Effect of Kinesio Taping After Rotator Cuff Surgery

This prospective randomized controlled trial evaluated whether adding Kinesio Taping (KT) to a standardized postoperative rehabilitation program improves early clinical recovery after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Patients undergoing arthroscopic repair of an isolated full-thickness supraspinatus tear were randomized to receive either standardized rehabilitation combined with KT or standardized rehabilitation alone. Postoperative pain intensity was the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included shoulder range of motion, postoperative edema, Constant-Murley Score, QuickDASH score, and postoperative complications. Participants were assessed preoperatively and on postoperative day 1, week 2, week 6, and month 3.

Inclusion Criteria: * Individuals aged between 18 and 70 years * Patients with clinical suspicion of rotator cuff tear on physical examination and a diagnosis established by magnetic resonance imaging, with intraoperative confirmation * Patients with at least two positive impingement tests on physical examination (Jobe, Hawkins-Kennedy, Neer) * Patients without a diagnosed psychiatric disorder * Patients without a history or current diagnosis of cervical pathology * Patients with a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score of 3 or higher for at least 3 months prior to surgery * Patients able to participate regularly in postoperative follow-up for a period of one year * Patients who agree to participate voluntarily and provide written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * History of shoulder dislocation * History of fracture involving the shoulder or surrounding structures * Inability to comply with postoperative treatment or attend regular follow-up visits * Known skin hypersensitivity or allergy to kinesio taping * Known rheumatologic or neurological disease * History of previous shoulder or peri-shoulder surgery * Presence of cervical disc pathology