Shoulder pain or injury can inhibit your ability to participate in physical activities, including weightlifting. Since many shoulder injuries are the result of overuse, kinesio tape can help to stabilize the shoulder and provide pain relief. However, not all shoulder pain and injuries can benefit from the use of kinesio tape. Always consult a doctor prior to engaging in weightlifting with shoulder pain or injury.
Shoulder Pain
The shoulder has a great deal of mobility. However, this mobility can lead to an increased risk of developing shoulder pain or injury. Pain may be temporary, only occur during participation in physical activity, or chronic. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, bursitis, tendinitis, instability, arthritis and fractures of the shoulder are the most common types of shoulder injuries. Bursitis, tendinitis, instability and arthritis are often the result of overuse or wear and tear on your shoulder joint. These conditions may cause pain, inflammation and reduce motion of the shoulder joint. These conditions are generally treated conservatively with rest, activity modification or anti-inflammatory medications. Shoulder fractures or complete muscle or tendon tears can require surgery.
Kinesio Tape
Kinesio taping was invented by a chiropractor named Kenzo Kase, and looks similar to athletic tape. However, this type of tape does more than just stabilizing your joint. It helps to control the movement of your joint, increase circulation and lymphatic flow, and help to support weak or maligned joints. Kinesio tape can be used to reduce pain, swelling and to help correct muscular imbalances.
Application
Apply kinesio tape to a strained shoulder joint to reduce pain and inflammation. Many athletes continue to train while wearing kinesio tape to treat an overuse injury, and the tape can be applied and worn up to five days at a time to provide continuous pain relief. To apply kinesio tape for shoulder pain, start just above the elbow and follow the curve of your shoulder, applying attentional strips across the top of your shoulder.
Weightlifting
Kinesio tape does not inhibit movement, so you can usually continue your normal weightlifting routine while wearing it. However, the decision of whether or not to lift weights while using kinesio tape largely depends on the type of shoulder injury you have; kinesio tape is generally recommended for overuse injuries. Do not lift weights if you have sustained a fracture or tear in your shoulder muscles. Talk to your doctor or physical therapist about when you can return to weightlifting following your injury.
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