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Archive for the ‘Kinesiology Tape’ Category
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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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.
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.
The newest player on the kinesiology tape scene is PerformTex Tape. Marketed as a low cost, high quality alternative to the leading brands, PerformTex has been unrolled in 3 colors – Speed Green, Titanium Grey and Jet Black. PerformTex is currently available to consumers online only, at Theratape.com, a specialty kinesiology tape retailer. At only $8 for a 16′ roll, it is less than 2/3 the price of the other major kinesiology tape brands.
John Jarvis, Marketing Director for Perform Tex, was recently interviewed by Physical Therapy Products, an online resource for physical therapists. Following is the transcript of the interview:
Physical Therapy Products: How does PerformTex Tape differ from other therapeutic tapes?
John Jarvis: Most tapes have a single wave-like adhesive pattern. PerformTex Tape has its patented twin-groove pattern for increased performance and results. Add in our aggressive marketing and pricing strategy, and you not only have what many consider the next generation of kinesiology tapes, but, just as important, a more accessible product.
PTP: What makes the taping technique so effective?
JJ: Truthfully, the effectiveness of the technique belongs to the ingenuity of the practitioners who have taken the “theory” of kinesiology taping and evolved it to their needs and the needs of their patients. Therapists who are willing to challenge themselves have made this modality as popular as it is today.
PTP: What is the benefit of the twin-groove technology in PerformTex Tape?
JJ: Our patented, twin-groove technology is setting the new standard in elastic therapeutic taping with improved breathability and moisture-wicking capabilities that increase wear time, overall comfort, and ability to prevent adhesive breakdown incurred from moisture entrapment. This, coupled with our grasping “pressure diamond” pattern, encourages deeper fascial penetration for increased rehabilitative results.
PTP: Which patients are good candidates for PerformTex Tape?
JJ: I have been in the elastic therapeutic taping game for almost a decade and have personally observed a wide range of candidates, from those looking to improve performance to others who need treatment for acute and chronic conditions. Those affected by orthopedic to neurological conditions also benefit immensely from the use of a product such as PerformTex Tape.
PTP: Before patients use PerformTex Tape, what do they need to know about how long the tape should stay on, and how it’s affected by sweat, shower water, or soap?
JJ: PerformTex Tape stays on for up to 5 days and is not affected by sweat, shower, etc. This is why the tape is so beneficial to use within a clinical setting, it allows you to use other modalities such as hydrotherapy and topical agents, then allows you to reinforce your therapy with PerformTex Tape.
PTP: What has supported the boom in popularity of PerformTex Tape?
JJ: It’s our business philosophy that has brought on so many of the world’s leaders in kinesiology taping to join our ranks. We always believe that it’s important to have the input of the consumers we look to serve, as we not only intend to act decisively to improve and advance this revolutionary tape and technique, but to ensure its placement in the lives of each individual who has a need for its almost miraculous abilities.
PTP: Are there any trends you see affecting the future of your company and the expansion of your product lines?
JJ: I will never forget and will always thank the many contributors that have made elastic therapeutic taping what it is today. We will continue to innovate and expand with the support and feedback of the same community of professionals, always remembering that no one person is bigger than the movement we ALL created, or what we look to create from this point forward.
Professional triathlete, Jordan Rapp, was on top of the world in 2009, after winning Ironman championships in both Canada and the US. That world collapsed when he collided head-on with a car while biking at 30 mph. His injuries were both potentially life threatening and career ending, but not only did Jordan survive, but he’s also back on the podium again. He gives much of the credit for his return to championship form to SpiderTech Tape.
Spider Tech is the world leader in precut kinesiology tape applications for a wide variety of body parts. With step-by-step instructions included with every application, anyone can learn to tape themselves for relief of pain and inflammation or to support fatigued or injured muscles. Because the tape is thin and stretchy, it is an ideal sports tape for injured athletes, allowing them to continue competing with full range of motion as they recover from strains and sprains.
Jordan credits SpiderTech with allowing him to return to both training and competition, “not at 90%, but at 100%.”
Spider Tech Tape is available online at Theratape.com.
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
Rock Sauce – Topical Pain Reliever for use with Kinesiology Tape
posted by Tape Expert @ 5:12 PM
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
If you’ve ever been frustrated about having to remove your kinesiology tape to apply liniment or other topical analgesics, fret no more. Just get yourself a bottle of Rock Sauce, the brand new topical analgesic designed to work with kinesiology tape. Just in case you missed the connection, RockSauce is a creation of the innovative thinkers at the RockTape company. It’s equally effective, whether applied directly to the skin or on top of a kinesiology tape application.
The active ingredients in Rock Sauce include 20% methyl salicylate, 10% menthol and .3% capsicum – the maximum amount of these ingredients allowed in non-prescription, over-the-counter products. It was also carefully formulated to comply with the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) guidelines, making it both safe and effective for athletes of the highest caliber.
It is already receiving rave reviews from RockTape’s sponsored athletes, including 2012 Olympic decathlon hopeful, Ryan Beckwith. “After a big block of training, I use Rock Sauce and RockTape to help relieve the aches and pains that sometime develop. Rock Sauce really helps take the edge off of the soreness,” says Beckwith. “I’ve used a lot of different pain relievers over the years and Rock Sauce is one of the best out there. When I combine it with RockTape, my recovery time decreases a lot which helps me get ready for my next block of training.”
Rock Sauce comes an easy-to-absorb lotion. After rubbing it in, the first sensation is that of coolness, followed by an increasing warmth that quickly penetrates deep into aching or fatigued muscles. Depending on your sensitivity, you may think it should have been named “Hot Sauce,” as it is said to be approximately 20% more intense than other topical analgesics. What else would expect from the Rock Stars at RockTape?
KT Tape was featured on the popular Tennis Channel program, Fit to Hit, during the summer. The show featured the lead physical therapist and athletic trainer for the ATP, Clay Sniteman. Sniteman uses KT Tape on tennis pros to relieve pain, reduce swelling and accelerate healing from their injuries. Tennis pros love it because it allows them to continue training and competing as they recover from such injuries as tennis elbow, rotator cuff injuries, wrist strain, knee pain and more. The elastic properties of kinesiology tape allow it to provide support for an injured or overused area without restricting movement, a critical feature for tennis players who need to access their full arsenal of moves during tournament play.
RockTape Endorsed at Rock ‘n Roll Marathon
posted by Tape Expert @ 10:27 AM
Friday, November 26, 2010
Depending on the taping method used, RockTape kinesiology tape can be used either therapeutically or to enhance athletic performance. When the Rock Tape PowerTaping protocol is used, athletic performance benefits can be significant for athletes participating in endurance events. Delayed onset of fatigue and greater endurance result from improved blood flow to working muscles, better removal of lactic acid and enhanced muscle activation, which improves efficiency of movement. This makes it a high-demand item at endurance events such as marathons and triathlons.
The following video clip aired on Great Day SA, a daily news show on KENS5 in San Antonio, two days before San Antonio’s famous Rock ‘N Roll Marathon. Watch below as sports physician and professional athlete, Dr. Judy Stavely, discusses the benefits of RockTape …
