Kinesio Taping
Taping
Adapted from
www.physio-pedia.com
Taping is commonly used as an adjunct or temporary technique.
Athletes often make use of taping as a protective mechanism in the presence of an existing
injury. Some of the goals with taping are to restrict the movement of injured joints, soft tissue
compression to reduce swelling. support anatomical structures, and as protection from re-injury.
Taping is used as one of the means of rehabilitation or prophylaxis in instances where support and stability are needed, as a first-aid tool, for the prevention of injury and protection of an injured anatomical structure while healing is taking place.
Taping is used as one of the means of rehabilitation or prophylaxis in instances where support and stability are needed, as a first-aid tool, for the prevention of injury and protection of an injured anatomical structure while healing is taking place.
Aims of Taping
Tape may be used to: Stabilize or support an injury Relieve pain by de-loading vulnerable or
painful structures Facilitate normal movement, muscle action, or postural patterns.
Kinesio Taping–Physiopedia
Kinesio Taping Method is a therapeutic tool utilized by rehabilitation specialists in all programs
pediatric, geriatric, orthopedic, neurological, oncology and others.
The idea of using elastic tape to mimic the therapist’s hands was first presented by Dr Kenzo
Kase in the 1970s. Since then, it became the modality used in pain management, soft tissue
injury], tissues and joints malalignment, edema, and more. Kinesio Taping Method utilizes four
types of Kinesio Tex Tapes, each with specific properties designed for use on fragile, sensitive
skin or applied with higher tensions.
Intended Purpose and Effect of Taping Techniques
The tape is commonly used by physiotherapists to: relieve your pain improve joint stability
enhance athlete confidence reduce injury recurrence prevent injury reduce strain on injured or
vulnerable tissues correct faulty biomechanics inhibit muscle action facilitate muscle action
enhance proprioception compress in the presence of edema or lymphatic drainage
Some of these purposes may be achieved through a combination of these possible effects of
taping: mechanical effects neuromuscular effects psychological effects There are different kinds
of tape that can be employed: Rigid strapping tape commonly used in taping or strapping is
often referred to as “sports tape” or “athletic tape” and is most often a rigid style of strapping
tape. Elastic strapping tape can also be used when less rigidity or support is required.
Kinesiology tape is an improved version of elastic sports tape that acts to dynamically assist
your muscle function.
Properties
Kinesio Tex Tape contains either 100% cotton and elastic fibres or a blend of polyester and
cotton with elastic fibres. The latter is preferable for Kinesio Taping application on sensitive skin
when higher tensions on the tape are needed for the desired outcome. The tape is applied on
the paper backing using an acrylic adhesive with 10-15% stretch.
Ability to stretch to 120-140% of its original length
Recoil back to the anchor that is applied without stretch
Heat-activated adhesive
Hypoallergenic dyes that make the tape safe for most users
Latex-free
Drying time after being wet is about 5-10 minutes
Can be worn for several days
Type of Kinesio Tex Tapes
Skin: Kinesio Tex Tape applied on the skin with a low degree of stretch changes the density and
the concentration of the tissue in the dermis and epidermis.
This mechanical stimulus converted into electrical impulses is called mechanotransduction and
can produce cell movement. Kinesio Tex Tape produces pressure and stretch on the skin that
may be able to stimulate mechanoreceptors. This stimulus interacts with the brain and spinal
cord and modulates pain responses.
Lymphatic and Circulatory System: the application of Kinesio Tex Tape facilitates the opening of
microvalves due to a dynamic pressure variation due to alteration in skin density. This
decompression activates lymphatics in the dermis and improves lymphatic flow. The end result
is a tissue inflammation and swelling reduction. It is also theorized that lifting the skin detaches
filaments that attach the skin to endothelial cells of the lymphatic and capillary beds. This is
proposed to create channels that allow lymph to drain, thus reducing swelling and allowing
increased blood flow to the area.
Fascia: the application of Kinesio Tex Tape changes the tension elements in tissues to
encourage homeostasis. The tension imposed from the tape frees the fascia of any movement
limitations through the movement of the skin relative to the target tissue.
Contra-indications:
Cancer
Infection, cellulitis
Open wound
DVT
Previous allergic reaction to Kinesio Tex Tape
General precautions are:
Diabetes
Congestive heart failure (CHF)
Patient receiving
dialysis/Kidney disease
Organ transplants
Pregnancy
Kinesio Taping Method has evolved over the past 20 years from a mechanical effect on the
tissue to the neurophysiological one based on the discoveries in cell biology, fascia and
mechanotransduction. The Kinesiology taping principles remained unchanged.
Research is conducted on healthy subjects when the primary effect of the Kinesio Taping
Method is to facilitate tissue return to homeostasis. Kinesio Taping is a method to assist with
musculoskeletal system damage. ]
What does the evidence support?
Increase ROM
Improve Function
Decrease Oedema/Swelling
Decrease Pain
Improvement in Quality of Life (QL)
Pros
Some evidence proves theories
Provides an optional modality for treatment
Applicable to multiple patient populations at various stages of rehabilitation
Decrease in pain encourages movement
Patient can be taught self-application techniques
Cons
Inconsistent body of evidence to prove theories
Can be expensive when used for a prolonged period of time
Can cause skin irritation or allergic reaction to tape
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Knee Taping – Physiopedia
Introduction Taping is frequently used in the field of rehabilitation as a means of treatment for
knee injuries however much of the evidence is contradictory. Taping is one of the adjunct
treatments that we as physiotherapists might use with our patients in combination with well
supported techniques such as patient education and exercise therapy. We could argue that if
taping has a positive effect, be it placebo or mechanical, then we should use it. There is good
reason to use taping for sporting injuries of the knee, however there is contradicting evidence
for using taping to improve lower limb biomechanics to reduce pain and improve function in
conditions such as PFPS[1]. Knee Taping Techniques Patella (McConnell) Taping[edit | edit
source] The McConnell taping technique was developed to correct altered patellofemoral
kinematics and permit participation in normal daily activity and to allow the patient to engage in
physical therapy exercise pain free. There are several variations of the taping procedure
depending on the specific needs of the patient (eg, glide, tilt, and/or rotation). This form of
Patella taping has been reported to reduce anterior knee pain, regulate the mediolateral pulling
force of the patella, improve joint alignment and facilitate the vastus medialis obliquus. Although
it has been reported to reduce pain and improve function in people with patellofemoral pain
syndrome during activities of daily living, strong evidence to identify the underlying mechanisms
is still not available[2] Kinesio taping technique used for muscles can relieve pain but cannot
change patellar alignment, unlike McConnell taping. Both patellar tapings are used differently for
PFPS patients and substantially improve muscle activity, motor function, and quality of life
Mulligan Concept was initially developed by Brian Mulligan from New Zealand. It is now
recognized world wide in manual therapy approaches. His concept of Mobilization with
Movement (MWM) is the application of manually applied accessory joint glide with concomitant
pain free active movement. During the development of MWMs, Mulligan discovered that tape
was a good tool in sustaining the positional changes in the joint, and also to compliment the
directional forces provided after the MWM treatment. The tape is usually applied in the direction
of the pain-free joint glide for the patient as an adjunct to manual therapy. Taping can be used
as part of the treatment and may be used for a week or two while the joint mobilizations are
applied still during therapy or whilst following a prescribed home exercise program.
Principles[edit | edit source] Type of tape utilized[edit | edit source] Rigid tape is commonly used
in Mulligan taping as it sustains the joint glides better mechanically. Kinesiotape has also been
used in the same manner, with 100% stretch. The usage of kinesiotape might be preferable in
active users as the elastic nature of the tape and composition of more waterproof materials may
lead to increased comfort. Common uses of Mulligan tape[edit | edit source] Mulligan taping is
used more commonly in peripheral joints.
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