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Airrosti Now Taping with KT Tape
posted by Tape Expert
I wrote a detailed post back in May about the Airrosti (Applied Integration for the Rapid Recovery of Soft Tissue Injuries) method for treating soft tissue injuries and their use of kinesiology tape. At the time I noted that my Airrosti provider had a supply of three of the four major brands of kinesiology tape. I’m now pleased to announce that they have added the highly-respected KT Tape (Kinesiology Therapeutic Tape) to their arsenal – in fact, they recently contracted with KT Tape to produce a private-label tape with the Airrosti logo on it. Since I’m currently undergoing Airrosti treatment again (this time for a high hamstring strain), I thought this would be a good time to revisit the topic of fascial manipulation and why kinesiology taping is such a complementary modality.
Airrosti is a form of “manual therapy” that involves hands-on manipulation of the fascia, the connective tissue that surrounds and connects all body tissues. Fascia can become tightened, twisted or distorted as a result of trauma or overuse, leading to pain and loss of mobility. The only way to correct these fascial issues is through direct manipulation. If that sounds like it might be painful, you’re right. The only way to reach and affect fascia is through deep (and I mean DEEP) manipulation of those tissues. Airrosti therapists do this by pressing deep into the constricted tissue with their thumbs.
In my most recent injury, Dr. Schmedding, my Airrosti provider, performed this procedure along the entire length of my hamstrings as well as some of my adductors, beginning at the knee and ending on the ischeal tuberosity (sitting bone). Although it was extremely uncomfortable at times, past experience taught me that this was a“good” kind of pain, associated with the release of tissues to a healthier state. I could actually feel the change in resistance in my tissues as Dr. Schmedding “released” one area after another. And, despite the discomfort I endured during the session, I walked out virtually pain-free, a major improvement over my condition only an hour earlier.
I also walked out with several colorful strips of KT Tape extending from my gluteal area all the way down to my calf. (The image shows my earlier IT Band taping.) KT Tape is an ideal companion to Airrosti because of its ability to relieve pain, reduce inflammation and reduce bruising. It also provides structural support without restricting range of motion, an important feature for injured athletes. I’m pleased to say the reduction of pain and inflammation was evident immediately in my painful hamstring. The prevention of bruising was not quite as complete, but what the heck, the KT Tape covered most of it anyway!
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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!
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