading for years and has experienced multiple injuries. her tumbling coach told her about this tape last year and we used it on her to finish out state. it was amazing. I too thought how could tape help but my daughter made it through state without coming off the mat crying and we still use today. it is not intended to heal the injury. I would recommend to any athlete who is just trying to make it through a season without being taken out and consult a doctor.

[mr.tuckers]

The tape totally makes sense. I have rotator cuff pain when my arm shifts forward in place. These dumb neoprene shoulder supports don’t do crap and it still moves freely. I will buy a pack of these pronto.

[mikeross]

Tore my rotator cuff about 2 months ago.. I’m 26 so I expected it to just heal on its own if I take it easy on it in the gym but that’s not the case.. bought this tape tonight, the pro version. Hoping it helps!

[wheretheheckarethealbans]

This was a great instructional video, and I appreciate it. However... It might be a good idea to tell everyone the, "Before you apply the tape" part, BEFORE YOU APPLY THE TAPE! LOL! That would have been a great thing to know before following your instructions right away. I had pain relief cream on my arm and had to waist the tape I had already put on to wash my arm off and redo it. Other than that, the video was a huge help. 😉♥️☮️

[michaelmcswain]

I am very impressed with this video. It makes me think a little deeper in regards to having my shoulder go through a 2nd surgery to open up this area. Two thumbs up!!

[noahmartinez]

25 here. When I was 21 I was last in line in a 4 car rear end collision. Dislocated my shoulder. Five days ago I dislocated my shoulder again and tore my rotator cuff. KT tape really does help. If your pain level is high like mine, make sure to use a sling and rest that arm.

[jamesmichael]

Thank you, very much, for sharing this.
Wishing you and yours health and wealth from Melbourne.

[KTTapevideos]

Gus,

There is plenty of research showing the effectiveness of the tape. Also I would recommend going on FB or Twitter and asking people what they think. You'll get tons of testimonials. In short, the tape lifts the skin which stimulates blood flow which helps you heal. It also provides support and stability which will help decrease pain.

[KTTapevideos]

It is a tough one to do yourself. We try to encourage every store that carries our tape to educate their employees on the product. Sorry about the misunderstanding. However, if you can get someone to help you put it on, we're confident you'll be pleased with the results.

[neelseeks]

Great video! I bought me some Kinesio tape for my rotator cuff tear (Note that my tear is less than 50% according to my physio). I am actually surprised how it reduced my pain and I am able to do few good workouts. However, the only side effect this tape has is it gets so damn itchy from time to time that you wanna rip your skin apart. Other than that great tape and great method to apply. Again, thank you so much for the video. Cheers from New Zealand!

[KTTapevideos]

This should not limit anything. Kerri Walsh used our tape to help in her recovery from rotator cuff surgery in the Olympics so you should be fine. Let us know how it goes!

[chrissummer]

I’ve been coming to your channel for a while now. Your videos really helped me when I really needed it.