How to Strap a Dislocated Shoulder: A Detailed Guide for Support and Stability

A dislocated shoulder is a painful injury that occurs when the head of your upper arm bone (humerus) pops out of its socket in the shoulder blade (scapula). It’s a common sports injury, but can also result from falls or other trauma. While a healthcare professional should always be consulted for diagnosis and treatment, understanding how to provide basic support through strapping can be crucial, especially in situations where immediate medical attention isn’t available. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to strap a dislocated shoulder, focusing on providing temporary support, pain management, and promoting stability. This information is for educational purposes only and should not substitute professional medical advice. If you suspect a dislocated shoulder, seek medical attention immediately.

Understanding Shoulder Dislocation

Before we dive into strapping techniques, let’s understand the basics of a shoulder dislocation. The shoulder joint is a ball-and-socket joint, which provides a wide range of motion, making it also susceptible to instability. Dislocation usually involves the humerus head moving forward (anterior dislocation), backward (posterior dislocation), or downward (inferior dislocation) out of the glenoid fossa (the socket). Anterior dislocations are the most common.

Signs and Symptoms of a Dislocated Shoulder:

• Intense pain in the shoulder area.
• Visible deformity or unusual appearance of the shoulder.
• Swelling and bruising around the shoulder.
• Inability to move the arm or a severe limitation in movement.
• Numbness or tingling in the arm or hand (due to nerve compression).

Why Strapping is Important

Strapping a dislocated shoulder is not a substitute for medical treatment. However, it can offer several benefits:

• Pain Reduction: By providing external support and limiting movement, strapping can help reduce pain and discomfort associated with a dislocated shoulder.
• Increased Stability: Strapping provides external support to the joint, which can prevent further displacement and reduce the risk of additional injury.
• Promoting Healing: Rest and immobilization are crucial for healing. Strapping can help promote this process by encouraging the injured shoulder to remain in a more stable and supported position.
• Transport Support: In cases where medical care is not immediately available, strapping can help stabilize the shoulder for safe transport to a medical facility.

Essential Materials for Strapping

Before starting the strapping process, it’s crucial to gather the necessary materials. These will ensure an effective and comfortable support system. You will need:

• Non-Adhesive Underwrap: This is a thin, hypoallergenic foam that acts as a barrier between the skin and the adhesive tape. It helps to prevent skin irritation and allows for easier removal of tape.
• Adhesive Athletic Tape: Choose a high-quality, rigid athletic tape. The width should ideally be around 1.5 to 2 inches for good support. You might need several rolls depending on the size of the person and amount of taping.
• Scissors: For cutting the tape to the required lengths. A pair of bandage scissors with rounded tips is preferable for safety.
• Optional: Ice Pack and a towel or cloth to wrap the ice pack.

Strapping Techniques for a Dislocated Shoulder

While there is no single perfect taping method, there are several techniques that are often used for supporting a dislocated shoulder. The primary goal is to limit the range of motion that may exacerbate the injury and to provide some external stabilization. We’ll describe a commonly used and relatively effective method here, understanding that medical professionals may use slightly varied techniques depending on the patient and the exact nature of the injury.

Before you begin:

1. Assess the Situation: Ensure that the individual is relatively stable and not in extreme pain. However, this action is not a substitute for consulting a healthcare professional.
2. Position the Person: Have the individual sit or stand comfortably with the injured arm relaxed and as close to the body as possible. Do not try to force the arm into any specific position if it causes pain.
3. Clean the Skin: If possible and safe, gently clean the shoulder area with a mild antiseptic wipe or soap and water. Ensure the skin is dry before applying the underwrap or tape. This will help prevent skin infections.

Step-by-Step Strapping Process

1. Applying the Underwrap

   Start by applying the non-adhesive underwrap to the shoulder and upper chest area. Begin above the clavicle (collarbone), extending the underwrap down across the top of the shoulder, wrapping around the upper arm, and ending on the upper chest area near the armpit. Overlap the edges of the underwrap slightly as you move to create a secure base layer. Do not pull the underwrap tightly; it should be comfortable and not restrict circulation. Use multiple layers to give enough surface area to adhere the tape to. Use small segments to apply the underwrap. Do not apply the underwrap too tightly.

2. First Tape Anchor

   Once the underwrap is applied, it is time to create the first tape anchor. Apply one strip of adhesive athletic tape around the upper arm, over the underwrap, above the bicep. This strip is called the arm anchor. Ensure the tape is firmly applied, but not too tight as this will restrict blood circulation and can cause pain and irritation. This will act as a stable base for subsequent tape applications. Avoid pulling the tape too tight as this can cause discomfort. Use firm pressure to apply the tape, but do not apply too much pressure. Overlap the edges of the tape to form a complete anchor.

3. Second Tape Anchor

   Apply another strip of adhesive tape around the upper chest, starting from the uninjured side of the sternum going over the collarbone, across the upper chest, and ending just before the armpit of the injured side. This will create an anchor and act as support for the next strip of tape. Apply the tape with firm pressure, but do not pull tightly, to avoid discomfort.

4. Applying Support Strips (The ‘X’ Technique)

   This step is crucial for shoulder stability. Take a strip of adhesive tape and begin attaching it at the arm anchor from the front of the upper arm. Pull it diagonally across the anterior shoulder, and attach the end to the chest anchor at the back near the armpit. Be sure the strip does not come in contact with the armpit as this can cause chaffing. You want the support strip to be above the armpit. Press the tape firmly to the underwrap. Be mindful of the patient’s level of comfort. Apply another strip of tape using the same method, but this time begin at the back of the arm anchor and diagonally attach it to the chest anchor in front, near the collar bone. These two strips will form an ‘X’ shape on the shoulder. The intersection of the “X” should be over the area where the dislocation is most prominent. These strips provide stability and limit shoulder movement. Apply firm pressure to the tape while securing it. Do not apply too much pressure, to avoid discomfort.

5. Repeating the Support Strips

   Repeat Step 4 several times, each time layering the tape over the previous strips, until you feel that there is adequate support. Use three to five layers of tape for support. Do not make the strapping so rigid that it restricts proper breathing or blood circulation. Be mindful of the patient’s level of comfort. You can slightly offset the placement of the “X” to provide coverage of a larger area of the shoulder.

6. Adding a Circular Support Strip

   Apply an additional strip of tape that encircles the shoulder. Start at the front of the shoulder, run it over the shoulder and to the back, then wrap around the arm and complete the circle. This provides additional support and maintains tension. This strip should also go over the end points of the X strip to keep it firmly in place. Again, do not apply the tape too tightly.

7. Finalizing the Tape

   Apply one last strip of adhesive tape over the ends of the previous support strips to ensure everything is secured. Again, be sure not to wrap too tightly.

8. Checking the Strapping

   Check the strapping to make sure that it is not too tight and that it provides adequate support. Observe the person for a few minutes. Ask how the strapping feels and check for any discomfort or signs of circulation issues like discoloration of fingers. You may need to loosen the tape and redo some strips if it’s causing pain, discomfort, or restricting circulation. Ensure that the injured shoulder is supported and has limited movement, yet does not feel overly tight. You should be able to slide a finger comfortably underneath the tape.

9. Ice Application (Optional)

   If swelling is present, apply an ice pack wrapped in a towel over the injured shoulder, outside the strapping. Be sure to not apply ice directly to the skin. Do not apply the ice pack longer than 20 minutes at a time.

Important Considerations

• Professional Medical Help: This strapping method is intended for temporary support, not a replacement for proper medical care. Always seek professional help for a dislocated shoulder. A healthcare professional can reduce the dislocation, conduct a proper assessment, rule out any fractures, and create a long-term treatment and rehabilitation plan.
• Monitoring: Keep a close watch on the individual after applying the strap. Look out for any signs of increased pain, numbness, tingling, or changes in skin color. If any of these symptoms occur, remove the strapping and seek medical advice immediately.
• Skin Irritation: While underwrap is intended to reduce skin irritation, be mindful of potential allergies to the material. Be aware of any signs of irritation, redness, or itching on the skin. Remove the tape and underwrap immediately if any skin reaction occurs.
• Tension: Avoid applying the tape too tightly. This can restrict blood circulation and lead to complications. The tape should be firm but comfortable, allowing for some degree of movement without compromising stability.
• Proper Removal: To remove the tape safely, slowly peel it away in the direction of the hair growth and use an adhesive remover if required. Removing the tape too quickly can cause skin tearing and pain.
• Follow-up: Ensure the individual follows up with their healthcare provider as scheduled for a complete treatment plan.

When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention

It’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention in the following situations:

• If you suspect a dislocated shoulder.
• If the pain is unbearable.
• If there is a visible deformity of the shoulder.
• If the person is unable to move their arm.
• If there is numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arm or hand.
• If the skin becomes cold, pale or blueish.
• If there is an open wound or heavy bleeding near the shoulder area.

Conclusion

Strapping a dislocated shoulder can be an important first step in providing temporary support and stability to the injured shoulder while waiting for professional medical treatment. However, it’s not a substitute for medical care. By understanding the principles of strapping, using the correct materials, and following the proper techniques, you can provide valuable support to someone with a dislocated shoulder. Remember, safety and proper medical evaluation are paramount in any situation involving a dislocation. Always prioritize seeking professional help to ensure a complete and effective recovery. If you suspect a dislocated shoulder, seek medical attention immediately.