Shoulder joint taping | Pain in the shoulder

Shoulder joint taping

Taping joints, in this case the shoulder joint, with conventional inelastic tapes is intended to help the patient in two ways: On the one hand, the compression exerted by the tape should counteract the swelling. On the other hand, the splinting of the joint achieved by the tape should support the tendons and ligaments in their function. Kinesiotaping is a new type of taping.

Here, cotton tapes are used, which are elastic due to the incorporation of elastane threads. Due to this elasticity, it is obvious that Kinesiotapes can neither achieve compression nor splinting. Thus, there are various hypotheses on the mechanism of action, including an activation of the body’s own pain-inhibiting system by stimulating skin receptors.

Another theory states that the contraction of the tapes applied in a stretched state lifts the underlying skin, thereby improving microcirculation and lymph drainage. This can have a positive effect on muscle tension and activity. However, the correctness of these theses and the effectiveness of kinesiotaping has not yet been scientifically confirmed. For conventional as well as for kinesiotaping it is recommended to have the correct application explained and demonstrated by an expert. Especially in the case of conventional tapes, this can help to prevent improper application of the tape, which can lead to a worsening of the symptoms.

Homeopathy

Homeopathy also claims to have remedies that can specifically counteract various causes of shoulder pain. Among these remedies are Arnica and Rhus toxicodendron, which are said to be particularly helpful for shoulder pain caused by overstrain. Rhododendron, on the other hand, is recommended for complaints that intensify at rest.A classification of shoulder pain according to localization recommends the following homeopathic remedies: for pain in the right shoulder Sanguinaria, for the left shoulder Ferrum metallicum and for pain in both shoulders simultaneously Lycopodium.

If calcification is suspected in the shoulder, Solanum Malacoxylum is the remedy of choice. It must be emphasized that there is no evidence to date that the theories of homeopathy can be scientifically proven. So far, no evidence has been found that the effects of homeopathic remedies exceed the placebo effect. This also applies to homeopathic shoulder pain relievers.

Read next article in this series:

All articles in this series:

  1. Pain in the shoulder
  2. Rotator cuff injuries
  3. Shoulder Luxation
  4. Bursitis of the shoulder (bursitis subacromialis)
  5. Pain in the neck
  6. Shoulder pain at night
  7. Relationship of different joints
  8. Shoulder joint taping
  9. About the diagnostic agent