Effectiveness of Kinesiologic Taping and Dry Needling in the Treatment of Subacromial Pain Syndrome

Participants received Kinesio Taping (KT) applied to the affected shoulder using standard 5-cm Kinesio Tex tape. Before application, an allergy test was performed by placing a small patch of tape on the contralateral forearm for 15 minutes. The taping procedure included three regions: supraspinatus muscle, deltoid muscle, and glenohumeral joint.

Application technique:

Supraspinatus: Y-strip applied from insertion on the greater tubercle along the muscle to its origin with 20-25% stretch.

Deltoid: Y-strip applied from 3 cm below insertion to the origin, with anterior and posterior tails placed along corresponding edges.

Glenohumeral joint: I-strip applied from the coracoid process, laterally under the acromion, around the posterior deltoid edge.

Schedule: Tape was applied at baseline (Day 0), reapplied at Day 7, and removed permanently at Day 14.

Participants received dry needling (DN) applied with sterile, disposable stainless-steel needles (0.30 mm × 50 mm). Target muscles included the supraspinatus, deltoideus, infraspinatus, subscapularis, and pectoralis major.

Technique: The "fast-in, fast-out" method (Hong technique) was used. After cleaning the skin with alcohol, the needle was inserted into a palpable taut band until the first local twitch response (LTR) was elicited. The needle was moved vertically (5-10 mm) at ~1 Hz for 25-30 seconds. DN was applied for 45-60 seconds per muscle.

Schedule: Twice per week, for 3 weeks (total of 6 sessions).

All participants were instructed in a standardized home-based exercise program designed to improve shoulder mobility and stability.

Content: Exercises included active range-of-motion movements, scapular stabilization, and strengthening of rotator cuff and periscapular muscles. Ergonomic advice and posture correction were also provided.

Delivery: Participants were taught the program in person and instructed to perform the exercises at home.

Schedule: Exercises were performed daily for 3 weeks, in addition to the assigned intervention for each study arm.

Participants in this arm received conventional physical therapy modalities commonly used for the management of subacromial pain syndrome.

Modalities: Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), therapeutic ultrasound, or superficial heat pack were applied based on standard clinical practice.

Additional care: Sessions also included passive mobilization of the shoulder into end range, scapular stabilization exercises, and ergonomic/postural advice.

Schedule: One-hour treatment sessions, 5 days per week, for 3 consecutive weeks.