Functional impact of shoulder taping in the hemiplegic upper extremity

Few methods have been validated for treatment of the painful hemiplegic shoulder. Harness slings and other methods of support have traditionally been applied in an attempt to prevent pain and subluxation, but supports often lead to complications. This paper describes shoulder taping in a patient with right hemiplegia following a cerebrovascular accident and evaluates taping efficacy through measures of activities of daily living, range of motion, and pain before, during, and after treatment. Taping significantly reduced pain and relieved excessive tension on the involved structures. The positive outcome obtained in this patient, in conjunction with other case reports, suggests shoulder taping may be more useful than traditional immobilization methods in the treatment of hemiplegic shoulders.