Subluxed Shoulders Need “TLC”: A Pilot Study of T-L-C Elastic Taping to Address Hemiplegic Shoulder Pain, Passive Range of Motion, and Sub-luxation

Abstract

Shoulder subluxation, abnormal tone, and hemiplegic shoulder pain are common sequelae for patients with neurological conditions. Therapists have used elastic taping to treat these consequential conditions in rehabilitation settings with inconsistent techniques and results. The use of elastic tape to treat shoulder subluxation, abnormal tone, and hemiplegic shoulder pain may result in increased participation in activities of daily living and functional activities; however, evidence-based approaches to guide taping are still emerging. An elastic taping method called the "T-L-C" method has been developed to establish a consistent approach for the assessment and taping to ensure patients are being treated with evidence-based techniques.