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Shoulder Taping

Learn how to tape your shoulder with kinesiology tape

Follow our step-by-step kinesiology taping guide — at home.

CureTape — How to tape your shoulder (general)

Would you like to know how to tape your shoulder yourself? In this guide, we’ll show you step by step how it can be done.

The deltoid muscle is a strong and compact muscle that shapes the outer contour of the shoulder and provides essential support. It enables you to lift your arm and move it in all directions. Pain often occurs in the middle part of this muscle. If you are experiencing discomfort in the upper arm or around the shoulder joint, the taping method described below can help to relax the muscle and relieve pain.

Jump to: Preparation  ·  Measuring & cutting  ·  Application

Benefits

This taping method may help with:

Relieve pain

Reduce tension and discomfort in the affected area

Support the tissue

Gentle stabilisation during movement and recovery

Improve movement

More comfortable daily activities during recovery

Support recovery

Allow overloaded tissue to recover while staying active

Conditions

It can be applied for:

Overuse complaints

Pain from repetitive strain or prolonged activity

Acute injury support

Additional stability after sudden strain or sprain

Sports-related pain

Support during training and return to sport

Daily discomfort

Relief during walking, standing, or daily tasks

Video Guide

Self-taping the shoulder

Tips for a safe and effective shoulder taping application:

Has the cause of the pain or complaint been properly identified?

Read the instructions carefully before you start taping.

Select the tape colour you prefer.

Do not apply stretch at the beginning and end of the tape.

Rub the tape firmly after application to ensure good adhesion.

Check for any contraindications before using tape.

On average, the tape will stay in place for 3–7 days.

You can shower while wearing the tape.

Removing the tape is easier when using a little oil.

Preparation

Preparing to tape the shoulder

Shape
3 customised I-strips
Number of strips
3
Technique
Muscle technique (relaxing application applied with light stretch)

Measuring

Measuring and cutting the tape

 

Step1

Measure & Cut

  1. Stand in front of a mirror and measure the length of the tape strips from the middle of the upper arm to the top of the shoulder.
  2. Cut three I-strips of equal length.

Application

Applying the tape to your shoulder

Step2

Step 2

  1. Start with the middle strip. Place the base on the mid-upper arm below the muscle without any stretch. Let the arm hang loosely and apply the tape with light tension towards the top of the shoulder, then secure the anchor above the shoulder.

Step3

Step 3

  1. Apply the base of the second strip next to the first, again without stretch. Move the arm slightly backwards and guide the tape with light tension across the front of the deltoid, fixing the anchor at the top of the shoulder.

Step4

Step 4

  1. Finally, position the third strip slightly offset from the other two. Move the arm gently forward and apply the tape with a light stretch across the back of the deltoid, attaching the anchor at the top of the shoulder.

Step5

Step 5

  1. Rub all three strips firmly to ensure good adhesion.

Step6

Check the application

  1. Move your shoulder through its full range of motion to check that all three strips stay in place and feel comfortable.

Step7

Finished

  1. The shoulder taping is now complete. Combine the application with specific shoulder exercises for the best long-term results.

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Christina’s advice on shoulder taping

When taping your shoulder, it’s crucial to choose a tape that provides strong adhesion and support. That’s why I recommend CureTape kinesiology tape. For regular use, CureTape Classic or Art is ideal. However, if you’re engaging in extreme sports or swimming, opt for the extra sticky CureTape Sports variant! I have selected practical, easy-to-follow self-taping applications alongside a few valuable tips from clinical experience. For an optimal recovery, remember to combine this taping with specific shoulder stability exercises, and always consult a physiotherapist or GP if your symptoms persist.

For these self-taping instructions, I have chosen applications that are straightforward to apply on your own. To ensure the treatment is carried out safely, I share practical guidance to consider before, during and after taping. These tips are based on my many years of professional experience. If your symptoms persist, always consult a physiotherapist or your GP.

Christina Peter

Christina Peter
Physiotherapist & Taping Instructor

Christina Peter

Disclaimer: Please note: the suggested tape applications and the information on our website regarding the possibilities of the Medical Taping Concept are not yet scientifically proven. The stated claims are based primarily on extensive experience from therapists and users of CureTape® products. No rights can be derived from the content on this website.

Contraindications for not using tape: pregnancy, open wounds, bone fractures, unexplained complaints, allergies and skin conditions, medication use such as blood thinners, thrombosis, and fever. Always consult a medical professional if in doubt.