Dr. Lisa Goodman, DC, CCSP, CACCP
During the last 8 weeks, we have been demonstrating taping applications to many of our patients via telemedicine and now thankfully, back in the office! There has never been a better time to try your hand at DIY tape applications.
RockTape™ and KT Tape™ are types of kinesiology tape used to support muscles and ligaments after injury, during rehab or returning to sport/activity. The tape is easy to apply and stays in place for up to 5 days. Kinesiology tape is designed to be user friendly and applied by anyone.
Kinesiology Tape Benefits
Compression and Support - much more effective than an ace wrap, kinesiology tape stays in place while reducing swelling and providing pain relief
De-load the injured area - spreading out muscle and ligament stress over a larger area
Pain Relief - the tactile input on the skin, compression, and de-loading provide significant pain relief to strains, sprains and bruises
Swelling Reduction - the ‘edema reduction’ application promotes lymphatic drainage, reduces swelling, and speeds resolution of bruising.
Muscle Retraining - through tactile input with movement, your muscles ‘learn’ to work appropriately during rehab.
In a nutshell Kinesiology tape gives support and stability to your joints and muscles without affecting circulation or range of motion. It is primarily used to reduce pain, reduce swelling and provide support. Many athletes also use it for performance care. In contrast, traditional sports’ taping is wrapped around a joint strictly for stabilization and support during a sporting event obstructing the flow of bodily fluids as an undesirable side-effect. RockTape™ will not prevent injury or reduce the likelihood of traumatic injury to any joints. Functional Taping for Musculoskeletal Injuries In addition to RocDoc taping certifications, our doctors are certified in FTMI (Function Taping for Musculoskeletal Injuries). This protocol combines several types of tape including athletic, strapping and stabilization. FTMI involves functional analysis of which tape applications may make an injury feel better and exactly how they should be applied. When to Get Taped Kinesiology tape is used for anything from headaches to pregnancy-related pain and everything in between. Examples include: posture, pediatric injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome, lower back strain/pain (subluxations, herniated disc), knee conditions, shoulder conditions, hamstring, rotator cuff injury, whiplash, tennis elbow, plantar fasciitis, patella tracking, pre and post surgical edema, ankle sprains, athletic preventative injury method, and as a support method.
Kinesiology Tape Videos Full videos of RockTape™ Applications are available on our Washington Park Chiropractic YouTube Channel