This common taping technique could provide support for a previously or partially dislocated shoulder.
Shoulders are one of the most common joints that physios and sports trainers tape before a game of footy or netball.
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They're incredibly mobile joints, which makes them great for throwing, marking and tackling—but also makes them prone to injury.
There isn't one taping technique that suits every shoulder injury.
The best method depends on the type of injury and the sport you're playing.
If you've injured your shoulder, it's always worth getting advice from a health professional on the best taping method before returning to sport.
This week I thought I'd run you through the shoulder taping technique I use most often at local sporting games.
Step two involves wrapping tape around the arm.
It's commonly used for players who have previously dislocated or partially dislocated (subluxed) their shoulder.
Even after they've completed their rehabilitation, the shoulder can still feel vulnerable when reaching overhead to compete for a mark or when it's forced backwards during a tackle.
For this taping technique, you'll need Fixomull or rigid tape for the anchors, and 75 mm elastic adhesive bandage for the support.
Step 1: Ask the athlete to place their hand on their hip. Apply two or three anchor strips over the top of the shoulder from front to back, as shown in the photos.
Step 2: Using the elastic adhesive bandage, start on the front anchor and apply the tape with moderate tension across the front of the shoulder and down to the middle of the upper arm.
Wrap the tape around the arm one and a half times (it's easier if the athlete gently flexes their biceps).
When the tape comes back around from underneath the arm, continue up the back of the upper arm, over the back of the shoulder and finish on the rear anchor.
Anchor strips over the shoulder help support the taping.
Step 3: Reapply another two or three anchor strips over the top to secure all the loose ends, then rub the tape firmly to help it stick.
Once the tape is on, ask the athlete how it feels.
They should still be able to comfortably raise their arm overhead, but notice increased support and a gentle feeling of restriction at the top of the movement.
Getting the tension right can take a little practice, but it becomes much easier with experience.
Finally, remember that some people can have a reaction to sports tape.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions, remove the tape after one to two hours the first time it's used, and stop using it if any skin irritation develops.
The completed process.
Pat Arnold is a director and sports physiotherapist at Echuca Moama Physiotherapy. Appointments with Pat and his colleagues can be made by phoning 5480 0860 or book online at echucamoamaphysio.com.au
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