Kinesio Taping and Physical Therapy

When sustaining an injury it often feels like the healing process takes far too long, there is a constant search for tools to make the process faster and easier. Fortunately, there is a non-invasive technique available that not only reduces pain and increases movement, but also supports injured muscles, facilitates weakened muscles and increases blood flow. The technique is called Kinesio Taping, and it may be an important addition to your physical therapy experience, helping you achieve your own personal goals faster.

In the hands of a trained clinician, Kinesio Tape can be used as a key component in the management of various orthopedic ailments including:

• drop foot/wrist
• plantar fascitis
• achilles tendinitis
• shoulder impingement
• rotator cuff tendinitis
• low back pain
• neck pain
• knee pain
• muscle and tendon strains
• ligament sprains
• trochanteric bursitis
• iliotibial band (ITB) syndrome

Unlike other forms of bracing and taping, Kinesio Tape is not designed to restrict movement, but instead to improve movement. Kinesio Tape is breathable and waterproof. It does not contain latex, so there is little to no skin reaction; allowing for the patient to use the tape frequently without suffering from skin irritation. It can be worn all day long (for several days), including for bathing and during sports, exercise and aquatic activities. Although it's exposure is increasing with more frequent use by high-level athletes (e.g. Keri Walsh, the gold medal winning Olympic beach volleyball player), you don't need to be an athlete to benefit from this ground-breaking technique. Originally developed by the Japanese physician, Dr. Kenso Kase, Kinesio Taping has begun to gain recognition in Western medicine as it has proven increasingly beneficial for people from all walks of life who are suffering from the effects musculoskeletal injuries.

A trained and experienced physical therapist will have the knowledge to utilize a variety of Kinesio Taping techniques designed to meet each patient's individual needs depending on the muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints that may be the source of a patient's pain and dysfunction. Kinesio Tape, by itself, will rarely serve as a stand alone treatment. However, when used in conjunction with other treatment methods (i.e. stretching/strengthening activities, massage, heat/ice, electrical stimulation, patient education, activity modification) a patient may find themselves getting better, faster than they had imagined possible.

An exciting new technique in the area of sports and rehabilitation, Kinesio Tape is a tremendous tool in the hands of a trained clinician. Physical therapists at Mary Lou Corcoran Physical and Aquatic Therapy have experience in the utilization and application of Kinesio Taping. If you feel that your pain or daily life could be positively impacted by Kinesiotape, call 637-4747 to schedule an appointment for an evaluation with a physical therapist at MLCPT.

Posted by Julie Wallace, PT

Volleyball Image provided by cmaccubbin and used with Creative Commons License.