The mechanical and neuromuscular advantages of taping continue to be in question, and you should see an orthopedic specialist or physical therapist before using tape to assess if taping would be helpful for your condition. 2015;10(4):420-433. Release Neck & Shoulder Knots With Kinesiology Tape. Cervical radiculopathy is the official term used to describe a pinched nerve in the shoulder. Anchor the tape around the anterior humerus without tension. Be sure to review the various types of strips to learn how to properly cut the lift strip. Weve even found that some bath soaps have moisturizers in them that leave a residue behind, so if you want to play it safe just clean the skin with rubbing alcohol before applying. Remove the backing on either side of the lift strip and place the ends on your skin with no stretch applied. The tape provides support and relief from pain, while also allowing the affected area to heal. With the vast number of causes of pain around the spine, its nearly impossible to correctly identify exactly what is happening without a professional medical diagnosis. She is based in northern Virginia. Regardless of the source of shoulder problem, this application can greatly reduce the pain and improve biomechanics*. xf as xq . Pinched Nerve In Shoulder. Pinched Nerve In Shoulder: Symptoms, Causes, And Effective Treatments www.healthyandnaturalworld.com. It can help to improve muscular contractions, decrease swelling, and inhibit pain in injured tissues. An observational study on pain management. Rub the tape to activate the adhesivePRODUCTS USED:**KINESIOLOGY TAPE**Rock Tape: BEIGE original - Standard sizehttps://amzn.to/2M64mYbRock Tape: BEIGE H2O extra sticky - Standard sizehttps://amzn.to/3nNHxq3Rock Tape: BLUE H2O extra sticky - Standard sizehttps://amzn.to/3rpWuksRock Tape: BEIGE original - Bulk sizehttps://amzn.to/38wQiOX**SCISSORS**Kinesio Tape Pro Scissorshttps://amzn.to/3rrwzZyDr. You should notice an immediate change in the way you move and have a more pain-free shoulder range of motion when the tape is applied correctly. Using Kinesiology Tape to Decrease Trigger Points Cut a 12-inch (30 cm) and 14-inch (35 cm) strip.3. Generally, individuals will feel immediate support and pain relief upon taping*. This happens when a nerve in the neck has been irritated or is compressed where it moves away from the spinal cord. Start by cutting a strip of kinesiology tape that will go from the top of the shoulder (mid collar bone) to the lower shoulder blade. Myofascial pain causes tight and tender areas of muscle that are sensitive to pressure. Free P&P . Infected bursitis can lead to more serious complications. My passion and specialization are in the evaluation and treatment of cervical disc, facet, ligament and nerve pain, including the non-surgical treatment of Craniocervical instability (CCI). It is thought to improve the neural circuitry in muscles, tendons, joints, and skin as a result of its effects. Once the tape is in place, it will provide support and relief from pain for up to 72 hours. Generally, individuals will feel immediate support and pain relief upon taping*. (Blue) Sports & Kinesiology Tape (16.5ft Uncut Roll) - Latex Free, Water Resistant, Uncut Kinesiology Tape for Knee, Elbow, Ankle, Back & Shoulder Muscle. In a seated position, reach your arm behind your back to stretch the front muscles of your shoulder. Hong Kong Physiother J. Assume an upright posture with the shoulders pulled back and the neck relaxed. Sciatica Vs Si Joint Pain: Whats The Difference. Kinesiology taping is a simple procedure, wherein the Kinesio tape is applied to the strained muscle area for relief. Cubital Tunnel Syndrome. Yoga Postures . KT Tape for Tennis Elbow, learn how to properly apply kinesio tape. J Phys Ther Sci. These resources can help you find the proper technique for your needs and get the best benefit possible from using kinesiology tape for pain relief and support. zj ek. backing, kt tape instructions on the joint pain relief to place a day long enough to the round the length of requests from a pilot study. Normally, a bursa acts as a lubricant between the skin, tendons, ligaments, and bones, allowing them to slide over each other smoothly. Use this application to create a gentle reminder to keep good posture and relax the shoulder muscles to bring the shoulders down into a healthier position. . $20.99 Shop KT Tape Pro < Back to Videos View Instructions as PDF > KT Tape: Shoulder Stability The shoulder is an inherently unstable joint, yet very important for almost all of life's activities. The muscles make up thepart of your shoulder where your neck and shoulder meet. This condition stems from something pressing against a nerve in the neck. For a single porta press, the same amount of pressure was applied to a parallel spot on the front of the thighs while the patient lay on the ground. Yes. If you have diabetes, an open wound, DVT, Active Cancer, or any other infection on your body, you should avoid Kinesio. The physicians at Centeno-Schultz who are board-certified and fellowship-trained are experts in the treatment of shoulder pain. Here are the two main focus areas no matter what the specific technique. Try not to place tape directly over the edges of the bone. When this nerve becomes compressed or irritated, it can cause severe pain that can make it difficult to stand, sit, or even walk. Make sure the skin is clean and dry, free from lotions/oils (suntan lotion, skin conditioner, topical treatments, etc). If youre looking for relief from your pain, using Kinesiology tape may be an option for you. DISCLAIMER: This video and description contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase from one of the product links, Sport \u0026 Spinal Rehab receives a small commission with no additional charge to you.#DrBrandonNevel #DrGingerNinja #KTtape #JupiterChiropractor #JupiterFLchiropractor Your specific condition should drive KT tape placement. Kinesiology tape can be used to help lift the skin away from underlying tissues, which can help increase circulation and release muscular spasm. With forward and raised shoulders the joint is put under pressure and doesnt have much of a chance to heal. vj. Kinesiology tape canbe used to help lift the skin away from underlying tissues, which can help increase circulation and release muscular spasm. 6.75 + 4.99 P&P . By Brett Sears, PT The colors are identical in every way, regardless of their physical or chemical properties. The tape is made of a stretchy material that allows it to be applied to the skin in a specific way that helps to support the muscles and joints. nv zk jf qz vd av hp ar dt. This will promote better overall alignment of the shoulder blade (and joint) itself, especially in combination with the technique above. [9]. Immediate effect of Kinesio taping on shoulder muscle strength and range of motion in healthy individuals: A randomised trial. Our clinical outcomes are available for review here. This taping technique provides significantly more support because there is no stretch in the tape. And sciatica pain and burning pain at your skin. Its severity might range from mild to debilitating. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 20, 153 (2019). Taping is a technique that can be done with five primary goals in mind for shoulder impingement: Taping can be a great adjunct for treating shoulder impingement. Myofascial pain in the neck can develop after trauma or with other medical conditions such as psychological stress, depression, or insomnia. Here are the 15 best ways to relieve pain from a pinched nerve in your shoulder without the need for invasive surgeries: Apply ice and heat packs. As stated in the Gate Control Theory of Pain, this method provides immediate pain relief. It helps you lift and lower your shoulder . The application of Kinesiology tape is made up of a variety of steps, depending on the purpose of the tape. There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of how to use kinesiology tape for lower back pain, as the best way to use the tape will vary depending on the individuals specific condition. Dr. Kenso Kase developed the tape in the 1970s. et al. The thickening of the stomach wall could be an inflammation or some other occurrence. 8.85 + 11.46 P&P . Modifying your sleeping posture may also be advised, but it will depend on the exact nerve in question. KT Tape is designed to be water-resistant and should not come loose when it meets ice or water. Tips & Tricks: How to Apply and Care for KT Tape in Wet Conditions., Barroso, Mark. There are many proposed treatments for releasing trigger points in your upper trapezius and levator scapula muscles. The earliest appointment for your doctor is in 3 weeks. Stress, compensation from past injury, or inflammation due to poor biomechanics is often the cause of continued general shoulder pain. Acupuncture, a type of acupuncture, is used to treat acute sciatica and low back pain [26], 27]. Stretching your neck muscles can also help to relieve the tension and knots in your neck. Patients lay prone while the sciatic nerve on the back of their thighs was pressed with 11 to 20 kg of pressure with each fist during the sciatica nerve press. Phys Sportsmed. In a seated position, externally rotate the humerus and retract the shoulder. Rotator Cuff and Subacromial Bursitis [4], Rotator Cuff, Impingement Syndromes, Tendonitis, and Bursitis [5], 5 Conditions When You Should Not Use KT Tape. Does KT Tape really work? Desjardins-Charbonneau A, Roy JS, Dionne CE, Desmeules F. THE EFFICACY OF TAPING FOR ROTATOR CUFF TENDINOPATHY: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS. Sports Tape - 5m Roll | Physio & Sports Injury Muscle Tape . Stress is stored in these muscles and can cause headaches, shoulder pain, and other damaging compensations. Vinyasa Yoga. Place the strips starting just 1 centimeter (0.4 in) below the hairline. In dental patients, there was excellent pain relief for dental caries and periodontal diseases, but poor pain relief for dental trauma. A 5% reduction in immediate pain was observed during the placebo press, versus a 14% reduction during the exercise. Verywell Health articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and healthcare professionals. This complicates matters. To determine the effects of chronic pain conditions such as back pain, neck pain, and arthritis on participants, a population of participants with these conditions was studied. Generally, the pain can be categorized into two conditions: muscle strain or myofascial strain. Kinesio Tape will help relieve lower back pain and pressure, provide proprioceptive support, and increase circulation, all while increasing the bodys ability to heal. An evaluation of the effectiveness of kinesiology taping for the treatment of musculoskeletal injury in the treatment of nonspecific chronic low back pain, as well as its effect on pain, disability, and the role of the lower back proprioception. First, it would be difficult to reuse the tape once its removed because it will lose its adhesive properties. Yes, depending on the type and quality of kinesiology tape, it can be worn anywhere from one to seven days [3] and is designed to withstand the wear and tear of athletic activity. Causes The lift strip should be about 3 to 4 inches long. To see one of my ultrasound-guided shoulder injections please click on the link below. Privacy Policy. For additional resources, please visit the KT Tape Forum. A systematic review of the effectiveness of kinesio taping for musculoskeletal injury, The clinical efficacy of kinesio tape for shoulder pain: a randomized, double-blinded, clinical trial, A study of reproducibility of kinesiology tape applications: review, reliability and validity, Kinesio Taping in Treatment and Prevention of Sports Injuries, THE EFFICACY OF TAPING FOR ROTATOR CUFF TENDINOPATHY: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS, Immediate effect of Kinesio taping on shoulder muscle strength and range of motion in healthy individuals, Rotator Cuff Tear Relief Without Surgery: A How-To Guide, When Not to have Rotator Cuff Surgery? Cut a second strip of tape measuring from the top of shoulder to the lower trapezius and round the ends. Thermal ultrasound decreases tissue stiffness of trigger points in upper trapezius muscles. You could also use a hairdryer on the lowest setting, but you should be careful not to use a high heat setting as it could activate the adhesive and make it more difficult to remove. 2012;40(4):33-40. doi:10.3810/psm.2012.11.1986, 2.Thelen MD, Dauber JA, Stoneman PD. Kinesio tape is preferred in most cases for comfort and functionality. https://doi.org/10.2165/11594960-000000000-00000. Minimize use of the neck and promoting better shoulder blade mechanics. It comes in multiple bright colors and is commonly seen on the arms, legs, and wrists of athletes during events and training. There are three types of shoulder bursitis: chronic, infected, and traumatic. te. Other helpful treatments include massage, muscle release therapy, muscle balancing through assessment and training, as well as a conscious effort to maintain good posture. What Are Trigger Points and How Can PT Help? KT tape is easy to apply and can be worn for several days at a time. The sciatic nerve press provided immediate pain relief of 66.4%, as opposed to 20% of relief with placebo. Discs can herniate and swell, slip away from their correct positioning between the bony vertebrae, or rupture. Causes of bicep pain may include tears and strains to the muscle or nerve, ligament, or tendon damage. Kinesio taping for shoulder impingement is a simple way to enhance and potentially speed up the recovery process. Identify the underlying cause of the shoulder pain or restriction. It was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in which 66 patients were randomized to receive either lithium silicate or placebo. During the pressure period, more patients demonstrated longer relief periods with more than 30 minutes of continuous pressure. Use this application in combination with other more specific shoulder applications for the best effect. Regrettably, these claims are not supported by medical studies. Disc pain can be caused by any number of conditions that affect the vital components of the spine. [6], No, the color of the KT Tape does not matter; there are no physical or chemical differences between the colors. 8. At the Centeno-Schultz Clinic, we are experts in the evaluation and treatment of shoulder injuries. Each of the three techniques below has its own advantages and drawbacks, and will target a different shoulder injury or condition. Shoulder pain is a common musculoskeletal complaint. Use this application to create a gentle reminder to keep good posture and relax the shoulder muscles to bring the shoulders down into a healthier position. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD004258. This class of tape was invented about 50 years ago by Dr. Kenzo Kase, a Japanese chiropractor who wanted to mimic a practitioner's hands while the patient is away from the clinic. However, some general tips on how to apply kinesiology tape for lower back pain relief include placing the tape over the area of pain, using a criss-cross pattern to create an X-shape over the affected area, and avoiding placing the tape too tightly over the skin. Kinesio Taping in Treatment and Prevention of Sports Injuries. KT Tape: Neck and Shoulder - YouTube 0:00 5:12 Chapters KT Tape: Neck and Shoulder KT Tape 203K subscribers Subscribe 1.3M views 10 years ago Neck and Shoulder Pain The neck is. Generally speaking, you will want to avoid moving the affected arm or your neck when possible. With head tilted forward at to the left, apply the right tail upwards along the right side of the neck below the hairline. The application of the KT tape ( 2) to the affected shoulder helps in the prevention of accumulation of lymphatic fluid in that area. Cut a first strip of tape, measuring from the front side of the top of your shoulder to one third the way down your arm. When two minutes are spent pressing the sciatic nerve, more pain relief is achieved than when doing the placebo press. She loves traveling and spending time with her family in nature. For example, some athletes will feel more confident due to a stronger sense of joint stability. Nerve shoulder pinched symptoms causes signs. By improving shoulder stability, support, and structural alignment (much like Vulcan shoulder support) it is believed that shoulder pain is reduced by KT taping. KT Tape alleviates pain, provides support, reduces swelling and helps promote the healing process*. The tape should be horizontal or slightly tilted downward (from front to back). Place the arm behind the back and retract the shoulder. There are many muscles and forces that act on the shoulder, and when any of these is overactive or underactive, problems can arise. Shoulder Rehab. Yin Yoga. Foregut surgery The sciatic or placebo location on both legs was placed simultaneously under pressure with the dorsal, proximal phalangeal surfaces of the fists. 9.49 + 11.48 P&P . . Proworks 5m Kinesiology Tape | Sports Physio Knee . Dropping the shoulders will almost always create more joint space and relieve the stress and pain in the shoulder. Massage and trigger point release are often used. A pinched nerve in the shoulder can cause significant discomfort, impacting your daily activities. Generally, individuals will feel immediate support and pain relief upon taping*. It can also get wet. September 2011 #2. only endoscopy can tell for sure. Sprain vs. Strain: Whats the Difference? However, increased blood flow and reduced pressure on the nerves in the area will certainly help to decrease pain and inflammation. When you are suffering from sciatica, it is critical to choose a massage therapist who specializes in assisting you with the source of your pain. fa. The second half should be placed horizontally an inch or two below the first half piece, depending upon the location of the pain. Shoulder bursitis is the inflammation of the shoulder bursa. No matter the initial cause, shoulder impingement syndrome tends to be aggravated by poor muscle coordination, posture, and flexibility impairments. Use a base layer of protective tape to protect the skin. The final manuscript was read and approved by all authors before publication. Get enough rest: At the most basic level, resting is a direct means of easing the pain caused by a pinched shoulder nerve. When alternating heat and ice therapy, it is possible to alleviate sciatic nerve pain within minutes. More patients saw significant relief after undergoing a single two-minute press, with relief periods lasting over 30 minutes. Kt tape is a special kind of tape that is designed to provide support and relief from pain. $ 34.99 AUD SHOP KT TAPE PRO KT TAPE: NECK AND SHOULDER The neck is clearly a vital component of our anatomy due to its responsibility for connecting our brain to the rest of the body. How to heal a sprained ankle: Tips for a fast recovery! A physical therapist can assist you in using the tape and cutting the adhesive strips in the proper position. This is the pre-publication history of the paper. Discs can herniate and swell, slip away from their correct positioning between the bony vertebrae, or rupture. Gently rub the kinesiology tape to help the adhesive adhere to your skin. Kinesiology tape is not for everyone, and some people have conditions where the use of kinesiology tape should be avoided altogether. Since it is uncut, you can create your own customized length and shape to use on your Knee, Shoulder, Ankle, Elbow, and Back. plants or animal compounds rich in amino acids required for growth and repair of animal tissue Not to be confused with: protean - You can always progress the stretch as needed. For additional resources, please visit the KT Tape Forum. Identify the underlying problem by having a complete examination and ultrasound of the shoulder. In a performance enhancement application, Rocktapes clinical efficacy was demonstrated in Van den Dries G. Capobianco S. The findings of these studies did not show any significant benefits in regard to long-term pain relief, strength or range of motion improvement. Anchor one end of the strip without tension on the front of the shoulder and stretch it to 25% towards the side of the arm. Office hours: 7am 5pm, Knee Hurts When I Bend It and Straighten It, Burning Pain on Outside of Knee When Kneeling, Muscle Pain After Cervical Fusion Surgery, Basal Joint Arthritis or CMC / Carpometacarpal Arthritis, Common Craniocervical Instability Symptoms, Perc-FSU Trusted Alternative to Spinal Fusion, Perc-ACLR - Regenexx Treatment for ACL Tear, Regenexx Non-Surgical Alternative to Cervical Fusion, Perc-CT SR Alternative to Carpal Tunnel Surgery, Non-surgical Disc Bulge or Herniated Disc Treatment, Regenexx Alternative to Ankle Fusion Surgery, Perc-CMC Alternative to CMC Joint Surgery. Cut a 10-inch (25 cm) Y-strip.3. Apply the base of the tape along the center of the spine, 4-5" below the base of the neck. This prevention of fluid buildup prevents inflammation and cures muscle pain effectively. With arm down by your side, one end is placed as an anchor on the outside aspect of the shoulder. A 2019 study found significant differences between tape brands in terms of strength, elasticity, and other physical characteristics. Cut one lift strip for each side of your neck, if needed. An inflamed bursa is usually accompanied by pain, redness, swelling, and limited functional mobility. The proposed benefits of KT Tape include (3): Shoulder pain is a common musculoskeletal complaint. Which is better? KT Tape alleviates pain by relaxing the muscles, providing support, increasing circulation around the affected area, as well as reducing pressure on the myofascial tender spots - all to promote the body's natural healing processes*. Anchor a second Y-strip on the front side of the shoulder. GETTING STARTED: Healthcare professionals have been teaching patients for years how to apply kinesiology tape themselves. KT Tape has been used in a variety of ways for different types of injuries. Tackle that painful trigger point with these 5 home exercises (part 1. Administering Kinesiology tape is a non-invasive way to relieve various conditions. As a general rule of thumb, tape should be removed by gently tugging in the same direction as the hair grows. Even when youre showering or exercising, you can keep the tape in place for three or four days. As an adjunctive therapy, KT may be most effective if used to improve ROM, muscular endurance, and motor control. Steven N. Hochwald, Moshim Kukar (Eds.) The shoulder complex consists of many muscles, ligaments, tendons, bone, bursae, cartilage, and other anatomical components. Alam S, Malhotra D, Munjal J, Chachra A. Monitor your skin around the tape to watch for redness or other signs of a negative reaction to the tape. Elevate your arms. You can learn how to use Kinesiology Tape in the video below. Find home remedies and know when to see a doctor. A better solution is to identify and treat the underlying cause of shoulder pain. hm. The shoulder is rotated backward with an open palm facing forwards. Dont be afraid to jump in and just go for it the first time you try and tape yourself. What is KT Tape? 2015 study demonstrated that KT taping had no significant change in the strength of external rotation of the shoulder (9). Anchor the other end without tension. If you have neck pain, perhaps you have felt those awful knots that reside in the upper trapezius and levator scapula muscles. Draper DO, Mahaffey C, Kaiser D, Eggett D, Jarmin J. 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved. If the inflamed bursa is colonized by bacteria, it can then become infected. Kinesiology Tape (KT) is an intervention commonly used by physical therapists for treating shoulder pain and dysfunction. This allows KT tape to have a much greater range of motion when compared to other athletic tapes. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. To use kt tape for sciatic nerve pain, simply apply the tape to the affected area. Ulnar Nerve Entrapment. Tilt head to the right and repeat taping on the left side. Use a splint. Tenderness and pain mainly on the inner side of the elbow or forearm. A systematic review of the effectiveness of kinesio taping for musculoskeletal injury. Again, assume good posture with the neck relaxed (shoulder blades pulled gently together and down, causing the chest to come forward slightly). These pesky trigger points can cause pain, tension, and muscular spasm in your neck and shoulders. The second strip in applied immediately in front of the first strip in the arm in the neutral position. These resources can help you find the proper technique for your needs and get the best benefit possible from using kinesiology tape for pain relief and support. Treatment options include PRP and stem cell injections. Apply the 12-inch (30 cm) strip of kinesio tape from the front of the shoulder around the outer part of the shoulder (deltoid and external rotator muscles) at 50% tension with 0% tension on the ends.8. Be aware of your posture. Promote better alignment and shoulder mechanics to increase subacromial space and reduce the risk of rotator cuff tears, tendonitis, bursitis, and more. The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the body, running from the lower back all the way down the legs. To make the beige appear smaller, it was created with minimal visibility, and to make the black appear larger, it was created after a lot of requests. In this study, kinesio taping and conventional physical therapy were compared to manage chronic low back pain. The first group was treated with medication and physical therapy in a standard treatment setting. Tingling or numbness in the fingers mainly in the ring and little finger. Studies have shown that the sciatic nerve press can be used to alleviate pain in other conditions. Do not keep the tape on for more than 5 days in a row to allow the skin to breathe. Causes of general shoulder pain are extensive and can be due to injuries of the many muscles, ligaments, tendons, nerves, cartilage, or bones that make up the shoulder complex. 2.59 . The bursa then produces more synovial fluid and thickens to create a bigger cushion. If you have neck pain and muscle spasm in your upper shoulders, a trial of kinesiologytaping may help decrease your pain and improve your overall condition. If applying KT Tape on a joint, be sure the joint is in a fully bent position. The elastic cotton tape can stretch up to 140% of its original length (2). They help you lift your shoulder blade. Treatment for shoulder instability is much different than the treatment of injured biceps tendons. Since KT Tape is designed to adhere to the skin, it is often difficult to remove. Start with lower amounts of stretch on the tape to minimize skin irritation. Meeusen L, Candidori S, Micoli LL, Guidi G, Stankovi T, Graziosi M, and colleagues. Now is the time to listen and take action. It keeps you up at night and is getting worse. This will open up space in the shoulder where tissues are being pinched. For example, the beige tape is intended to be less visible on the body, whereas the black tape might be used to look more professional. Round the corners to increase the life of the tape and keep it from sticking to your clothing. The clinical efficacy of kinesio tape for shoulder pain: a randomized, double-blinded, clinical trial. Lastly, traumatic bursitis can occur from repetitive rubbing against a surface or from excessive bending at the joint. With the arm stretched out to the side, place one tail around the anterior deltoid with little to no stretch. This is how you use kinesiology tape to decrease spasm and trigger points in your upper shoulders and neck: Once the tape has been applied, you can leave it there for 2 to 5 days. In the first five minutes of the third quarter, VAS scores dropped significantly after sciatic nerve pressure. Knot in Your Neck? Apply the 14-inch (35 cm) strip of kinesio tape from the front of the shoulder around the top of the shoulder (a/c joint) to the lower part of the shoulder blade next to the thoracic spine at 50% tension with 0% tension on the ends.9. KT Tape is used for many shoulder injuries including sprains, bursitis, and tendon injuries. Gently rub the tape with the tapes wrapper to heat activate the adhesive. Consider complimentary measures as well. px yl sj rs se yi. As a result, the nerves are less likely to constrict and cause soreness. Do not use it if you have had a reaction to other adhesives in the past (or at least proceed with caution). Your body is talking to you. See more ideas about kinesio taping, kinesiology taping, kt tape. Cut a strip of tape measuring from the anterior shoulder to the mid-scapula and round the ends. Improve Rotator Cuff Function With Kinesiology Tape for Your Shoulder., Gibbons, John. KT Tape for General Shoulder | KT Tape Australia $ 34.99 AUD SHOP KT TAPE PRO KT TAPE: GENERAL SHOULDER The shoulder is a complex and relatively unstable joint that every person uses extensively on a daily basis. It should create a slight diagonal on the shoulder blade that does not go above (or on) the bony top edge of the shoulder blade. When placed correctly, you should feel an immediate effect. Retracting the shoulders will almost always create more joint space and relieve the stress and pain in the shoulder. This technique also has two distinct steps. Patients rated pain and the value was recorded on a visual analogue scale.