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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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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
The benefits of kinesiology taping are directly related to how well the tape is applied. There are several factors that contribute to a good kinesiology tape application:
There are several excellent instruction manuals available that provide detailed instructions for a wide variety of tapings. Most of them, however, require at least a moderate understanding of medical terminology, and anatomy to understand what they say. So, where does that leave the average consumer who wants to work with kinesiology tape, but doesn’t have the background to understand most of the instructions?
The first thing I would recommend is to start with pre-cut kinesiology tape, rather than tape from rolls. A relatively new company called SpiderTech makes 16 different precut configurations for various parts of the body. This alone eliminates the need to design applications and cut the tape into different types of strips. Every precut kinesiology tape product comes with illustrated step-by-step instructions for applying it. This alone cuts the learning curve by a huge amount over learning to apply tape from rolls.
But, the best thing about the SpiderTech products is that each one of them also has an accompanying video of a medical professional applying the tape, and verbally describing each step of the process. And, better yet, forget the astronomical cost of purchasing manuals and dvd’s – these videos are available online, for free!
Recently, I took an additional step to make it easier for my readers to access these videos. I have established a YouTube channel under the same name as I write this blog under, “TapeExpert” (for YouTube it’s all one word). Click on the YouTube icon on the left to go directly to the TapeExpert channel. There, you will be able to access the entire series of SpiderTech instructional videos in one convenient location. If you click the “Subscribe” button for the TapeExpert channel, you will receive notification any time I add a new video.
They say that a picture’s worth a thousand words. With the advent of online video, that should be upgraded to “a video’s worth a thousand pictures!”
Happy watching!
One of the things that makes SpiderTech precut kinesiology tape both clinically effective AND cost effective is that a single application can be worn for up to 5 days. Clinically, this allows the therapeutic benefits to accrue, 24 hours a day, for the entire time it’s worn. No other treatment modality can come close to around-the-clock reduction of pain and inflammation for up to 5 days. Financially, given the $8 to $10 cost of a single application of SpiderTech therapeutic tape, this works out to less than $2 per day for one of the most effective therapeutic treatments available.
Regardless of the price, everyone wants to get the most benefit from the dollars we spend. The best way to do this with SpiderTech Tape is to follow the application guidelines carefully to ensure the most effective, longest lasting applications. In the following video, Dr. Kevin Jardine, creator of the SpiderTech line of pre-cut kinesiology taping applications, outlines the 12 Principles of Application for successful taping.
The following video shows chiropractor, Dr. Scott Swanson, demonstrating the proper technique for applying Kinesio Tape to someone with tennis elbow. This application technique is designed to increase circulation to the overused extensor muscles of the forearm, helping to reduce inflammation. It also reduces the activation signals to these muscles, allowing them to relax and recover from the lateral epicondylitis condition.