OccupationalTherapy.com Phone: 866-782-9924


Do you prefer the taping over the strapping for subluxed shoulders?

Rebecca Martin, OTR/L, OTD, CPAM, CKTP

February 1, 2016

Question

Do you prefer the taping over the strapping for subluxed shoulders?

Answer

I like tape better than any sling or strap or shoulder contraption. First of all, my patient goes home with it and they do not have to worry about taking it on or off or any maintenance. They could take the tape off, but for some reason, patients are much less inclined to do so. Kinesiotape or leukotape will last you about three days. I just let patients wear it until they come back to see me or I tell them to take it off the morning they are coming to see me again. It just seems to do a much better job. The only thing is if the arm is really heavy, the kinesiotape may not be enough.


rebecca martin

Rebecca Martin, OTR/L, OTD, CPAM, CKTP

Dr. Rebecca Martin is the Manager of Clinical Education and Training at the International Center for Spinal Cord Injury (ICSCI) at Kennedy Krieger Institute and an Assistant Professor at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.  Dr. Martin received her Bachelors of Science from Boston University in 2001 and her Occupational Therapy Doctorate from Rocky Mountain University in 2008. As the Manager of Clinical Education and Training, she is responsible for program development, staff training, and oversight of the clinical research program.  Dr. Martin speaks nationally on topics related to Activity-Based Rehabilitation; she has taught many continuing education courses in the areas of neurological pathology, rehabilitation, and research. Her current research is in novel applications of electrical stimulation to restore functions lost to spinal cord injury.


Related Courses

Priming To Maximize Outcomes In Neurorehabilitation
Presented by Rebecca Martin, OTR/L, OTD, CPAM, CKTP
Live WebinarThu, Mar 12, 2026 at 3:00 pm EDT
Thu, Mar 12, 2026 at 3:00 pm EDT

Presenter

Rebecca Martin, OTR/L, OTD, CPAM, CKTP
Course: #6928Level: Intermediate1 Hour
This course will discuss the scientific justifications for, modalities to implement, and treatment planning around priming activities for best outcomes in neurorehabilitation. Applicable to diagnoses of the central nervous system, the learner will benefit from some basic understanding of neurological disease and dysfunction.

Functional Electrical Stimulation for OTs: Principles and Application
Presented by Rebecca Martin, OTR/L, OTD, CPAM, CKTP
Video

Presenter

Rebecca Martin, OTR/L, OTD, CPAM, CKTP
Course: #4667Level: Introductory1 Hour
  'Great info, presenter made it easier to understand'   Read Reviews
This course will introduce the concepts associated with use of electrical stimulation in functional treatments, including equipment and parameter selection and modification.

Neuromodulation for Spinal Cord Injury: OTs Role in Enhancing Outcomes
Presented by Rebecca Martin, OTR/L, OTD, CPAM, CKTP
Video

Presenter

Rebecca Martin, OTR/L, OTD, CPAM, CKTP
Course: #4668Level: Intermediate1 Hour
  'excellent information with video of actual patient responses to treatment'   Read Reviews
This course will introduce the neuromodulation techniques for the remediation of spinal cord injury. Current science, treatments, and outcomes will be reviewed, followed by a discussion of the integration of these principles into functional skills training in occupational therapy.

Spinal Cord Injury: The Changing Incidence and Prevalence
Presented by Rebecca Martin, OTR/L, OTD, CPAM, CKTP
Video

Presenter

Rebecca Martin, OTR/L, OTD, CPAM, CKTP
Course: #5331Level: Intermediate1 Hour
  'Great review of spinal cord injuries and possible outcomes, and cost in the long term and other issues SCI patients face'   Read Reviews
This course will outline the changing face of spinal cord injury (SCI), including trends in causation and demographics. Clinical syndromes, anticipated outcomes, and long-term costs and consequences will also be introduced. This course is the first in a series on SCI and is most beneficial to clinicians in that context.

Joint Hypermobility Syndromes: Assessment and Intervention
Presented by Valeri Calhoun, MS, OTR/L, CHT
Video

Presenter

Valeri Calhoun, MS, OTR/L, CHT
Course: #5376Level: Intermediate1 Hour
  'I felt that this course spoke well to patients with more invisible diseases and diagnoses and helps clinicians know that sometimes, we need zebra treatment for zebra diagnoses'   Read Reviews
This course will cover upper extremity assessment and treatment strategies for the pediatric/young adult population affected by joint hypermobility syndromes. The treatment focuses on both orthopedic strategies along with adaptive methods for these individuals.