How does taping injuries help

Historically the purpose of using athletic tapes was to treat injuries by immobilizing an area of damaged tissue, such as an achy joint or pulled tendon, while also decreasing range of motion in an effort to prevent additional damage from occurring.

To simplify the process, kinesiology tape works by lifting the skin slightly away from the underlying tissue, due to adhesion between the skin and tape. This creates a small space between the muscle and the dermis of the skin where fluid can be drained from. As Dr. The tape is made from a unique material that bonds to the skin using body heat. Severely restricting an area of damaged tissue can cause swelling and stiffness to become even worse, which is why stretching and physical or osteopathic manipulative therapies help so much in recovery.

Kinesiology tape stretches lengthwise but not crosswise, helping it to stay in place and to adhere to the correct area where the muscle or joint injury has occurred. In some cases physical therapists or other therapists who use hands-on manipulations to treat patients may choose to use kinesiology tape with their patients following a session in order to facilitate lymphatic drainage and support healing.

Between physical therapy sessions the tape can help to keep pain low by keeping swelling down and allowing for some gentle movement. A study published in the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies found that kinesiology taping can be very helpful for decreasing lower back pain when combined with other forms of manipulative therapy, such as physical therapy.

Kinesiology tape may be useful for those who are dealing with running injuries , including:. One double blind test compared the effects of kinesiology tape and a placebo tape on quadricep torque, standardized stair-climbing tasks SSCT and pain in the knees in patients with knee pain due to osteoarthritis.

The conclusion of the study was that application of kinesiology tape can be helpful for reducing pain in knee osteoarthritis and improving range of motion. One study that included 42 adults who experienced shoulder problems and pain found that use of kinesiology tape helped to decrease their symptoms over the course of several weeks.

You can find kinesiology tape online or for purchase in certain sporting stores. Several different companies now manufacture kinesiology tapes, each of which are slightly different in terms of their fabric, colors and length. The original kinesiology tape comes in a package that is typically three inches wide and ranges from 16— feet long longer lengths are needed to cover bigger parts of the body.

Pretty cool, huh?! Your email address will not be published. Facebook Twitter Youtube Instagram Pinterest. Decompression Therapy This mechanical lifting effect is best observed when kinesiology tape is used over swollen and bruised areas. Movement Correction To some extent, the brain makes decisions about movement based on force and the direction of that force in skin and connective tissue.

Want to get your own RockTape? Move more, and move better. Kinesiology tape can provide benefit when utilized with other appropriate interventions. Over time, kinesiology tape tends to loosen and may come off quite easily.

If not, there are tips for easy removal. Some patients use olive oil of baby oil to soften the adhesive. In general, remove slowly while pressing skin down to separate it from the tape. Also, it may help to pull tape backwards, towards itself, rather than straight up perpendicular to the skin. Most patients tolerate kinesiology tape well. In those with a known history of sensitivity, first apply a test strip to assess for irritation prior to a full taping application.

In fact, most major brands of kinesiology tape are hypoallergenic, latex-free, and rarely irritating. For this reason, some athletic groups or teams buy product in bulk which decreases overall unit cost. Also, use the tape as needed, but sparingly.

In other words, meet the purpose, but do not over tape, or use more length than needed. Kinesio taping is a common intervention in chiropractic care , injury treatment and sports rehabilitation. With possible benefits including support, increased circulation, pain relief and muscle training, kinesiology tape remains a widely applied product.

Before using it, talk to your provider to make sure you receive training in proper use and application. Also, a comprehensive rehabilitation and training program may greatly impact your overall health and fitness. Overall, kinesiology tape is not a standalone treatment, so find a provider you trust, and you will be on your way to optimal health. Stephen Szaro describes how Decompression Therapy is used to treat a variety of…. By: Dr. Did you know that the shoulder glenohumeral joint is the….

Rudy Gehrman. Chiropractic care can expand your overall well-being. This article will better explain what chiropractic…. Stephen Szaro What is Kinesiology Tape? He invented what he needed. How Does Kinesiology Tape Work? Some benefits of kinesiology tape include the following: Creates joint space. Some studies show that when applied strategically around the knee or shoulder, joint space subsequently increases.

With improved joint space, joint irritation may lessen, leading to decreased pain or better mobility. May impact pain signals. Chiropractors, physical therapists , athletic trainers, and others use kinesiology tape to treat pain and dysfunction, including trigger points. In general, the reasoning is that the tape may change how the sensory nervous system sends signals. Patients feel the tape, and this new input may alter signals about body pain and compression.

Some research supports the finding that kinesiology tape coupled with manual therapy reduces trigger point pain and improves flexibility. Indeed, patients tend to tolerate the taping quite well. May improve blood and fluid circulation. Although there is more research needed, some studies imply improved blood and lymphatic flow with kinesiology tape use.

In effect, increased blood and lymph may improve the healing process.