When the ball-like end of the arm bone (humerus) is removed from the shoulder girdle, it can cause a painful injury.If the shoulder joint is relocated, straps or tape can be put on it to help it heal quicker.Some athletes strap their shoulders as a preventative measure because the same techniques used to treat shoulder dislocations can also help prevent them.
Step 1: If you suspect a shoulder injury, you should see a doctor.
Sports injuries and falling on an outstretched arm are the most common causes of dislocated shoulders.There are a number of signs and symptoms of a dislocated shoulder.You should see a health professional immediately if you suspect a shoulder dislocation.Your doctor can take x-rays of your shoulder to see if there are any broken bones.The intense pain of a shoulder dislocation can be dealt with by your doctor.A separated shoulder is very different from a dislocating shoulder.The "ball and socket" shoulder joint is not displaced, as with a shoulder dislocation, because of the injury to the collarbone.
Step 2: Move your shoulder joint or reset it.
The "ball" of your arm bone needs to be moved into your shoulder girdle.The closed joint reduction procedure involves some gentle traction and rotation of your arm in order to realign the shoulder joint.Depending on the severity of the pain, you may need a local anesthetic injection or strong pain killing pills.If a friend, family member or bystander tries to relocate your shoulder, they may cause more harm than good.The pain level should drop quickly when your shoulder is relocated.Immediately icing a relocated shoulder for about 20 minutes will help reduce inflammation and pain, but always wrap the ice in plastic or a thin cloth before applying it to the skin.It's never a good idea to strap a shoulder that is still broken.
Step 3: Clean and shave the shoulder.
Once the shoulder is relocated and the pain is under control, it's time to strap it.To get straps and tape to adhere to the shoulder area, the skin covering the joint needs to be cleaned and shaved.After washing the skin around the shoulder with soap and water, apply a shave cream and use a safety razor to remove any hair.After shaving the skin, dry the area thoroughly and wait at least a few hours for any skin irritation to go away.It will help the straps and/or tape stick to the skin better if you apply some spray before applying them.Hair prevents tape from sticking, but it also causes pain when the tape is removed at a later time.Depending on how much hair is present, you may need to shave around the shoulder, shoulder blade, nipples and the lower neck.
Step 4: You need to gather your materials.
Gather all the materials you need to strap a shoulder from your pharmacy or medical supply store.You'll also need some foam, or something similar, in addition to some spray glue.The nipple will be protected from the tape and straps.You will need some rigid tape and an elastic bandage.Even if you have training and experience with the procedure, you will need assistance to strap and tape your shoulder.All the materials needed to strap your shoulder can be found in your doctor's office.If you don't have all the supplies you need, bring them with you.Going to an emergency department of a hospital is a good idea if you need to get medication and your shoulder relocated, but they won't likely have the time or motivation to strap or tape it for you.They will probably give you a sling to wear.It's not considered medically necessary to strap a relocated shoulder, so don't expect it to be part of your standard medical care.
Step 5: The underlay or foam should be applied.
After cleaning, shaving and spraying some adhesive material to the skin of the shoulder area, apply some thin underlay / foam over sensitive areas such as the nipple and healing wounds.Once the sticky tape is removed, this will prevent pain and irritation.To save time and material, cut out small patches of the material and place them over sensitive areas.For a short time, the underlay will stick to the spray.Although an arm sling is usually worn over your shirt and undergarments, taping is always done on bare skin and underneath all clothing.
Step 6: Attach "anchor" straps.
Apply "anchors" over the shoulder and the bicep in the upper arm to begin taping.Take a piece of tape from the base of the nipple and apply it to the shoulder.Firm support can be provided by laying one or two more strips of tape over the first.Wrap two or three straps of tape around the bicep.You should have at least one anchor of tape running from your nipple to your upper back when this step is complete.Wrap the second band of tape in a way that won't cut off circulation to your arm.There is a sign of reduced circulation in your hand.You can check your fingernails by pressing them.The tape is a good fit if the color returns quickly.The tape should be reapplied if it takes a long time to regain color.
Step 7: Attach the "X" strap to the shoulder with tape.
If you want to support and protect the shoulder, apply two or four strips of tape in opposite directions from one anchor to the other.An "X" or "cross" pattern should be formed around the shoulder with the intersection centered over the deltoids.Two strips of tape is the minimum, whereas doubling it up with four strips will provide more stability.You should still be comfortable even though the tape should be applied snug.Remove the taping and start over if you are experiencing pain from it.Securing a relocated shoulder requires thicker, more sturdy tape to be the most effective option.
Step 8: A "corkscrew" pattern should be made from the chest to the bicep.
Start at the outside edge of the nipple and run a strip of tape over the shoulder and under the arm.You're connecting the two anchors from the front instead of the side.A corkscrew pattern should be formed when you wrap it around the upper arm two or three times.Wrap the upper arm with two or three strips of tape so the corkscrew doesn't get too tight and cut off circulation.After each application of tape, check your circulation in your fingers.When this step is complete, re-anchor the work by applying one additional strip of tape over each of the original anchors.The snugger its hold will be if you use more tape.This method of taping is used to prevent shoulder injury before playing sports such as football and rugby.
Step 9: Wrap the tape job with an elastic bandage.
It's time to use an elastic bandage after you've wrapped the shoulder area.Run the elastic bandage from the front of the chest to the shoulder and under the bicep.Wrap the bandage across the back, underneath the uninjured shoulder, under the front of the chest, and back to the injured shoulder.Attach the elastic bandage to the underneath layer with metal clips or a safety pin if you have enough.The main reason to use an elastic wrap is to cover the tape and prevent it from coming off, as well as providing a little more support.When using cold therapy, it's much easier to remove the elastic wrap than it is to apply the ice over the injury.You should have two tape anchors, connected and covered by a pattern of tape, all wrapped up in an elastic bandage that extends across the back and chest.