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How to Tape the AC Joint

The AC (acromioclavicular joint) is the highest point of the shoulder and is where the acromion (top part of the scapula) meets the clavicle or collar bone. The two bones are joined by soft tissue ligaments. If you strain or sprain these ligaments, the shoulder becomes painful. Strapping with tape will support the ligaments and ease pain and prevent further injury. The tape should apply gentle pressure down and up from below the AC joint.

Things You'll Need

  • towel
  • one or more rolls of 2-inch strapping tape
  • one roll of 3-inch elastic adhesive bandage
  • bandage scissors
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Instructions

  1. Downward Pressure

    • 1

      Use the towel to wipe the shoulder and upper arm to remove sweat or debris.

    • 2

      Apply one end of a roll of strapping tape to the front of the chest about four inches below the collar bone, depending on the size of the patient.

    • 3

      Carry this up and over the shoulder between the base of the neck and the point of the shoulder to approximately the same distance below the shoulder on the back, maintaining gentle tension. The object is to provide support in the relaxed position. Tear or cut the tape from the roll. Smooth the tape you have applied so that it adheres evenly to the skin without wrinkles.

    • 4

      Apply a second strip of tape in the same way, overlapping about half of the first strip toward the shoulder. On a large patient, apply a third strip in the same way.

    Upward Pressure

    • 5

      Ask the patient to bend her elbow until her forearm is parallel to the floor.

    • 6

      Start a strip of tape at the back of the shoulder, bring it across the top to the front of the shoulder and continue down the front of the arm, under the elbow, up the back of the arm and across the top of the shoulder to the chest, maintaining gentle tension. Leave this loose and do not stick it to the skin yet.

    • 7

      Ask the patient to flex her biceps muscle in the upper arm.

    • 8

      Apply a strip of elastic adhesive bandage completely around the arm, directly over the biceps muscle. Allow a generous overlap for security. Cut or tear the tape free from the roll and press it smooth on the overlap so that it adheres evenly to itself. Have the patient relax the arm and check to be sure the bandage is secure. It should be snug enough to stay in position but not enough to interfere with muscle action.

    • 9

      At the lower edge of the biceps bandage, use the scissors to cut the strapping tape front and back of the arm, and remove the freed strip from under the elbow. Now smooth the tape above the biceps bandage front and back so that it adheres securely to the skin.

    Final Check

    • 10

      Have the patient raise and lower her arm and move the shoulder to be sure the strapping provides appropriate support and is comfortable.

    • 11

      If necessary, place a short strip of tape horizontally across the ends of the strips at the front and back of the torso to stabilize the ends of the strapping tape.

    • 12

      Instruct the patient on how long to leave the strapping in place (may be needed as long as two to three weeks).

    • 13

      Explain additional aftercare, such as renewing strapping , bathing, icing/heat and follow-up.

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