Effect of taping as a component of conservative treatment for subacromial impingement syndrome

Natesagounder Sundaramurthy Senthil Kumar, Arun Nehru, Dharmarajan Rajalakshmi

Christian Medical College and Hospital, Vellore, India.
Faculty of Therapeutic sciences, Masterskill University college of Health sciences, Cheras, Malaysia.

DOI: 10.4236/health.2012.44038                

Abstract

Subacromial impingement syndrome (SIS) has been described as the most common form of shoulder pathology argued that 100% of impingement lesions and 95% of rotator cuff pathology are caused by friction between the acromion and surrounding tissues within the subacromial space. Commonly, rest, Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), corticosteroid injections, and mobilization, strengthening exercises will resolve most cases of SIS. The results of the long-term outcome of these treatments, however, are not promising. Purpose: This study focuses on the effect of scapular taping and conventional Physical therapy in increasing isometric muscle strength, decreasing pain, improving function in patients with subacromial impingement syndrome. Study design: Double blinded randomised controlled clinical trial. Subjects were assessed by a blinded researcher using standard physiotherapy measures, Shoulder Pain and Disability Index questionnaire (SPADI), and isometric muscle strength measured using digital dynamo meter. Methodology: The patients in the treatment group (scapular taping group) received scapular taping with conventional exercises and the control group (no scapula taping) group received conventional exercise. Result: When comparing the scores using unpaired t-test with P value set at <0.05, high level of significance was noted for flexor, abductor, external rotator muscle force and SPADI. Conclusion: Scapular taping may be a useful adjunct for promoting proper scapular kinetics & upper thoracic extension and should be used in conjunction with other interventions.

Keywords

Shoulder Impingement Syndrome; Impingement; Scapular Taping; Exercise

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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