Kinesiology Taping for Pregnancy: Part 4 – Diaphragm Pain
posted by Tape Expert @ 6:00 AM
Saturday, August 28, 2010
By the third trimester of pregnancy, the uterus has expanded to fill the entire space between the pelvis and the breast bone. This puts a significant amount of pressure on the diaphragm, the band of muscle separating the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity. When unrestricted, the diaphragm moves up and down as it contracts and relaxes, pushing air in and out of the lungs. As the baby grows, it pushes up on the diaphragm, limiting its ability to move up and down. This is responsible for the shortness of breath most women experience towards the end of pregnancy. Because the diaphragm contains many nerves, pressure applied to the diaphragm can cause also pain, not only in the diaphragm, but also referred pain in the ribs and even the shoulders.
The RockTape Kinesiology Tape company leads the field in kinesiology taping applications for pregnancy. A simple, inexpensive and safe technique to relieve diaphragm-related discomfort is to apply a strip of kinesiology tape around the upper perimeter of the baby bump. The following diagram and instructions are taken from the RockTape Pregnancy Applications poster, which details 12 different taping techniques for a variety of pregnancy-related discomforts.
1. Begin by cutting a strip of Rock Tape long enough to stretch around the entire upper border of the “baby bump.” Round the corners to help prevent peeling.
2. Fold the tape in half and tear the backing completely across the center of the strip. Peel the backing away from the center a few inches in each direction.
3. Apply the center of the tape on the top of the bulge, directly below the sternum/breastbone. With a full inhalation of breath, continue to remove the backing and apply the tape with a slight stretch along the outer perimeter of the abdomen.
4. Apply the final 2-3″ of tape with no stretch. Rub the entire length of the tape to activate the adhesive.
Free Poster – RockTape
Pregnancy Taping Instructions
Would you like a copy of the entire RockTape Pregnancy Application poster with 12 different kinesiology taping applications for conditions related to pregnancy. CLICK HERE to download it from http;//www.theratape.com.
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Kinesiology Taping for Pregnancy: Part 3 – Lower Back Pain
posted by Tape Expert @ 7:24 PM
Friday, August 27, 2010
As pregnancy advances, the lion’s share of the work supporting the ever-growing baby bulge falls squarely on the lower back muscles. The further in front the abdomen protrudes, the more work the back muscles must do to stabilize and support the entire area. No wonder lower back pain is a common pregnancy complaint! Muscle relaxers and anti-inflammatory drugs are not recommended during pregnancy, leaving many moms-to-be desperate for a safe, natural remedy for their aching backs.
While kinesiology taping is most widely used to treat sports injuries, the mechanisms that help a cyclist’s spasmed back muscles relax and recover are equally applicable to a pregnant woman with lower back pain and spasms.
RockTape, the maker of a line of premium kinesiology tape, has been a leader in developing kinesiology taping applications for the aches and pains of pregnancy. Following is a simple kinesiology taping technique that can bring immense relief to anyone dealing with lower back pain, inflammation or spasms. The tape should be applied with the body curled forward from the waist, to put the back muscles in a position of maximal stretch.
1. Cut 2 strips of RockTape, long enough to stretch from gluteal area to the bra line.
2. Remove the backing from the first 2-3″ of Rock Tape and apply to the upper gluteal area on one side of the spine. Continue to apply the tape beside the spine, with no additional stretch, removing the backing as the tape is applied.
3. Repeat on the other side of the spine.
4. Apply a horizontal “decompression strip” directly over the most painful area. Take a 6-8″ length of RockTape and tear the backing across the middle. Peel the backing away from the center in both directions, leaving approximately 2′ at each end. Holding both ends of the tape, stretch it to 50% of its maximum stretch and apply, rubbing briskly to activate the adhesive. Then remove the backing from the ends of the tape and apply them with no stretch.
Free Poster – RockTape
Pregnancy Taping Instructions
Would you like a copy of the entire RockTape Pregnancy Application poster with 12 different kinesiology taping applications for conditions related to pregnancy. CLICK HERE to download it from http;//www.theratape.com.
If you’d like to learn more about kinesiology taping for tennis injuries, be sure to tune into the Tennis Channel Mon. Aug 16th at 7:30 pm. Tennis Channel’s “Fit to Hit”
Fit to Hit features “secrets” that can help tennis players stay healthy and get a winning edge. KT Tape’s segment will feature Clay Sniteman, the lead physical therapist and athletic trainer for the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP). Sniteman recently became a new member of the KT Tape Medical Advisory Board,
KT Tape is a leading kinesiology tape manufacturer, with an extensive line of kinesiology taping products for both consumer and professional use. KT is best known for it’s precut kinesiology tape strips that come conveniently packaged in single or bulk rolls. Simply tear a 10″ strip from the roll, remove the backing and apply – no measuring or cutting required.
More recently, KT Tape introduced the KT Tape Pro line of kinesiology taping products. Engineered with an adhesive that is 25% stronger than industry standard, KT Tape Pro is designed for those who require the ultimate durability and performance from their kinesiology tape. KT Tape Pro is available in precut strips or classic uncut rolls, in both single and bulk sizes.
Sniteman owns Sundance Performance Therapy in Ogden, UT. He is an expert on human biomechanics and has created customized training and workout programs for numerous elite athletes. He also serves as an adjunct faculty member at Weber State University.
As a member of KT Tape’s Medical Advisory Board, Sniteman and other qualified health professionals advise KT Tape on how to provide the best rehabilitation and pain management advice to consumers. Sniteman will participate in on-site and online clinics and be a key resource for taping techniques and information.
Professional tennis players maintain a brutal schedule of training and tournament play. With major events scheduled throughout the year, there is no “off season” for touring tennis pros. Maintaining such a high level of activity week after week and month after month takes a toll on the body. Tour players are continually dealing with a host of aches and pains, ranging from annoying overuse syndromes to major traumatic injuries.
Kinesiology tape provides athletes with a solution for working through minor injuries and recovering faster from major injuries. In addition, it can enhance endurance and performance during training sessions and matches, as well as accelerate recovery after intense exercise.
Unlike traditional athletic tape that is tight and restrictive, kinesiotape provides support without limiting range of motion. It is water resistant and breathable, and can be worn for up to 5 days, even through intense exercise, showering or swimming.
No wonder we’re seeing players sporting colorful configurations of kinesiology tape at all of the major tournaments!
Exciting, New Kinesiology Tape Website Launched
posted by Tape Expert @ 9:46 AM
Thursday, August 12, 2010
If you want to learn about kinesiology tape, buy kinesiology tape, watch kinesiology taping videos or keep up with the latest kinesiology taping news, be sure to check out the new, improved Theratape.com. For over a year, Theratape has steadily grown to become the online authority for all things related to kinesiology tape. Not content to rest on its laurels, a new, vastly improved Theratape.com was launched just last week.
Here are some of the new and exciting features:
- KT Tape (Kinesiology Therapeutic Tape) Precut Strips are now available and on sale. KT Tape is the only brand that offers rolls of pre-cut strips of kinesiology tape. Each 10″ strip can be easily torn from the roll, ready to apply. Each strip is also serrated down the middle, allowing it to be applied as a “Y” strip with no additional cutting.
- KT Tape Pro. Theratape also carries the new KT Tape Pro line. KT Tape Pro is a premium kinesiology tape with an advanced adhesive that is 25% stronger than most other kinesiology tapes. KT Tape Pro is available in single uncut rolls and bulk uncut rolls, and is extremely well-priced, with 20% more tape than competitive brands.
- The Theratape Education Center is a companion site to Theratape.com, and can be accessed directly from the top navigation bar. The Education Center contains the internet’s largest collection of kinesiology taping information, and is growing daily. Here you can download over 90 different printable application instructions for a wide variety of injuries or for athletic performance enhancement. If you prefer to watch, you can view the same number of videos, featuring professionals showing how to apply kinesiology tape. You can also access testimonials, news posts and detailed product specifications and information in the Theratape Education Center.
- Quick Order Pages for customers in a hurry. For those with a list of items to order, Theratape now offers Quick Order pages for each of the four major kinesiology tape brands – Kinesio Tape, KT Tape, RockTape and SpiderTech Tape. Each Quick Order page contains the entire product listing for that brand. Simply enter the quantities you wish to order beside each product and click Add to Cart, and you’re ready to check out. (And, of course, Theratape still provides its unsurpassed Same Day Shipping service for all orders placed by 2 pm central time.)
In addition to the newly added KT Tape, Theratape also offers products from these leading kinesiology tape manufacturers:
- Kinesio Tape – the brand that ignited the kinesiology taping explosion at the Beijing Olympics. Kinesio Tex Tape is available in single rolls (2″ x 16.4′) and bulk rolls (2″ x 105′).
- RockTape – a premium kinesiology tape designed to enhance athletic performance. RockTape is available in 16 different colors and patterns (including camo, cow and biohazard), and comes in single rolls (2″ x 16.4′) and bulk rolls (2″ x 105′).
- SpiderTech Tape – the only company that offers precut kinesiology tape for specific parts of the body. SpiderTech’s pre-cut kinesiology tape comes in individually packaged applications for the ankle/foot/shin, calf/achilles, knee, groin, hamstring, hip, lower back, upper back, neck, shoulder, elbow and wrist. There are also 3 sizes of lymphatic applications designed to reduce severe swelling, edema and lymphodema. SpiderTech recently introduced SpiderTech Gentle, with a special gel-like adhesive developed especially for sensitive or fragile skin.
This is only the tip of the iceberg for what you can find at Theratape.com. Check it out yourself – we know you’ll be impressed!
Kinesiology Taping for Pregnancy: Part 2 – Swollen Ankles
posted by Tape Expert @ 7:13 AM
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Swollen ankles are one of the most common miseries of pregnancy. Fortunately, kinesiology taping can provide a safe, simple and convenient remedy for this, as well as many other miseries of pregnancy. This is the second in a series of posts covering the use of kinesiology tape for the discomforts of pregnancy.
The kinesio taping technique used for swelling and edema is called lymphatic taping. It involves applying the anchor end of the tape close to the lymphatic drainage ducts, with “fingers” of tape extending along the nearby lymphatic channels. The tape is applied with a light stretch, lifting the skin just enough to relieve pressure on the lymphatic vessels, allowing them to drain excess fluid more efficiently.
The makers of RockTape Kinesiology Tape have provided a series of simple taping instructions for common pregnancy complaints. The following illustration shows the lymphatic taping technique to use with ankle edema.
How to Cut a Fan Strip
To cut a fan strip for a lymphatic taping, take a strip of kinesiology tape and make several longitudinal cuts beginning at one end and finishing 3-4″ from the other end (the anchor end). For ankle edema, the anchor end is applied above the ankle and the “fingers” are spread out directly over the swollen area. If necessary, multiple fan strips can be cut and applied crossing over each other.
Andy Murray Wears Kinesiology Tape at Queen’s Cup
posted by Tape Expert @ 6:03 AM
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Andy Murray, Britain’s greatest hope for winning a grand slam, wore kinesiology tape on his right knee during his matches at this year’s Queen’s Cup tournament. Sporting both blue and black kinesiology taping applications, he replied that it was “just a precaution,” when asked about it.
The configuration he wore included a strip wrapped around the underside of the patella, with another extend part way up the middle of his quadriceps. This is a typical taping for generalized knee pain, such as that from patellar tendonitis.
Kinesiology taping is an ideal treatment for performance athletes who deal with overuse injuries on a continual basis. Lightweight and flexible, the tape can be worn for days at a time, even during intense exercise, showering or swimming.
Kinesiology Taping for Preganacy – Part 1: Abdomen
posted by Tape Expert @ 11:00 AM
Sunday, June 20, 2010
This is the first in a series of posts providing instructions for taping a variety of conditions related to pregnancy.
The physical changes associated with pregnancy put strain on many different parts of the body. The accompanying swelling, aches and pains can make the latter stages of pregnancy extremely uncomfortable. With the precautions against taking medications while pregnant, it can seem as though there are few solutions to deal with things like back pain, swollen feet, carpal tunnel and more.
Kinesiology taping is an ideal solution for all of these issues. The soft, elastic tape is comfortable to wear and it contains no medications. It’s hypoallergenic acrylic adhesive is safe and non-irritating. And, the best thing about kinesio taping during pregnancy is that is can dramatically relieve many of the physical discomforts that can make life miserable.
The Baby Belt Kinesiology Taping by RockTape
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Begin by cutting 2 pieces of tape, approximately 3 feet long. Remove the backing from the end of one piece and apply it over the hip area (photo 1). Have the subject hold her arm above her head as you apply the kinesiotape in a spiral pattern along the lower margin of the abdomen, over the ribs and up the back, finishing just above the opposite shoulder blade.
Repeat the process starting on the other hip.
Cut two more strips of kinesiology tape, each approximately 15″ long. Have subject hold both arms above her head.Apply the end of the first strip just above and to the side of the pelvic bone, then run the rest of the strip straight up over the abdomen, finishing on the ribcage just below the breasts.
Repeat on the other side with the second strip of tape.
Rear view of completed taping.
Remember that, if properly applied, most kinesiotaping applications can be worn for up to 5 days. This makes kinesiology tape a convenient and cost effective way to deal with the discomforts of pregnancy.
Airrosti Rehab and KinesioTaping…A Natural Fit
posted by Tape Expert @ 9:43 AM
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Airrosti (Applied Integration for the Rapid Recovery of Soft Tissue Injuries) is a unique approach to treating injuries to the soft tissues of the body. Based in Texas, Airrosti initially focused on the elite athlete population and rapidly gained a reputation for helping athletes recover from strains, sprains and overuse injuries in record time. Their track record is impressive – the average recovery time from common strains and sprains is 1-3 visits.
I have been anxious to personally experience Airrosti for a couple of reasons: (1) I’m prone to soft tissue injuries and am always looking for anything that will get me back on the tennis courts sooner, and (2) I’d heard that virtually everyone who goes for an Arrosti treatment leaves with kinesiology tape applied to the area being treated. My recent flare up of iliotibial band syndrome (IT Band) provided the perfect opportunity to visit my local Airrosti provider.
I had been forewarned that the treatments could be extremely painful, and that proved to be true. The “manual therapy” part of the treatment involves hands-on manipulation of the fascia, the fibrous tissue that surrounds and connects every other tissue in the body. Fascia can become tightened, twisted or distorted as a result of trauma or overuse, and will remain that way unless manually corrected. Airrosti providers manipulate the fascia through deep, hands-on “massage” with their thumbs. In my case, this involved tracing the entire length of my iliotibial tract and quadriceps muscles, beginning at the knee and ending at the hip. I quickly developed a nice set of “racing stripes” as I bruised under the pressure of the manipulation. However, being an athlete familiar with the pain of injuries as well as the pain of rehab, I immediately knew that this was the “good” kind of pain, associated with the release of tissues to a healthier state.
A peek into the supply cupboard showed a good supply of the three major brands of kinesiology tape – Kinesio Tape, SpiderTech Tape and RockTape. I had the privilege of being the first patient taped with Airrosti’s new private-labeled RockTape. The black Rock Tape with the Airrosti name and logo in white made quite a fashion statement as I left in my shorts.
What makes kinesiology taping such a great fit for Airrosti?
The improved lymphatic drainage will help minimize swelling and bruising of the treated tissues- The enhanced blood flow to the injured tissues supports more rapid healing
- The lifting action of the tape on the skin decreases pressure on pain receptors, making both the injury and the effects of the treatment less painful
- Kinesiology tape provides support for injured muscles or joints while still allowing a full, healthy range of movement, an important component in rehab
After only one Airrosti treatment, I was able to complete my next run with no ITB pain. I’ll return for two additional treatments next week to complete the process. And, in the meantime, I’ll be a walking, running, tennis playing advertisement for both Airrosti and Rock Tape!
Kinesiology Taping in Chiropractic Practices
posted by Tape Expert @ 9:20 AM
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Although used in a wide variety of clinical settings, the growth of kinesiology taping in chiropractic practices has been nothing short of phenomenal. Just this month, a comprehensive article on kinesiology taping was published in the American Chiropractic Association News (see link at bottom of post for complete article).
Kinesiology Taping and Chiropractic-A Natural Fit
Kinesiology taping is an ideal modality for use in chiropractic settings. Chiropractors possess an in-depth understanding of the interplay between the body’s neurological system, muscular system and its structural and fascial frameworks. Effective kinesiology taping involves all of these systems, allowing chiropractors to quickly grasp the principles and techniques for applying kinesiology tape.
Kinesiology tape works best as one component of a patient’s treatment plan, which makes it an ideal fit with other clinical modalities. It can be applied at the end of a visit, after an adjustment and any other treatments have been completed. Because a kinesio taping application can remain comfortably in place for several days, it can reinforce and extend the benefits of the in-office procedures.
As word about the benefits of kinesiology taping spreads, more and more patients are actively seeking practitioners who offer kinesiology taping as part of their clinical programs. Offering kinesiology taping can enhance retention of current patients as well as attract new patients who may not have previously considered chiropractic as a treatment for their injuries or health conditions.
Chiropractors can learn about kinesiology taping through online sources, by reading kinesiology taping instruction manuals or by taking kinesiology taping certification programs.
Click Here to read the entire ACA News article on kinesiology taping.