Effects of Cold and Kinesio Taping in Individuals With Rotator Cuff Tendonitis

Short-Term Effects of Cold Therapy and Kinesio Taping on Pain and Upper Extremity Functionality in Individuals With Rotator Cuff Tendonitis: A Randomized Study

Rotator cuff tendonitis (RCT) is one of the most common shoulder pathologies, causing pain, limitation of shoulder joint movements, and impaired function. Patient education, medical treatment, corticosteroid injections, physiotherapy rehabilitation approaches are the most common treatment options applied to alleviate the symptoms of RCT. Despite these various treatment methods, there are currently no specific guidelines regarding the most appropriate and effective intervention for RCT treatment. This is mainly because adequate, high-quality studies are lacking in RCT management. To the best of our knowledge, no studies have evaluated the effects of Kinesio Taping (KT), which has become a popular approach in recent years, and Cold Therapy (CT), which has often been used as a therapeutic agent since immemorial, on individuals with RCT. In this regard, this study aimed to investigate and compare the short-term effects of KT and CT on pain and upper extremity functionality in individuals with RCT.

Inclusion Criteria:

• RCT diagnosis
• Excluding other shoulder pathologies by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and specific tests

Exclusion Criteria:

• Glenohumeral joint dislocation/subluxation;
• Acromioclavicular sprain;
• Rotator cuff tear;
• Glenohumeral joint instability;
• Calcific tendinitis of the shoulder;
• Acromioclavicular joint pathologies,
• Hyperlaxity;
• Any fracture in the shoulder;
• Diabetes, thyroid and any vascular or rheumatologic disease;
• Glenohumeral joint deformities;
• Superior labrum anteroposterior (SLAP) lesion;
• Shoulder pain lasting more than six months;
• History of shoulder surgery;
• Intra-articular steroid injection