Physiotherapists often use strapping and taping techniques in the management of various musculoskeletal conditions. Strapping can be used effectively to reduce pain and swelling and may assist in the rehabilitation of movement dysfunction. Strapping and taping techniques can also help in the prevention of injury as well as to protect you from re-injury whilst returning to function or sport.
One of the roles of tape is to limit the movement in an injured joint in order to prevent excess or abnormal movement. In addition it often provides support to the muscles surrounding the joint that may be under additional strain due to pain or injury.
Another benefit of taping is thought to be the enhanced proprioception (or kinaesthetic feedback) that the tape provides during movement (or in other words it is thought to improve co-ordination). Tape can also be used to protect joints where repeated injury or ligament damage has resulted in joint laxity.
There are a number of different types of tape including EAB, zinc oxide tape and cohesive bandage. Each tape has a specific application and is applied to assist your physiotherapist in achieving your treatment goals.
Kinesio tape, also known as kinesiology tape or K-tape is a taping technique developed by Dr Kenzo Kase in Japan more than 25 years ago. It comes in a number of bright colours and is used to help fluid circulation (thereby reducing swelling), and to activate or deactivate a muscle depending on how it is applied.
At Physios4Movement we have our own youtube channel which demonstrates the different strapping techniques.
We feature the shoulder, wrist, thumb, knee and ankle on our youtube channel.
Click on the link below:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSJLNOYdvFkpYYii-M54X4Q
