166. To tape or not to tape? Physio Edge Shoulder Success podcast with Jo Gibson

Physio Edge podcast with David Pope

Taping: does it really help patients with shoulder pain, or is it just a brightly coloured placebo? In this thought-provoking episode of the Physio Edge Shoulder Success Podcast, Jo Gibson, upper limb rehab specialist at Rehab for Performance, unpacks the complexities of taping in shoulder rehabilitation. Drawing from the latest evidence and her extensive experience with shoulder pain, Jo shares two compelling case studies and whether taping was useful in the treatment of:

1. Volleyball player post-stabilisation surgery – Despite passing all return-to-play criteria, this patient struggled with fear of re-injury in specific positions.
2. C/Sp referred shoulder pain – Severe neck and shoulder pain with difficulty sleeping left this patient guarding every movement. Learn whether taping played a role in this patient’s rehab.

Jo examines the evidence behind taping, addressing key questions:

• Does tape improve biomechanics, or are the effects purely psychological?
• How do sensory input and contextual factors influence patient outcomes?
• Can taping be a useful temporary tool, or is it overrated?

You’ll also gain insights into:

• The importance of clinical reasoning when choosing adjuncts like taping.
• How to manage patient beliefs and expectations around interventions.
• Practical applications of taping to improve confidence and support movement strategies.

With a blend of evidence, clinical expertise, and practical examples, this episode offers a balanced view on the role of taping in physiotherapy. Whether you’re a seasoned clinician or early in your career, you’ll come away with fresh perspectives on using taping effectively in your practice.

🎧 Tune in now to discover when, why, and how to use taping to support your patients’ shoulder rehab success!

Click on an image below to access these free resources from Jo Gibson and Clinical Edge

The handout for this podcast consists of a transcript associated with this podcast.

Click here for the free webinar with Jo Gibson “Rotator cuff revealed! Rehab & reasoning”.

Shoulder: Steps to Success online course with Jo Gibson

Improve your assessment and treatment of shoulder pain with the Shoulder: Steps to Success online course with Jo Gibson, now available for enrolment at clinicaledge.co/shouldersuccess

Free trial Clinical Edge membership

Use a fresh approach to your musculoskeletal and sports injury treatment with a free trial Clinical Edge membership at clinicaledge.co/freetrial

Links associated with this episode:

• Free webinar - Rotator cuff revealed: Rehab & reasoning with Jo Gibson
• Get your access to the free video series “Frozen shoulder assessment & treatment” with Jo Gibson
• Improve your shoulder assessment & treatment with the Shoulder: Steps to Success online course with Jo Gibson
• Improve your confidence and clinical reasoning with a free trial Clinical Edge membership
• Join Jo Gibson live on Facebook & ask your shoulder related questions every Monday
• Download and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes
• Download the podcast now using the best podcast app currently in existence - Overcast
• Listen to the podcast on Spotify
• Jo Gibson on Twitter
• Let David know what you liked about this podcast on Twitter
• Review the podcast on iTunes
• Infographics by Clinical Edge

Chapters:

• 03:36 - Patient 1 - Taping for volleyball post shoulder stabilisation surgery
• 06:26 - Patient 2 - Neck driven shoulder pain
• 07:04 - What's the evidence for and against tape?
• 13:09 - Applying the evidence around taping
• 18:15 - Back to the case studies
• 21:47 - Question - Can tape stimulate mechanoreceptors to give somatosensory feedback to the brain?