Archive for the ‘Application Instructions’ Category
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.
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.
How to Apply the SpiderTech Precut Hamstring Spider
posted by Tape Expert @ 5:00 AM
Thursday, April 1, 2010
My last post outlined the benefits of the SpiderTech Hamstring Spider – a precut kinesiology tape application engineered for injuries to the hamstring muscles in the back of the thigh. The hamstrings are responsible for hip extension, such as the push off action in sprinting and jumping. Hamstring injuries can be very painful and long-lasting, affecting performance for months after the actual trauma. Kinesiology taping can relieve pain, reduce inflammation and accelerate the healing process after acute injuries. Many athletes who use kinesiology tape are able to continue training and/or competing as they recover from these types of injuries.
This post provides the SpiderTech Tape HamstringSpider application instructions in both printable and video formats, showing exactly how the tape should be applied for best results.
Application Instructions for the SpiderTech Tape Precut Hamstring Spider♦
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The Easiest Way to Tape a Hamstring Injury
posted by Tape Expert @ 9:07 PM
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
The SpiderTech Tape company has created a comprehensive line of precut kinesiology tape applications for different parts of the body. Each application comes individually packaged with illustrated step-by-step instructions. These therapeutic tape products provide a convenient and inexpensive way for non-health professionals to apply kinesiology tape effectively. This is the second in a series of blogs describing the different SpiderTech applications, their uses and how to apply them.
SpiderTech Hamstring Spider Benefits
♦ Relieves pain and swelling from hamstring injuries
♦ Speeds recovery after intense exercise
♦ Provides protection as hamstring injuries heal
♦ Improves strength of injured hamstring muscles
♦ Provides support without restricting range of motion
♦ Prevents or relieves cramps, spasms or stiffness
♦ Assists with hamstring/quadriceps imbalance
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Application Instructions for Pre-Cut Hamstring Kinesiology Tape
Begin by tearing all of the perforations on the backing of the tape. Clean the skin with soap and water or rubbing alcohol before applying tape.
1. Subject should be lying on stomach with leg relaxed. Remove half of the backing from section 1 and apply to the rear thigh, directly below the gluteal fold. Repeat with the other half of section 1. Gently rub the tape to activate the adhesive.
2. Place the hamstring muscles in a stretched position by having subject lie on side with leg straight and stretched forward. Begin peeling the backing from section 2 and apply directly over the hamstring muscles. It is not necessary to stretch the tape as it is applied.
3. With the hamstring muscles still stretched, remove the paper backing from the outer arm of section 2 and apply the tape directly over the center of the injured groin area. Rub each section of tape immediately after applying to activate the glue.
4. Remove the backing from the final arm of section 2 and apply it along the lower boundary of the groin muscles with no additional stretch in the tape. Patient can now relax the leg and move freely. Avoid exercise or bathing for one hour after applying the precut kinesio tape to allow the adhesive to fully set.
How to Apply Kinesiology Tape.
My next post will include the application video for the SpiderTech Groin SpiderTape.
Video – How to Apply SpiderTech Precut Kinesiology Tape for Groin Injuries
posted by Tape Expert @ 5:00 AM
Monday, March 29, 2010
My last post outlined the benefits of the SpiderTech Groin Spider – a precut kinesiology tape application engineered for injuries to the adductor muscles in the groin area. The step-by-step application instructions were described. This post provides the SpiderTech Tape Groin Spider application instructions in both printable and video formats, showing exactly how the tape should be applied for best results.
Printable PDF Document
Application Instructions for the SpiderTech Tape Precut Groin Spider♦
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Video – How to Apply SpiderTech Groin Kinesiology Tape
The SpiderTech Tape company has created a comprehensive line of precut kinesiology tape applications for different parts of the body. Each application comes individually packaged with illustrated step-by-step instructions. These products provide a convenient and inexpensive way for non-health professionals to apply kinesiology tape effectively. This is the first in a series of blogs describing the different SpiderTech applications, their uses and how to apply them.
SpiderTech Groin Spider Benefits
♦ Relieves pain and swelling from groin pulls or tears
♦ Speeds recovery in overused muscles
♦ Provides protection as groin injuries heal
♦ Improves strength of injured groin muscles
♦ Provides support without restricting range of motion
♦ Prevents or relieves cramps, spasms or stiffness
♦
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Application Instructions for Pre-Cut Groin Kinesiology Tape
Begin by tearing all of the perforations on the backing of the tape. Clean the skin with soap and water or rubbing alcohol before applying tape.
1. Subject should be lying on back with leg relaxed. Remove half of the backing from section 1 and apply as high as possible over the groin area. Repeat with the other half of section 1. Gently rub the tape to activate the adhesive.
2. Place the groin muscles in a stretched position by abducting the leg. Remove the backing from the top arm of section 2 and apply along the upper boundary of the groin (adductor) muscles. It is not necessary to stretch the tape as it is applied.
3. With the groin muscles still stretched, remove the paper backing from the middle arm of section 2 and apply the tape directly over the center of the injured groin area. Rub each section of tape immediately after applying to activate the glue.
4. Remove the backing from the final arm of section 2 and apply it along the lower boundary of the groin muscles with no additional stretch in the tape. Patient can now relax the leg and move freely. Avoid exercise or bathing for one hour after applying the precut kinesio tape to allow the adhesive to fully set.
How to Apply Kinesiology Tape.
My next post will include the application video for the SpiderTech Groin SpiderTape.