04 Oct 2018 16:42:58
The type of strapping on Salah's shoulder looks like leukotape with hypafix which is primarily used for stabilisation as it is a pretty rigid tape. Completely different to widely used modern K-tape. The position of the tape would likely indicate a requirement to stabilise the AC joint. This joint can commonly sublux (partial dislocation) or separate on falling or impact such as tackling in rugby. There could also be the case that the player is requesting the tape for a feeling of security when there is not in fact a clinical reason to apply it. If this is the case then we can safely say that Salah has not psychologically overcome the injury. If the tape is necessary it clearly has its benefits at stabilising the AC ligament or possibly retracting the shoulder to help inhibit muscles at the front of the shoulder to stop the shoulder being pulled forwards. The negative impact would come from a sensory point of view. With the tape being quite rigid in nature it may slightly restrict movement but also Salah will be able to feel the tape on shoulder movement. This could potentially lead to abnormal movements of the shoulder due to altered sensory cues received from the feeling of the tape. In this case the position of the tape could potentially encourage elevation (shrugging) of the left shoulder which could greatly effect balance.
If there is no clinical evidence of joint instability at this stage I would question the necessity of the strapping and whether it is potentially having more detrimental affects.

Cheers.

1.) 04 Oct 2018
04 Oct 2018 21:59:27
Great post.
I would be tempted to rip it off him, slap him on the arse and say “there ya go, you don’t need that, now go score me a goal”.

2.) 04 Oct 2018
04 Oct 2018 22:10:25
What’s this? An intelligent and well informed post? Take your devils scripture to another website please greggers! 😉.

3.) 04 Oct 2018
04 Oct 2018 22:35:46
Good info greggers. When I was younger I hurt my ankle pretty badly. I had it taped and it was very restrictive however psychologically it helped me a great deal. It was like a safety blanket for me. I can see however how it would work in the opposite direction.

4.) 05 Oct 2018
04 Oct 2018 23:40:51
I swear it was salahs right shoulder that was injured. The picture shows his left shoulder with tape. Apologies if i've got confused its been a long dag.

5.) 05 Oct 2018
05 Oct 2018 10:44:24
the psychological part of the recovery is often not thought of by fans. and especially as it's his shoulder it can be easy to minimize the impact on his game. I don't want to make excuses for salah but he just seems like he is missing something, and at that elite level it is fine margins that make a big difference.

whatever it is hope that he is wokring through and gets back to his best soon!

6.) 05 Oct 2018
05 Oct 2018 10:55:58
You took the words right out of my mouth, greggers.

7.) 06 Oct 2018
06 Oct 2018 08:11:42
All I’ll say is playing him when he’s struggling will not help him psychologically.
The poor lad was thrashed last season and it culminated in an awful champions league final where he got a bad injury. Then he was rushed back for an awful World Cup.

Give him a proper rest. Give him a holiday. Work on his rehab (physically and mentally) and then bring him back gradually.
I’d rather have half a season of a fully firing Salah than a full season of a struggling Salah.