Taping Somaya Malkawi, PhD

In 1973, Kinesio® Tape (KT) has been used to prevent and heal many different conditions Kinesio® Tape was invented by a chiropractor, Dr. Kenzo Kase, in Japan (Kase, Wallis, & Kase, 2003).

Properties of Kinesio Tape Mimics skin qualities Tape is replicating hands on the patient –Sensiomotor stimulation Allows longitudinal stretch of 30-40% of its resting length Effective for 3-5 days of constant use Latex free and heat activated adhesive Acrylic adhesive applied in wave fashion to allow for moisture escape

Tape Characteristics Athletic tape is hypoallergenic and cotton-backed with adhesive designed to withstand temperature changes. Key Concept –Supplies needed for taping and wrapping include spray adhesives, underwrap, tape, foam paddings, and tape-removal tools.

Tape Characteristics Mimic some characteristics of the skin It can stretch percent of its length giving it an elastic quality like that of the skin It is approximately the same thickness of the epidermis of the skin. “It was intended to limit the body’s perception of weight and not give a sensory stimuli that there was something on the skin when properly applied.

Tape Characteristics After approximately 10 minutes the patient will generally not perceive there is tape on their skin” The tape is made with 100% cotton fibers allowing for quick drying and evaporation of body moisture. The adhesive used is 100% acrylic and 100% latex-free It is heat activated and once removed leaves behind no residue.

Tape Characteristics “The acrylic adhesive is applied in a wave like pattern to mimic the qualities of the fingerprint on the fingertip. Allows for zones in which moisture can escape

Taping Supplies

Taping in the Prevention and Treatment of Injuries –It should be stored in a cool, relatively dry environment. –Cut edges in rounded shape –Tape is made to be torn easily by holding firmly on each side and pulling at an angle so the force breaks the fibers.

Taping in the Prevention and Treatment of Injuries Tape underwrap helps eliminate irritation from repeated taping, while providing comfort, holding heel and lace pads in place, and keeping tape away from the skin of those allergic to tape. Spray adherent helps the adhesive tape and underwrap adhere to the skin.

Underwrap and Spray Adherent

Taping in the Prevention and Treatment of Injuries Key Concept –The primary purpose of taping is to provide additional support, stability, and compression for an affected body part. Taping can be used as a preventive measure or as protection for new or healing injuries.

Taping in the Prevention and Treatment of Injuries Taping is an important skill for the rehab team –OTs –PTs –Ats –Chiropractors and massage therapists –Athletes –Dancers.. etc

Taping in the Prevention and Treatment of Injuries It can be preventative for patients who need additional protection or as a treatment for new and healing injuries. Before tape is applied, a certified therapists should complete a full assessment of injury.

Theoretical Benefits

Analgesic Affect –Create space for areas of pain and inflammation –Assist or limit motion through sensory stimulus Lymphatic Drainage –Increase lymph drainage from the area via increased subcutaneous space

Theoretical Benefits Correct Malalignment –Positional stimulus –Align fascia tissues Scar Tissue –Breaks adhesions –Reduce irritation

Types of Application

Y I X Fan Web Donut

Types of Application: Y Used to surround muscle Either to facilitate or inhibit muscle stimuli Should be 2 inches longer than target muscle Teres Minor Y

Type of Application: I Used for more acute injuries in place of Y Primary purpose for edema and pain –Greater surface area Used for alignment correction Tricep I strips

Type of Application: X and Donut X –Used when origin and insertion change depending on movement (Rhomboids) Donut –Specifically used for edema –Use overlapping strips and the center is cut out over area of focus

Types of Application: Fan/Web Chief use for edema Web different because ends remain intact

Type of Application Stretch Muscle should be elongated prior to application KT requires none to partial stretch Stretch results in skin convolutions whether they are visible or not they are present Would rather have too little than too much stretch

Types of Application Stretch Full- 100% Severe- 75% Moderate- 50% Light % None- 0% Percentage stretch refer to percentage of available stretch

Type of Application Direction Insertion to Origin –Used to inhibit overused or stretched muscles –Light stretch required to achieve this goal Origin to Insertion –Used to facilitate weak or under performing muscles –Light to moderate stretch required

Application Guidelines

Shave hair if interfering with adhesive No oils or lotions on skin If wet, pat dry Do not use hair dryer on tape Use alcohol to prep skin if needed

Application Guidelines Measure appropriate length- allowing for desired stretch Remove tape carefully in order not to touch or increase application difficulty Rub tape after application to activate adhesive Allow 20 mins for adhesive to take effect If KT doesn’t reduce pain than D/C treatment after 20 mins

Achilles-Tendon Taping The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the body, joining the lower leg gastrocnemius and soleus muscles to the heel bone (calcaneus). Most ruptures of the Achilles tendon occur with the contraction of the calf muscles. Taping is an effective way to relieve strain and overstretching.

Achilles-Tendon Taping

Wrist taping Wrist taping adds support to the wrist. Wrist support products also available commercially.

Thumb Taping For mild sprain, proper taping allows safe return to play. A simple method to keep the thumb from hyper-extending is to tape the thumb to the adjacent finger, maintaining the normal spacing between the two.

Finger Taping Finger support can be obtained from a simple buddy taping procedure.

Elbow Taping Hyperextension of the elbow is normally the result of falling on an outstretched arm or hand. Taping prevents hyperextension and prevents hyper mobility, a body part from moving beyond its normal range of motion.

Clinical Implications Why use it –Tool in the toolbox –Treats patient for 72 consecutive hours –Feeling of treatment -> encourage movement Placebo or Treatment? –Versatile Pros –Some evidence proves theories –PTs provide treatment –Applicable to multiple pt populations –Constant treatment Cons –Some evidence proves theories –Expensive –Requires practice –Skin reaction

Clinical Implications Athletic Taping v Kinesio Taping –Bragg article demonstrates AT decrease in support within an hour of use –Since KT does not focus on support its means of sensory stimulus to enforce movement may just be a better form of AT Clinical Opinion –Kinesio Taping could be a useful tool for therapist who see patients only a handful of times during rehab –Little evidence supports its multiple theories, more research needed –May be a way to facilitate and encourage movement

Y-Strip Supraspinatus, 1st Y or I Strip, Anterior displacement, 3rd Y-Strip Deltoid, 2nd

Quadriceps Taping

Y-Strip 1st Y-Strip 2nd

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