NCT07190768

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

The Comparison of the Effectiveness of Kinesiologic Taping and Dry Needling in the Treatment of Subacromial Pain Syndrome: a Randomize Trial

• Status: Not Yet Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 100 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Bursa City Hospital · Other Government
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 65 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

This study aims to compare the effectiveness of two common physiotherapy methods, Kinesiologic Taping (KT) and Dry Needling (DN), in the treatment of Subacromial Pain Syndrome (SAPS), a frequent cause of shoulder pain. The trial also investigates whether using KT and DN together provides greater benefits than using them separately. The main goal is to determine which treatment approach is more effective in reducing pain and improving shoulder function in patients with SAPS.

Conditions

• Shoulder Pain
• Shoulder Impingement Syndrome

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Kinesio Taping	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.
OTHER	Dry Needling	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).
BEHAVIORAL	Exercise Program	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.
DEVICE	Conventional Physical Therapy (TENS/Ultrasound/Heat pack)	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.

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-10-01
• Primary completion: 2026-01-01
• Completion: 2026-10-01
• First posted: 2025-09-24
• Last updated: 2025-09-24