Description
Kinesio taping techniques have gained popularity for their potential in pain relief and support for various conditions. Kinesio taping involves the application of elastic tape to specific areas of the body to aid in pain management and provide support. The tape used in kinesio taping is designed to mimic the elasticity of human skin, allowing for a full range of motion while providing support. Kinesio taping can help alleviate pain by reducing pressure on pain receptors and increasing blood flow to the affected area. This technique is commonly used in sports medicine to support injured muscles and joints during athletic activities. It is often used to support proper posture and muscle function, aiding in the prevention of injuries.Kinesio taping techniques are non-invasive and typically well-tolerated, making them a preferred choice for many individuals seeking pain relief.
Summary Listen
- Rigid taping, a strong tape used for stability, has been utilized since the 1960s, particularly in medical practices to secure dressings. It allows individuals to continue activities, such as sports, even with injuries like ankle sprains, prioritizing stability over mobility. In contrast, kinetriotive taping (kinetrioletaping or taping, but not kinetriotaping due to proprietary rights) offers both preventative and rehabilitative benefits.
- Kinetriotive taping can be used preventatively, for example, in returning athletes from rehabilitation, to protect against re-injury. It can also be utilized in rehabilitative settings, such as for tennis elbow. However, research supporting the efficacy of taping is limited, with low levels of evidence demonstrating significant differences between taped and untaped patient groups. Despite low evidence, tape has it's place as an adjunct therapy, to maintain the benefits gained through electrotherapy, exercises, and manual therapies.
- Contraindications for taping include active infections, cellulitis, malignancies at the application site, open wounds, and deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Allergic reactions to the tape are also a concern, necessitating inquiry about prior use and reactions. It's always best to refer to a physician whenever you see a patient with the symptoms of DVT, instead of tape.
- The founder of kinetriotive taping, Dr. Kenzo Kase, highlights three key principles: improving appropriate joint sensation, rearranging facial tissue, and creating space for improved circulation. It's important to have a good understanding of the facial line whenever taping so that it could result in successful result. Taping utilizes tension and elasticity, unlike rigid tape, offering varying degrees of support (paper off, moderate, severe).
- The tension levels impact the yield. Paper off gives 10 to 15% elasticity, moderate yields 25-50%, and severe is 75%. Benefits include pain relief, rehabilitation, and potentially injury prevention and performance enhancement. Tape has been banned from the Olympics, because it has been seen that it effects the athlete's performance, but is still used in other sports depending on regulations.
- Proper evaluation is crucial before applying tape, considering the patient's biomechanics and individual needs. In practice, taping is most effective for muscle conditions and swelling control, providing temporary relief and potentially accelerating recovery. Understanding when and where to use tape, as well as contraindications, is vital to avoid harm and ensure patient safety.
- Muscle taping utilizes principles of facilitation and inhibition, determined by the direction of application. Distal to proximal application inhibits a muscle (like the trapezius in cases of overactivity), while proximal to distal facilitates it. Low back pain due to overfiring of paraspinals can be addressed with tape applied distally to proximally to inhibit the muscles.
- Swelling control with tape aims to lift the skin, improving lymphatic circulation. The tape is split to create spacing, and applied with minimal stretch to maximize the lifting effect. Securing the base of the tape near lymphatic nodes can further enhance drainage. Proper skin preparation and tape application are essential for optimal adhesion and duration of effect.
Sample Certificate
About the Speakers
Dr. Rajaram Yalamaddi,
Director- Sports Physiotherapist and Pain & Movement Specialist, Sri Raghava's Physio Clinic
Financial Disclosure
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