Effectiveness of combined physical therapy and kinesio tape for acute hemiplegic shoulder pain: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Hemiplegic shoulder pain causes reduced quality of life and effects stroke rehabilitation inversely. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the benefits of physiotherapy (PT) and PT plus kinesio taping (KT) for acute hemiplegic shoulder pain. METHODS: Thirty-nine patients with acute hemiplegic shoulder pain were included in this retrospective study. The data of the patients who had 15 sessions physiotherapy in the three weeks were collected from the files. PT consisted of ultrasound and TENS. Twenty patients had PT only and 19 had PT plus KT. KT had been performed every weekend, total 3-week. All Patients had Bobath exercises. Visual analogue scale (VAS) scores and shoulder passive range of motion (PROM), Functional Independence Measurement (FIM) selfcare and Constant scores were noted. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences between baseline measurements (p > 0.05). Measurements were improved after treatment in the groups. The gain in passive shoulder flexion, abduction, external rotation and Constant scores were higher in the KT plus PT group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Both PT and KT plus PT were useful for pain relief, adding kinesio tape to the treatment of acute stroke patients with painful shoulder may be more successful for increasing PROM and functions.