Athletic Tape Info Center

This is the 4th installment in my series on kinesiology taping for tennis elbow or lateral epicondylitis. I’m now focusing on specific applications for individuals who need to continue their activity despite having an ongoing tennis elbow problem – chronic elbow pain. This technique is also applicable to those returning to activity following a period of rest and/or physical therapy for tennis elbow. The following step-by-step instructions are for application of a pre-cut kinesiology tape specifically for the elbow.

Preparation
Ensure that the skin of the elbow and forearm is clean and dry. Prepare the precut elbow kinesiology tape by tearing the backing along each of the perforated lines. This will allow you to apply each section individually, creating a more effective application.

Step 1. Remove the backing from section 1 (the anchor) and apply with no stretch in the tape to the outside of the arm just above the lateral epicondyle (bony bump on the outside of the elbow).  Gently rub tape from the center out to activate adhesive.

Step 2. Remove the backing from both sections 2 and apply both sides to the skin with no stretch in the tape. Gently rub the tape from the center toward the ends to activate the adhesive.

Step 3. Remove the backing of section 3 and stretch the tape approximately 1″ longer than resting length so that the hole is directly over the lateral epicondyle (bony bump on the outside of the elbow). Rub to activate adhesive.

Step 4. Flex the wrist, pointing fingers downward. Begin removing backing from the outside arm of section 4, applying the tape in the direction of the little finger with no additional stretch in the tape. If the tape is applied to the skin as the backing is removed, you will create the ideal tension.

Step 5. Keeping the wrist flexed and the fingers pointed downward, begin peeling the backing from the inside arm of section 4, applying the tape in the direction of the thumb. If the tape is applied to the skin as the backing is removed, you will create the perfect tension.

Final View. Be sure to gently rub over the entire taped area to activate the glue. For best results, apply tape 30-60 minutes before sweating, swimming or showering. A complete list of tips for applying and removing kinesiology tape can be found at www.theratape.com/application/tips.

My next post will include a video showing the above elbow taping being performed by a trained chiropractor.