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Posts Tagged ‘how to apply kinesio tape’
Lower back pain, without a doubt, is the ailment that knows no barriers … it plays no favors among the young and the old or the fit and the sedentary. In the athletic realm, each sport has certain injuries that are more common – for example, long distance runners and IT Band Syndrome go hand in hand. Low back pain, however, crosses boundaries from sport to sport, striking runners, cyclists, gymnasts, racquet sport players, and so on, showing absolutely no respect.
There are almost as many remedies for back pain as there are back pain sufferers, and yet, it continues to strike 80% of the population at some point in their lives. Kinesiology tape is a therapeutic tape that is used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation and prevent to eliminate muscle spasms. While kinesiology taping is not a cure-all for back pain, it can be incredibly effective for those suffering from back pain related to inflammation, poor posture, improper movement patterns, overuse, and more.
This part of a series of posts presenting very simple, yet effective, taping techniques that virtually anyone can master. They were developed by the makers of RockTape, a new brand of kinesiology tape that has been engineered to enhance athletic performance in addition to providing therapeutic benefits.
How to Tape for Lower Back Pain
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At our kinesiology taping booth at the 2010 Houston Marathon, we taped injured runners from the minute the booth opened until it closed. Although IT band tapings definitely took top honors, runner’s knee came in a close second. Luckily, you don’t have to be a rocket scientist to apply a basic runner’s knee kinesiology taping.
This is part of a series of posts presenting very simple, yet effective, taping techniques that virtually anyone can master. They were developed by the makers of RockTape, a new brand of kinesiology tape that has been engineered to enhance athletic performance in addition to providing therapeutic benefits.
How to Tape Runner’s Knee
We had a kinesiology taping booth at the Houston Marathon Sports Medicine Expo last weekend, and approximately 80% of the tapings we did on the marathon runners were for the IT Band (iliotibial band). The IT Band is a sheath of fascia beginning at the hip and extending all the way down the outer thigh, ending just below the knee. It plays an important role in stabilizing the knee during running and walking. Tightness or overuse of the IT Band can cause it to become inflammed, causing considerable pain, usually at the attachment just below the knee. Once this inflammation develops, commonly referred to as IT Band Syndrome, it is very difficult to get rid of.
Kinesiology taping is one form of treatment that can bring immediate relief of pain and inflammation, as well as accelerate the healing process in those suffering from iliotibial band syndrome. The taping protocol is very simple, and can easily be mastered by anyone, even if they have no training in how to apply kinesiology tape.
The following taping technique was developed by the makers of RockTape, a new kinesiology tape engineered especially for performance athletes. It’s stronger adhesive coupled with a greater “snap back” mechanism make it ideal for endurance athletes such as marathoners and triathletes.
How to Tape the IT Band
Therapists trained in the art and science of kinesiology taping are able to create complex applications for a wide variety of injuries and health conditions. For complicated injuries or medical conditions, this level of expertise may be required, but for everyday aches and pains no special training is necessary. Most people, armed with a roll of kinesiology tape and some basic instructions, can create an application that will effectively relieve pain and reduce swelling.
This part of a series of posts presenting very simple, yet effective, taping techniques that virtually anyone can master. They were developed by the makers of RockTape, a new brand of kinesiology tape that has been engineered to enhance athletic performance in addition to providing therapeutic benefits.
How to Tape the Groin
Basic Application Techniques
Therapists trained in the art and science of kinesiology taping are able to create complex applications for a wide variety of injuries and health conditions. For complicated injuries or medical conditions, this level of expertise may be required, but for everyday aches and pains no special training is necessary. Most people, armed with a roll of kinesiology tape and some basic instructions, can create an application that will effectively relieve pain and reduce swelling.
This part of a series of posts presenting very simple, yet effective, taping techniques that virtually anyone can master. They were developed by the makers of RockTape, a new brand of kinesiology tape that has been engineered to enhance athletic performance in addition to providing therapeutic benefits.
How to Tape the Calf
Basic Application Techniques
Basic Kinesiology Taping Techniques
Therapists trained in the art and science of kinesiology taping are able to create complex applications for a wide variety of injuries and health conditions. For complicated injuries or medical conditions, this level of expertise may be required, but for everyday aches and pains no special training is necessary. Most people, armed with a roll of kinesiology tape and some basic instructions, can create an application that will effectively relieve pain and reduce swelling.
The following series of posts will present very simple, yet effective, taping techniques that virtually anyone can master. They were developed by the makers of RockTape, a new brand of kinesiology tape that has been engineered to enhance athletic performance in addition to providing therapeutic benefits.
How to Tape the Achilles Tendon
Basic Application Techniques
Learn How to Apply Kinesiology Tape – Health Professionals
posted by Tape Expert @ 12:59 PM
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
My last two posts covered resources for learning to apply precut kinesiology tape and resources for beginners working with rolls of tape. This post will focus on resources for health professionals interested in learning to apply kinesiology tape from rolls. Because of the diversity among patients, health professionals have a greater need for the customization that is possible when cutting applications from rolls of tape. Applications can become quite complex for patients with complicated injuries. It is important to understand both the basic principles of kinesiology taping as well as different taping techniques for different situations.
The following resources have been developed by the manufacturer of Kinesio Tex Tape, but the application principles are identical for either SpiderTape or Rock Tape.
Clinical Therapeutic Applications of the Kinesio Taping Method
This detailed, technical manual was written for individuals with an extensive understanding of anatomy and medical terminology. It begins with an excellent introduction to the concepts of Kinesio Taping and the rationale and methodology for the 7 different corrective taping techniques. This is followed by chapters for different parts of the body, with detailed explanations and step-by-step photographs for a wide variety of injuries and medical conditions.
(2003) 8.5″ x 11″ Softcover, Spiral Bound, Black & White, 249 pages, $49.99.
Kinesio Taping for Lymphoedema and Chronic Swelling
The most recently-published Kinesio Taping manual, it is beautifully illustrated, with simple, step-by-step, full color photographs. It contains detailed explanations and instructions for promoting lymphatic drainage using a variety of taping techniques. It also covers basic taping techniques for a variety of other injuries and health conditions. This manual is recommended for individuals with a good understanding of anatomy and medical terminology or experienced professionals who have been trained in the Kinesio® Taping Method.
(2006) 8.5″ x 11″ Softcover, Spiral Bound, 172 pages with color photos, $59.99.
Kinesio Taping in Pediatrics
Developed for pediatric medical practitioners and therapists, this comprehensive manual covers conditions that affect children from infancy through adolescence. It begins with an excellent introduction to the concepts of kinesiology taping and a detailed overview of the seven different corrective taping techniques, followed by condition-specific instructions. Its user-friendly format includes numerous color photos to accurately demonstrate each of the taping techniques.
8.5″ x 11″ Softcover, Spiral Bound, 218 pages with color photos, $59.99.
Clinical Kinesio Taping DVD.
This introductory DVD introduces the Kinesio® Taping Method and its applications for clinical settings. It explains how kinesio taping can be used as a therapeutic modality for a wide variety of common medical conditions or injuries. Certified Kinesio Taping Instructor Jim Wallis, MS, ATC guides viewers, step by step, through the proper selection and application of appropriate Kinesio Taping techniques. Includes concepts, applications and several taping techniques.
Run Time 41 minutes. $54.99
Learn How to Apply Kinesiology Tape – Beginners
posted by Tape Expert @ 10:00 AM
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
In 2009, kinesiology tape leaped from the offices of a few forward thinking chiropractors and athletic trainers into the sports bags and first aid kits of people across the nation. Once the domain of trained clinicians, kinesiology taping is now being done in schools, homes and on the sidelines of virtually every level of every sport in existence. This has created a new need for kinesiology taping education. Without at least a basic knowledge of the principles of kinesiology taping, it is difficult to apply the tape effectively. There are several ways to learn how to apply kinesiology tape – instruction manuals, instructional DVDs, and online videos.
My last post provided resources for learning to apply precut kinesiology tape. This post will focus on instructions for applying kinesiology tape from rolls, such as Kinesio Tape, RockTape or SpiderTape. Applying tape from rolls requires a significantly higher level of both knowledge and skill. Creating and cutting an application for each specific situation is often more complex than actually applying the tape. Fortunately, there are a number of resources available, providing instructions for every level of understanding. The following resources have been developed by the manufacturer of Kinesio Tex Tape, but the application principles are identical for either SpiderTape or Rock Tape.
INSTRUCTION MANUALS
Kinesio Taping Perfect Manual
If you are a home user wanting to learn how to apply kinesio tape, this manual is for you. The original Kinesio Taping manual written in 1996, the taping instructions are as pertinent today as when it was written. it was developed for the general population and requires very little knowledge of anatomy or medical terminology. It provides easy-to-follow instructions for taping a variety of common conditions, including low back pain, flat feet, neck pain, shoulder pain, carpal tunnel syndrome and charley horse. Includes step-by-step photographs depicting the various stages of taping for each condition.
(1996) 6″x8″ Softcover, 132 pages, black & white photographs, $39.99.
Illustrated Kinesio Taping, 4th Edition, by Kenzo Kase, D.C.
Written by the father of Kinesio Taping himself, this manual was developed for individuals with a moderate understanding of anatomy and medical terminology. It covers the essentials of taping for a wide variety of injuries and health conditions. This step-by-step approach to the Kinesio® Taping Method includes very clear black and white illustrations indicating exactly how and where to apply Kinesio® Tex Tape. A 7-page introduction explains Kinesio Tape theory and basic techniques.
(Orig. 2003, Updated 2005).8.5″ x 11″ Softcover, Spiral Bound, 107 pages, $39.99.
VIDEOS
The makers of RockTape have created an entire series of short videos, demonstrating simple application techniques for a variety of injuries and body parts. With their informal style and complete absense of medical terminology, these videos are the perfect way for beginning kinesiology tapers to learn some basic application techniques.
Watch RockTape videos at www.theratape.com
Watch RockTape videos on YouTube.
In 2009, kinesiology tape leaped from the offices of a few forward thinking chiropractors and athletic trainers into the sports bags and first aid kits of people across the nation. Once the domain of trained clinicians, kinesiology taping is now being done in schools, homes and on the sidelines of virtually every level of every sport in existence.
This has created a new need for kinesiology taping education. Most individuals aren’t willing to spend the hundreds of dollars and several weekends it takes to become officially certified in kinesiology taping techniques. On the other hand, without at least a basic knowledge of the principles of kinesiology taping, it is difficult to apply the tape effectively. There are several ways to learn how to apply kinesiology tape – instruction manuals, instructional DVDs, and online videos. This is the first in a series of posts that will provide an overview of the various manuals and DVDs that are available.
We’ll start with pre-cut kinesiology tape, since it is the simplest to apply and requires the least amount of medical knowledge and taping expertise. Currently, SpiderTech Tape is the only supplier of kinesiology taping applications that are already pre-cut for different parts of the body. While using precut applications significantly reduces the skill needed to apply the tape, there is still a learning curve to becoming proficient.
SpiderTech Product Application Instruction Guide
This manual contains step-by-step instructions for all 16 SpiderTech PreCut Kinesiology Tape applications. Each set of instructions includes photographs showing proper body positioning and product placement. The instructions are written in simple terms, requiring no technical background to understand. Also included is a brief explanation of the physiological mechanisms behind the SpiderTech products, as well as the 12 Principles for Application. Applications covered include Ankle, Calf and Arch, Elbow, Full Knee, Groin, Hamstring, Hip, Lower Back, Lymphatic (Small, Medium and Large), Neck, Shoulder, Upper Back/Postural, Upper Knee and Wrist.
Softcover, 8’12″ x 11″, 28 pages, $12.99.
SpiderTech Application Videos
SpiderTech has produced an excellent series of short videos in which Dr. Kevin Jardine, the creator of SpiderTech Tape, demonstrates how to apply each of the 16 different SpiderTech Pre-Cut Kinesiology Tape applications. As he applies the tape, he explains exactly where to place it and how to apply each segment. There is also a general Application Tips video, in which Dr. Jardine discusses tips for properly applying kinesiology tape, including skin preparation, tape and water, setting the adhesive, and basic application techniques.
Watch these videos at www.theratape.com.
Watch these videos on YouTube.
One of the things that makes kinesiology tape so popular with injured athletes is its ability to quickly relieve pain from either acute or chronic injuries. Relief is often significant within a few minutes of applying the tape.
I wanted to present this short instructional video produced by the manufacturer of RockTape, a new brand of kinesiology tape engineered to improve athletic performance in addition to providing therapeutic benefits.
The “pain zapper” protocol is a simple taping technique that can be used on virtually any part of the body that is in pain. Keep a roll of RockTape and a pair of scissors handy, and you’ll be able to take care of your “owies” as soon as they occur.
