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Archive for the ‘Application Instructions’ Category
Getting Your KT Tape to Stick – Part 2
posted by Tape Expert @ 10:07 AM
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
The video below, features physical therapist, Chris Harper, explaining everything a beginning taper needs to know about applying KT Tape Precut Strips. Some of the highlights:
- KT Tape is specially designed for consumer use. No special training is required to apply it effectively.
- The tape can be used for a wide variety of conditions, including strained or overused muscles and joints.
- KT Tape differs from conventional taping, wrapping, and bracing products in that it provides support without interfering with movement.
- Kinesiology tape decreases pain and can also reduce inflammation and swelling.
- While conventional kinesiology tapes require measuring and cutting, KT Tape comes in convenient pre-cut strips, that make the application process much simpler.
- The rounded corners on KT Tape Precut Strips are designed to minimize curling and fraying, while perforations down the length of the tape allow it to be quickly modified for a variety of configurations.
- Pre-cut strips can be used in two configurations: “I” strips and “Y” strips. “I” strips may be used “as is” right off the roll. “Y” strips require folding the strip lengthwise and tearing it along the perforation to separate the two halves and create the “arms” of the “Y.”
In addition to the application tips listed in “Getting Your KT Tape to Stick – Part 1,” the video also offers a few additional helpful hints:
- Rather than removing all of the backing at once, remove only the backing of each section as you apply it. Begin by tearing the backing two inches from the end to create an anchor point for the strip. Then apply the rest of the tape as either an I or Y strip.
- If using multiple strips of tape, be sure that the tape ends are applied to bare skin and don’t end on another piece of tape.
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KT Tape could be called the most consumer-friendly brand of kinesiology tape. It comes neatly packaged in rolls of tear-off precut strips, eliminating the need for scissors and cutting for most applications. In addition, the company has created a vast library of both printable application instructions and instructional videos for a wide variety of injuries.
This makes KT Tape Precut Strips the ideal kinesiology tape for those who don’t have access to trainers or therapists to apply their tape. Although taping yourself may seem daunting at first, an important piece of advice the company offers is not to be afraid to “jump in and just go for it.” Although there is a bit of a learning curve, the KT Tape advisors say that after three or four tries, most beginners will be taping just like the pros.
The KT experts give six general rules for getting your KT Tape to stick:
1. Before starting, ensure that the skin is clean and dry. For best results, clean the skin with rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer to give the adhesive a good contact. Clip excessive body hair close to the skin.
2. Rounded corners help prevent tape ends from curling or lifting away from the skin. KT Tape Precut Strips come with rounded corners, but if you do any cutting yourself, be sure to round every corner.
2. For taping over joints such as knees and elbows, place the joint in its maximum bent position before applying tape. By putting the body part in a position of maximum stretch, this prevents the tape from overstretching later and loosening the adhesive.
3. Make sure the final inch at both ends of the tape are applied with absolutely no stretch so the ends won’t lift up or curl.
4. Briskly rub the KT Tape after application to activate the adhesive and make sure all edges adhere to the skin.
Want to see the rules in action? Tune into “Getting Your KT Tape to Stick – Part 2” for a great video that shows everything you need to know.
PowerTaping – Kinesiology Taping Manual of the Year
posted by Tape Expert @ 7:39 AM
Sunday, December 12, 2010
The award for best kinesiology taping instruction manual of 2010 goes to RockTape’s PowerTaping: Taping Movements, Not Muscles, 2nd Edition. This 117 page manual, with over 70 color photos and illustrations, provides new insights into the field of kinesio taping for both rehabilitation and sports performance. It provides a comprehensive technical education for anyone utilizing kinesiology taping on a regular basis.
The information is divided into 5 main topic areas:
1. PowerTaping for Rehabilitation
A 3-step process beginning with preloading the structure through stretch, followed by taping for stabilization, then taping for decompression (pain relief). Taping instructions are provided for a wide variety of injuries and medical conditions.
2. PowerTaping for Edema Control
Enhancing lymphatic drainage to relieve swelling and edema. Step-by-step illustrated instructions are provided for the thigh, knee, ankle, neck and arm.
3. Power Taping for Postural Control
Includes instructions for abdominal strain/thoraco-lumbar facet, rotational-lateral truck correction and upper cross syndrome.
4. Power Taping for Pregnancy
Taping techniques for a wide variety of pregnancy-related issues, including SI joint pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, rib pain, diaphragm pain, piriformis/posterior hip pain and more.
5. PowerTaping for Athletic Performance
RockTape’s groundbreaking research into taping entire “movement chains” to reduce fatigue and enhance muscle activation. Includes sport-specific taping instructions for running, swimming, throwing, cycling, kicking and squatting.
This manual was written for health professionals and athletic trainers and contains some moderate to difficult medical terminology. The taping instructions, however, are simple and clearly illustrated and require no medical background to understand and follow.
The PowerTaping Manual, 2nd Edition is now available at Theratape.com.
Volleyball and basketball seasons go hand in hand (pun intended) with jammed fingers. A finger jam occurs when a ball makes contact directly on the tip of the finger. The force is transmitted through the fingertip to the knuckles. Although the initial pain is felt in the fingertip, it is usually one of the knuckles that is more seriously injured. Depending on the severity of the sprain, the knuckle may end up bruised, swollen and excruciatingly painful.
Athletes who want to continue playing with a finger jam injury need to provide support to the injured area. Restrictive taping, however, can interfere with touch and the ability to control the ball. This is the type of situation where kinesiology tape can provide the perfect balance between mobility and support. The elasticity of kinesiology tape allows it to provide support to joints or muscles without restricting range of motion as traditional athletic tape does.
KT Tape is a major kinesiology tape brand in the US and internationally. Following are some very simple instructions for applying KT Tape quickly and effectively to a jammed finger.
Step 1: Cut a strip of KT Tape that is 1/2″ to 1″ wide and 6″ to 8″ long, depending on the size of the finger. Tear the backing in the middle of the tape and peel it back toward the ends. With the finger straight, anchor the middle of the tape on the pad of the injured finger and run one end of the tape along the inside of the finger.
Step 2: With the finger bent as much as possible. apply the other end of the tape along the top of the finger, ending on the top of the hand above the last knuckle. Do not stretch the tape as it is applied. When finished, rub the taped area gently to activate the adhesive. The finger will feel as though it is being gently pulled into an extended position.
The tape should be applied at least an hour before exercise or showering.
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 order.
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 order.
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!
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.
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.
Kinesio Taping a Sports Injury for Return to Activity
posted by Tape Expert @ 12:16 PM
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
One of the most critical time periods during recovery from a sports injury is the return to activity. During this phase of recovery, athletes may face a number of challenges:
- pain in the injured area or in structures supporting the injured area
- loss of strength due to muscle inhibition
- unhealthy movement patterns resulting from protective mechanisms
- inefficient or unbalanced movement patterns related to compensation from other muscle groups
- fear of engaging full range of motion
Any of these issues can delay an athlete’s return to full functioning, or even contribute to additional injuries. Fortunately, this is where kinesiology taping truly shines. A well-applied kinesio taping application can address all of these issues and more.
I recently returned from the PowerTaping certification seminar conducted by RockTape. In this seminar I learned about a 3-step taping protocol that is ideal for athletes who are returning from an injury or who need to continue training or competing with an injury. This taping technique can be done using any of the major kinesiology tape brands – Kinesio Tex Tape, RockTape or SpiderTape.
Injury Taping Step 1
Preload the muscles by placing the affected area into a position of maximal stretch. Take your time with this step – it puts the tissues into a condition to receive maximum benefit from the tape application. Active techniques could include dynamic stretching, yoga poses or myofacial release techniques (rollers, balls, etc.).
Once the maximal stretch has been achieved, this position should be held throughout the taping.
Injury Taping Step 2
Apply one or more “decompression” strips directly over the most painful areas. This technique involves applying a fully stretched (except for the ends) strip horizontally across the affected muscle group. For large areas, several strips can be applied.
The lifting action on the skin will provide pain relief and enhance local circulation to reduce inflammation and keep the tissues well-oxygenated.
Injury Taping Step 3
Apply “stabilization” strips around the perimeter of the affected area. This is a good place to use Y-strips, with the base at the lower end of the muscle group and the tails running vertically around the outer boundaries of the muscles.
This part of the taping will support the injured area, while still allowing a full range of motion. In addition, the sensory feedback from the tape will discourage the athlete from engaging in harmful or inefficient compensatory movement patterns.
