KT Tape: Rotator Cuff Taping | Shoulder Pain Relief & Support

Learn how to use KT Tape for pain relief and support with our easy to follow, step-by-step instructions. In this video, we cover the basics of KT Tape application to help relieve pain associated with the 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, incidents of rotator cuff injury is just as high in non-athletic populations.

COMMON CAUSES OF ROTATOR CUFF PAIN
Rotator cuff injuries generally involve many factors. Incidents of injury increase 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.

SYMPTOMS OF ROTATOR CUFF PAIN
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.

HOW KT TAPE CAN HELP ROTATOR CUFF PAIN
KT Tape can be used during the healing process to provide support, reduce pain, and reduce swelling for many injuries*. 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.


*Not clinically proven for all injuries.

00:00 Intro/What Is Needed & Position
00:06 Prepare Kinesiology Tape
00:12 Apply KT Tape to Front of Shoulder
00:35 Apply Second Strip of Sport Tape with New Shoulder Position
00:58 Final Step/Get Back to Your Routine 🏊‍♀️

Thanks for watching KT Tape: Rotator Cuff Taping | Shoulder Pain Relief & Support #painrelief #rotatorcuff #shoulderpain

[larrym]

This stuff works! Staving off a reverse shoulder replacement and this is a great alternative to pain killers, and allows me to get by and continue to lead an active lifestyle which includes playing hockey, kayaking and SUP boarding regularly. Pretty amazing actually!

The only drawback is that you really do need help to get it applied properly for a rotator cuff.

[MikeLoweryl]

I think i injured my other rotator cuff trying to tape my rotator cuff..😮‍💨😅😂. Would be nice if you made a how to video for people who have no one to help put on the tape..😒.

[gargoyleb]

Is this in my head or in the muscles? I don't know. All I can say is that my wife used this stuff a few years ago and swore by it. After and injury, she had to move on to more invasive means of pain control. But, I found a roll of this stuff about a week ago and came to this video. Since I don't believe in poking fun at something I haven't actually done before, I thought Why Not? Again, if it's in my head or the muscle I don't k now, but my shoulder has NOT hurt for two days now. SOMETHING is working!

[ixelhaine]

This would be a lot more helpful if it showed how to apply the tape yourself instead of having someone else do it. Do you have self application videos?

[judiebb]

I swear by this tape. I use it on my knee, ankle and neck, shoulder. I am pretty good with my left hand so can tape my right shoulder

[beardedelephant]

I always wondered how these things worked

[msautin]

Too bad there’s no front view of the model when applying the first anchor.

[johnathanwarriner]

We have the rolls of tape, how long would i need to cut?

[joejustjoe]

How in the heck would you apply that on your own?

[ethanjames]

What if my shoulder is soar and painful to position my arm high enough

[sbbudj]

I don't understand how putting a strip of tape on your skin helps anything? I was in a car accident years back, and my knees are really sore. My girlfriend is telling me to try this stuff...

[IDMENTAL]

tnx! so useful channel, in real life! )

[dajaneubanks]

Do you follow the same procedure if you are trying to relieve pain from reverse shoulder surgery?

[grobin]

Not all tape methods work for your specific need.. Will this k tape method eliminate pain for overhead shoulder presses and also for butterfly chest workout?

[danski]

Only issue is trying this by yourself. You basically tweek your opposite rotater

[larrysims]

What are you talking about scam? Very simple explanations on how to use the K Tape these are physical therapy people folks they know what they're doing where did you get the idea of a scam. I'm an MRI tech after getting my shoulder done I have my son's girlfriend applying it on my shoulder because nobody else is around it's impossible to put the right tension on the tape to support your own by yourself simple

[ragincajun]

I wish yall would use someone with muscles for these videos so we could see where to properly apply them in relation to bone, tissue, muscle structure. With these tiny women I can't tell where the deltoid begins and ends.