The use of electrical stimulation and taping to address shoulder subluxation for a patient with central cord syndrome

Abstract

Background and Purpose. This case report describes the examination, intervention, and outcome of a patient with central cord syndrome (CCS) who participated in acute rehabilitation that included the use of electrical stimulation (ES) and strapping to address shoulder subluxation. The only literature found describing these interventions for shoulder subluxation was for patients with stroke. Case Description. The patient was a 29-year-old man with CCS and bilateral shoulder subluxation. He received ES over 8 weeks to the anterior and middle deltoid and supraspinatus muscles of the right shoulder. Taping was repeated every 3 to 4 days on both shoulders following over the anterior and middle deltoid muscles up to the acromion. Outcomes. The initial shoulder subluxation measurements were 1.5 cm on the right and 1.0 cm on the left. The final measurements were 0.3 cm on the right and 0.2 cm on the left. The patient's American Spinal Injury Association upper-extremity motor scores were 26/50 initially and 48/50 at discharge. Conclusion. The use of ES and shoulder taping in conjunction with other rehabilitation may have played a role in reducing the patient's shoulder subluxation.