Rigid Taping: Rigid taping will be applied to the acromioclavicular joint using a standardized technique aiming to posteriorize the acromion and inferiorize the clavicle. Taping will be performed once weekly for 4
Exercise Program: A standardized shoulder exercise program focusing on soft tissue flexibility, scapular stabilization, and rotator cuff activation will be applied once weekly for 4 weeks.
Study summary
This study will examine whether rigid taping applied to the acromioclavicular (AC) joint can reduce shoulder pain and improve shoulder function in people with AC joint degeneration. Participants with shoulder pain and a confirmed diagnosis of AC joint degeneration will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: (1) rigid taping plus a standardized exercise program or (2) the same exercise program without taping. The program will last 4 weeks, with weekly supervised visits. Pain, shoulder motion, and shoulder function will be assessed at baseline, after the first session (acute effect), at the end of treatment (Week 4), and at a 3-month follow-up.
Eligibility
Sex
ALL
Min age
18 Years
Max age
65 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion Criteria:
* A clinical diagnosis of acromioclavicular (AC) joint degeneration confirmed by clinical examination and imaging (X-ray, ultrasound, or MRI).
* Shoulder pain duration of at least 4 weeks.
* Age between 18 and 65 years
* Willingness to refrain from any additional treatments outside the study protocol during the study period (e.g., medication changes, injections, or physiotherapy elsewhere) and to provide written informed consent
Exclusion Criteria:
* Current or previous diagnosis/history of acromioclavicular (AC) joint separation.
* Diagnosis of frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis).
* History of acute trauma or fracture involving the shoulder girdle (e.g., clavicle fracture, shoulder dislocation).
* History of shoulder surgery.
* Systemic inflammatory joint disease (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis) or other systemic arthropathies.
* Skin conditions preventing taping (e.g., rash, open wound, or known tape allergy).
* Neuromuscular disease or neurological disorders affecting shoulder function
Primary outcome measure(s)
Pain Intensity — Baseline (Week 0), immediately after the first session (acute effect), Week 4 (end of intervention), and Month 3 follow-up Pain intensity will be assessed at rest and during activity using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS).
Shoulder Range of Motion — Baseline (Week 0), immediately after the first session (acute effect), Week 2, Week 4 (end of intervention), and Month 3 follow-up Shoulder range of motion (flexion, abduction, internal rotation, and external rotation) will be assessed using a goniometer by recording active range of motion until pain onset, active range of motion despite pain, and passive end-range of motion.
Trial sites (1)
Facility
City
Region
Status
Hacettepe University, Faculty of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Sports Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Department
This page summarises publicly available registry data for informational purposes — not medical advice. Eligibility is determined by each study team; patients should discuss participation with their clinician.
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