Kinesiology & Physiotherapy Taping

    Home » Kinesiology & Physiotherapy Taping

Introduction

The kinesiology & physiotherapy taping Method is a definitive rehabilitative taping technique that is designed to facilitate the body’s natural healing process while providing support and stability to muscles and joints without restricting the body’s range of motion as well as providing extended soft tissue manipulation to prolong the benefits of manual therapy administered within the clinical setting.

By targeting different receptors within the somatosensory system, Kinesio Tape alleviates pain and facilitates lymphatic drainage by microscopically lifting the skin. This lifting affect forms convolutions in the skin thus increasing interstitial space and allowing for a decrease in inflammation of the affected areas.

Why kinesiology & physiotherapy taping?

kinesiology & physiotherapy taping Technique is a therapeutic taping method that allows for treatment for all types of clinical conditions such as orthopedic, neurologic, and even autonomic pathologies in all age groups. The application guidelines allow for and assist normal circulation/lymphatic flow, normal muscle function.

Theory

The type of application theoretically determines the physiological outcome: for example, kinesiology & physiotherapy taping is applied unstretched over manually stretched skin above the injured muscle. This type of application will cause the skin to form convolutions which lift the skin. Theories suggest that these convolutions encourage regeneration of injured tissue by increasing interstitial space and alleviating interstitial pressures which occur from swelling post injury. This decrease in pressure also decompresses subcutaneous nociceptors, leading to decreased pain. It is also theorised that lifting the skin detaches filaments which attach the skin to endothelial cells of the lymphatic and capillary beds. This is proposed to to create channels which allows for lymph to drain, thus reducing swelling and allowing increased blood flow to the area. The evidence for these theories is still in its infancy and requires extensive research.

Kinesiology & Physiotherapy Taping

DIFFERENT TYPES OF APPLICATION

kinesiology & physiotherapy taping can be applied in the shape of a ‘Y’, ‘I’, ‘X’, ‘Fan’, ‘Web’ or ‘Donut’. The shape selection depends on the the size of the affected muscle and the result you are trying to achieve.

‘Y’ tape application is generally used to:

  • Surround the target muscle
  • Inhibit or facilitate muscle stimuli
  • Should be 2 inches longer than the target muscle

‘I’ tape application is generally used for:

  • Acute injuries in place of ‘Y’ tape
  • Oedema and pain (primary purpose)
  • Alignment correction

‘X’ tape application is generally used when:

  • The origin and insertion of the target muscle change depending on movement e.g. the Rhomboids

‘Fan/Web’ tape application is used for:

  • Oedema (web is different because the ends remain intact)

‘Donut’ tape application is generally used for:

  • Oedema (use overlapping strips and the center is cut out over the area of focus)

Schedule an appointment

( All appointments will be schedules within 24 hours! )