The Role of Therapeutic Taping Techniques in Enhancing Motor Function and Reducing Pain in Patients with Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Rotator cuff tendinopathy is a prevalent condition that impairs shoulder function and quality of life. While conventional treatments exist, they often have limitations in terms of invasiveness and effectiveness. Therapeutic taping has emerged as a non-invasive alternative that may enhance motor function and alleviate pain through mechanisms such as increased proprioceptive feedback and pain modulation. Objective: This randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of therapeutic taping in enhancing motor function and reducing pain in patients with rotator cuff tendinopathy compared to standard physical therapy alone. Methods: Fifty-six participants diagnosed with rotator cuff tendinopathy were randomly assigned to two groups: an intervention group receiving therapeutic taping along with standard physical therapy, and a control group receiving standard physical therapy only. Assessments were conducted at baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks, measuring outcomes through the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) and range of motion (ROM). Results: The study demonstrated that the intervention group experienced significant improvements in pain reduction and shoulder mobility over the 8-week period, with SPADI scores decreasing and ROM increasing notably compared to the control group. These outcomes suggest that therapeutic taping effectively supports the shoulder, reduces pain, and facilitates healing in patients with rotator cuff tendinopathy. Conclusion: Therapeutic taping proves to be a valuable adjunct to physical therapy, offering significant benefits in pain reduction and enhanced motor function for patients with rotator cuff tendinopathy. The findings advocate for the integration of therapeutic taping into standard treatment protocols, though further research is needed to standardize taping techniques and understand patient-specific responses for broader clinical application.