Taping and Physical Therapy

Taping and Physical Therapy

Taping and Physical Therapy

Taping and Physical Therapy

Have you ever watched a sporting event on TV and noticed a particular athlete has tape applied to their shoulder?  Or maybe you know someone who applies tape to their knees prior to running. Although taping is often associated with athletes, Physical Therapists utilize taping techniques to treat a variety of ailments. When applied correctly tape can help prevent injury, improve performance and posture, and reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation.

Types of tape

There are several different types of tape available for therapeutic use, each having their own specialized properties. 

  • Kinesiology Tape
    • Flexible, breathable, water resistant
    • Helps to reduce pain2,3,4
    • Can be used to facilitate or inhibit specific muscles
    • Can help to reduce compensatory movements
    • Helps to increase circulation, deliver nutrients to injured tissue, reduce swelling, and accelerates the healing process.1
    • Improve function and performance by increasing joint awareness which is also known as joint proprioception during complex movement tasks that are necessary for athletic performance.5,6

 

                                                                                  

                    Posture Taping                     Swelling Reduction Tape Application           Reduced bruising after taping

  • McConnell Tape
    • Rigid and highly adhesive therefore it does require pre-tape to protect the skin
    • Helps to reduce pain during functional movements by improving alignment and mechanics.7

                                                

                                         Knee Taping                           Posture Taping

Taping may be a beneficial tool in in your rehabilitation journey or to help enhance your athletic performances.  However, research has shown that overall outcomes are better when using taping as a supplement to an individualized rehabilitation plan of care. 

If you have any specific questions regarding how tape may benefit you or a family member please contact one of our locations to speak with a Physical Therapist.  

 Call one of our locations today to set up your initial evaluation and begin your journey to better!

Orland Park (708)966-4386               Homer Glen (708) 645-7700

References

  1. Kase K. Wallis J. Kase T. Clinical Therapeutic Applications of the Kinesio Taping Method. 2nd Edt Albuquerque, NM, Kinesio Taping Association; 2006
  2. Kirmizigil B, Chauchat JR, Yalciner O, Iyigun G, Angin E, Baltaci G. The Effectiveness of Kinesio Taping in Recovering from Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness: A Cross-Over Study. J Sport Rehabil. 2019:1-28.
  3. Öztürk G, Külcü DG, Mesci N, Şilte AD, Aydog E. Efficacy of kinesio tape application on pain and muscle strength in patients with myofascial pain syndrome: a placebo-controlled trial. J Phys Ther Sci. 2016;28(4):1074-1079.
  4. Rahlf AL, Braumann KM, Zech A. Kinesio Taping Improves Perceptions of Pain and Function of Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis. A Randomized, Controlled Trial. J Sport Rehabil. 2018:1-21.
  5. Chang HY, Chou KY, Lin JJ, Lin CF, Wang CH. Immediate effect of forearm Kinesio taping on maximal grip strength and force sense in healthy collegiate athletes. Phys Ther Sport. 2010;11(4):122-127.
  6. Chang HY, Wang CH, Chou KY, Cheng SC. Could forearm Kinesio Taping improve strength, force sense, and pain in baseball pitchers with medial epicondylitis? Clin J Sport Med. 2012;22(4):327-333.
  7. Logan CA, Bhashyam AR, Tisosky AJ, et al. Systematic Review of the Effect of Taping Techniques on Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome. Sports Health. 2017;9(5):456-461.

 

 

 

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *