Purpose

• Provide support for a sprained AC joint by helping to approximate the clavicle and acromion thereby reducing pain and stress on the ligaments and promoting recovery.
• Provide support and improve stability during return to play.

Pre-Tape Testing

• Determine MOI (traumatic injury versus repetitive overuse strain versus pathological biomechanics/malalignments versus muscular imbalances versus poor footwear).
• Ask if they have been taped before and if there were any issues encountered.
• Rule-out allergies to sprays and/or taping products.
• Inspect the skin for any signs of soft tissue injury (i.e., cuts, abrasions, blisters).
• Check motor, sensation, and circulation (MSC) before execution of the support technique.

Components and Execution Procedures

• Individual Positioning:  Seated position by a treatment table, with their elbow supported on the table. Ensure that the shoulder area is passively elevated.
• Preparation:  Apply a light misting of quick-drying adherent or skin toughener to their shoulder, upper chest, and upper back.
• Anchors:  Cut four strips of Hypafix tape to be used as anchors. Two will be placed over the lateral aspect of the clavicle, from anterior chest (below clavicle) to just below the scapular spine. The remaining two Hypafix anchors will be placed starting from the vertical clavicular anchors to the deltoid tubercle. Overlap each strip by half the width of the Hypafix.
• Support Strips:  Apply two strips of Leukotape from the chest to the scapular anchors. These strips function to hold down the lateral end of the clavicle.  Next, apply three longer strips of Leukotape from the deltoid tubercle anchor to the clavicular strips of Leukotape, crossing over the acromioclavicular (AC) joint. One starts from the central aspect of the upper arm, over AC joint to the vertical clavicular strips. From the same starting pointing on the upper arm, the second extends up, over the AC, and finishes slightly anterior on the vertical clavicular strips. The third extends up, over the AC, and finishes slightly posterior on the clavicular strips. Finish this by applying two additional strips of Leukotape vertically from chest to upper back, covering the vertical tape ends.
• Closing Strips:  Cover all of the ends of the Leukotape with small pieces of Hypafix tape.

Post-Tape Testing

• Check motor control, sensation, and circulation (MSC) after application.
• Manually assess the shoulder to test the integrity of the support technique. In other words, has the support technique limited the movement (s) that are painful?
• Functionally assess the shoulder to test the integrity of support technique. This testing should be specific to the individual’s sport or activity and specific to their position in that same sport or activity.