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RockTape Fascial Movement Taping for Clinicians
posted by Tape Expert @ 1:42 PM
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
RockTape, a leading kinesiology tape manufacturer, is in the forefront of kinesiology taping education for health professionals. Unlike other kinesiology taping protocols that focus exclusively on therapeutic applications, Rock Tape teaches both fascial movement taping techniques for therapeutic purposes and PowerTaping for sports performance enhancement. This creates a double benefit for athletes and those who treat them – they can use the therapeutic applications for injuries and the sports performance techniques for training and competition.
As part of their ongoing Continuing Professional Education program, RockTape is offering a new Fascial Movement Taping certification program in 2012. Targeted to therapists and other practitioners who are new to kinesiology taping, this in-depth, 2 day program covers both the theoretical and practical aspects of fascial movement applications for athletic performance and rehabilitation. An added bonus is coverage of insurance coding, billing and marketing for kinesiology taping modalities.
Fascial Movement Taping, Part l encompasses the first, full day, and covers :
- The “4 Pillars of Power Taping”
- Indications and Contraindications for Kinesiology Tape Use
- Movement Assessment
- Tape Application
- Special Conditions – Rehab, Posture, Pregnancy, and Edema Control
- FMS – squat and push-up patterns
- Performance Chain Taping
Fascial Movement Taping, Part ll is held on the second day and includes:
- Performance Chain Taping
- Sport Specific Chains and Taping
- Insurance and Cash Billing Practices
- How to Bill and Market Kinesiology Taping
The reference for the course is the RockTape PowerTaping Manual, 2nd Edition. This comprehensive 117 page reference guide covers all aspects of kinesiology taping, and includes over 70 color photos and illustrations. An additional training product designed for busy clinicians is The Patient Education and Desktop Reference Tool, with quick instructions for the 25 most-popular taping applications.
For more information about kinesiology taping training for clinicians, visit the Health Professional’s Resource page in the TheraTape Education Center.
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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.
As the clinical applications for kinesiology taping continue to expand, an exciting area of growth is that of pediatric therapy and rehabilitation. Part of this expansion can be attributed to the development of new adhesive technologies and taping configurations suitable for infants and children. The other factor fueling the growth of pediatric kinesiology taping is the availability of a growing body of positive evidence-based research.
A recent article in ADVANCE for Physical Therapy & Rehab Medicine (November 29, 2010), presented 6 case studies involving infants and children with neurological injuries and/or developmental delays. Written by a physical therapist and an occupational therapist from Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston, the article describes the use of kinesiology tape in both inpatient and outpatient settings. They noted that when patients are sent home with tape on, they can continue to receive therapeutic benefits the entire time the tape is worn.
The cases involved 10 children ranging in age from 18 months to 7 years, with a variety of conditions, including spina bifida, Chiara malformations, Prader Willi syndrome, DiGeorge syndrome, frontal lobe stroke and bilateral clubfeet. All of the following benefits were documented by quantifiable improvements in a variety of standardized tests:
- improved ability to sit independently
- improved ability to reach for a toy
- improved willingness/ability to initiate movements independently
- greater stability in trunk and leg muscles
- increased range of motion, target accuracy and fluency of motion
- improved stepping velocity and cadence
- improved gait accompanied by better posture
- improved balance
- decreased effort for gross motor tasks
- increased speed and fluency for gross motor tasks
The article concludes with the authors’ recommendation that both medical and allied health care practitioners should consider using kinesiology taping in their pediatric patients’ plans of care.
Additional Information for Clinicians
Health Professionals Kinesiology Taping Resource Site
Kinesiology Taping Techniques – Pain Relief
posted by Tape Expert @ 5:00 AM
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Kinesiology tape can be applied in different ways to achieve different results. By manipulating the amount of stretch in the muscle and/or the amount of stretch in the tape, a kinesiology taping application can provide pain relief, lymphatic drainage or structural support. When pain relief is the desired objective, the rule of thumb is to stretch the muscle, not the tape. This is accomplished by holding the target muscle group in a position of maximal stretch (within pain tolerance) as the tape is applied with no stretch.
The SpiderTech Tape company has produced a series of three educational videos in conjunction with the launch of their new product, SpiderTech PowerStrips – precut kinesiology tape strips in X, Y and I configurations. The following video demonstrates how to create a neurosensory (pain relief) application, using Spider Tech Power Strips.
Kinesiology Taping Techniques – Structural Support
posted by Tape Expert @ 5:00 AM
Monday, November 1, 2010
Kinesiology tape can be applied in different ways to achieve different benefits. One of the main taping techniques is to provide structural support for weak or injured muscles or joints. Because of its elasticity, kinesiology taping is not suitable to provide rigid support for a severe injury or to stabilize an unstable joint. It can, however, be used very effectively to prevent potentially harmful ranges of motion or to improve static or dynamic postures.
The following video was produced by the makers of SpiderTech Tape, to explain and demonstrate how kinesiology tape can be used to provide structural support for a muscle group or joint.
Kinesiology Taping Techniques – Pain Relief vs. Structural Support
posted by Tape Expert @ 5:00 AM
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Kinesiology tape can be applied in different ways to achieve different results. The experts at SpiderTech define three main taping techniques:
- Neurosensory – to relieve acute or chronic pain
- Microcirculatory - to reduce swelling and bruising by enhancing lymphatic drainage
- Structural - to support injured areas and encourage proper postural and movement patterns
Each of these techniques requires a different combination of two factors:
- The amount of stretch in the affected muscle or muscle group
- The amount of stretch in the tape as it is applied
The general rule of thumb for each technique is as follows:
- Neurosensory - stretch the muscle, not the tape
- Structural - stretch the tape, not the muscle
- Microcirculatory - stretch the muscle and the tape
In conjunction with the introduction of their new PowerStrips Kinesiology Tape Precut Strips, Spider Tech has produced some new videos that clearly demonstrate application techniques for each of the three categories. The following video explains the difference between a neurosensory application and a structural application for the shoulder.
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!
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.
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.
