Clinical Tapelogy, Kinesiotaping Guide

Clinical Tapeology TAPELOGY: WHERE ART MEETS SCIENCE IN KINESIOLOGY TAPING

Tapelogy - Unleashing the Power of Kinesiology Taping Unlock the Secrets of Effective Taping Techniques Are you ready to take your clinical practice to the next level? Look no further! Join us for an immersive workshop that dives deep into the art and science of Kinesiology Taping. Whether you’re a seasoned therapist or a curious newcomer, Tapelogy will equip you with the skills and knowledge to transform patient outcomes.

Why Tapelogy?  Expert Guidance: Learn from certified instructors who have mastered Tapelogy. Our faculty includes practitioners with years of hands-on experience and a passion for evidence-based care.  Beyond Basics: Tapelogy goes beyond the basics. We’ll explore advanced techniques, clinical reasoning, and practical applications. Say goodbye to cookie-cutter approaches — here, you’ll tailor taping solutions to each unique case.  Evidence-Based Practice: Discover the latest research findings and how they inform our taping strategies. From chronic edema to scar management, we’ve got you covered.

Tapelogy - Unleashing the Power of Kinesiology Taping Workshop Highlights:  Understand the principles behind kinesiotaping and Tapelogy.  Master proper taping techniques for various body regions.  Dive into patient assessment because effective taping starts with understanding the underlying causes.  Develop your intuition in evaluating patient needs.  Enhance tissue healing and reduce adhesions.  Tap into the body’s interconnected fascial web for optimal results.  Empower your patients with targeted support.  Become a Certified Tapelogy Practitioner (CTP) and stand out in your field.  For the ambitious, explore the journey to becoming a Certified Tapelogy Instructor (CTI).

TAPEOLOGY KINESIOTAPING GUIDE

 WHAT IS KINESIOLOGY TAPE?  WHAT IS IT USED FOR?  HOW IS IT APPLIED?  INDICATIONS AND CONTRAINDICATIONS  EXAMPLES AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE  TAPELOGY APPLIED KINETICS

Learning About Kinesiotape WHAT, WHEN, HOW, AND WHY?

What is kinesiotape?

 Kinesiotape, also known as elastic therapeutic tape or K-tape, is an elastic cotton strip with an acrylic adhesive. It is designed to provide support, reduce pain, and improve performance in various physical conditions.  The original product, Kinesio tape, was developed in the late 1970s by Dr. Kenzo Kase, a Japanese chiropractor. Unlike traditional athletic tapes that limit movement, Kinesio tape provides support without restricting motion. You’ve likely seen it in colorful patterns on athletes’ shoulders, knees, backs, and abs during sports events.

How it works

Kinesiology tape is remarkably stretchy, mimicking the skin’s elasticity. It allows for a full range of motion. When applied to the body, it gently lifts the skin, creating a microscopic space between the skin and underlying tissues. This space can help:  Create Space in Joints: Studies have shown that kinesiology tape increases the space in joints like the knee and shoulder, reducing the chance of joint irritation.  Alter Pain Signals: Some therapists believe that the tape changes the sensory nervous system’s pain signals. By decompressing tissues, it can influence how the brain responds to pain and compression.

Developed by a Chiropractor Kinesiotape, was developed in the late 1970s by Dr. Kenzo Kase.

What is Kinesiotape?

When applied to the body, the tape recoils slightly, lifting the skin. This action creates a microscopic space between your skin and the underlying tissues. The space can have significant effects:  Studies have shown that kinesiology tape increases the space in joints like the knee and shoulder.  Although the increase is slight, it helps reduce the chance of joint irritation.  By decompressing tissues, it can influence how your brain responds to pain and pressure.

Behavior of Elastic Therapeutic Tapes under Dynamic and Static Conditions

Ejegu, Hermela & Kumar, Bipin & Gupta, Priyanka. (2021).

Behavior of Elastic Therapeutic Tapes under Dynamic and Static Conditions. Advances in Materials Science and Engineering. 2021. 1-9.

10.1155/2021/6671712.

What is it used for?

Kinesiotape is used for a variety of conditions and purposes. While its effectiveness is still a subject of ongoing research, it is commonly applied in the following scenarios:  Muscle Support and Stabilization:  Athletic Injuries: Kinesiotape is often used by athletes to support muscles during training or competition. It can help stabilize joints and prevent excessive movement.  Posture Correction: It may assist in maintaining proper posture by providing gentle cues to the muscles.  Athletic Performance: Athletes use kinesiology tape to enhance performance, improve muscle function, and reduce fatigue

What is it used for?

 Pain Management:  Pain Reduction: Kinesiology tape is believed to alter pain signals by creating space between the skin and underlying tissues. This can potentially reduce pain.  Chronic Pain Conditions: Some people use it for chronic conditions like back pain, shoulder pain, or knee pain.

What is it used for?

 Swelling and Inflammation:  Edema: Kinesiology tape may help reduce swelling (edema) by promoting lymphatic drainage.  Inflammatory Conditions: It is sometimes applied to areas affected by inflammation.

Special Uses  Rehabilitation and Recovery:  Rehabilitation: Physical therapists and clinicians use kinesiology tape as part of rehabilitation programs.  Post-Surgery: It may aid recovery after surgery or injury.  Other Uses:  Pregnancy Support: Some pregnant individuals use it for abdominal support.  Lymphedema: Kinesiology tape may be applied to manage lymphedema.  Scar Management: It is occasionally used to address scar tissue.

Applying Kinesiotape APPLYING KINESIOLOGY TAPE TO THE SKIN

Application Before applying anything to the skin, including kinesiology tape, screen the patient for contraindications, skin sensitivities, and allergies. Then follow these preliminary steps:  Take a health history and screen the patient for previous use of kinesiology tape, skin sensitivity, and allegories to tape adhesives.  Apply a small square of tape to the skin, perhaps to the underside of the forearm, and wait 5 minutes before removing it and evaluating the skin for a hypersensitivity or allergic reaction.  Have the patient sign and date an informed consent release form providing you with permission to apply kinesiology tape.

Application

Applying kinesiology tape requires attention to detail and proper technique. Here are the general steps for applying it:  Preparation:  Clean the Skin: Ensure the skin is clean, dry, and free from lotions or oils.  Trim the Tape: Cut the desired length of tape, rounding the edges to prevent peeling. This step is not necessary if you use pre-cut tape.  Do not touch the adhesive side of the tape, it will reduce its ability to stick to the skin.

Clean the skin

 Clean the Skin: Ensure the skin is clean, dry, and free from lotions or oils.

Cut and shape the tape

 Cut the Tape: Cut the desired length of tape, rounding the edges to prevent peeling. This step is not necessary if you use pre-cut tape.

Positioning and applying the tape Positioning:  Stretch the Muscle: Position the muscle or joint in a mildly stretched position (if applicable).  Anchors: Apply the first anchor (the starting point) with no stretch. This is usually at the end of the tape.  Stretch and Apply: Stretch the tape to the desired tension (usually 10-15% stretch) and apply it along the muscle or joint. Avoid overstretching.  End Anchor: Apply the final anchor with no stretch. This secures the tape.

Stretch the muscle

 Stretch the Muscle: Position the muscle or joint in a mildly stretched position (if applicable). In some application the muscle will not be stretched.

Anchors

 Anchors: Apply the first anchor (the starting point) with no stretch. This is usually at the end of the tape. Anchor length is generally 1 to 1.5 inches at each end of the tape.

Stretch and Apply

 Stretch and Apply: Stretch the tape to the desired tension and apply it along the muscle or joint. Avoid overstretching.

Refer to the Theraband chart for percentages of tension for various conditions.

Theraband Kinesiotape Tension Chart Theraband kinesiology tape is a product that supports muscles and joints and provides pain relief. It is safe, effective, and easy to apply. The tape is latex-free, non-irritating, and allergy tested3. It lasts up to 5 days. The tape features stretch indicators for perfect application every time41. It has best in class adhesion and sticks and lasts like only the best tapes in the market.

End Anchor

 End Anchor: Apply the final anchor with no stretch. This secures the tape.

Activate the tape

 Activation:  Rub the Tape: Rub the tape to activate the adhesive and enhance its effectiveness.  Body Heat: The tape adheres better with body heat.  You can also use a blow dryer to heat the tape and skin. This may be helpful at outdoor events in cold weather.

Activate the tape

 Activation:  Rub the Tape: Rub the tape to activate the adhesive and enhance its effectiveness.  Body Heat: The tape adheres better with body heat.

Aftercare

 Aftercare:  Avoid Water: Wait at least an hour before exposing the tape to water.  Remove Gently: To remove, peel the tape off slowly in the direction of hair growth.

Removing the tape

 Removing the tape:  Remove Gently: To remove, peel the tape off slowly in the direction of hair growth.

Contraindications FIRST, DO NO HARM

Contraindications, Absolute  Absolute Contraindications (Situations in which kinesiology tape should never be used):  Severe Allergic Reactions: Do not use kinesiology tape for patients with a history of severe allergic reactions to acrylic or other components of the adhesive, avoid using kinesiology tape.  Open Wounds: Do not apply kinesiology tape to open wounds or surgical incisions that are not fully healed. The tape can trap moisture, increasing the risk of infection.  Thinning Skin: Avoid applying kinesiology tape to thinning or fragile skin in the elderly or in any medical condition where the skin integrity is compromised.  Skin Ulcers: Do not use kinesiology tape on patients with a history of skin ulceration and/or infection.

Contraindications, Continued  Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Do not use kinesiology tape with patients with a history or or who have DVT (a blood clot in a deep vein). It can increase blood flow and dislodge the clot, potentially causing a pulmonary embolism.  Uncontrolled Diabetes: Kinesiology tape can worsen pins-and-needles sensations (peripheral neuropathy) associated with uncontrolled diabetes.  Active Cancer: Do not use kinesiology tape with patients who are undergoing cancer treatment as it can increase blood flow to tumors and potentially promote their growth.  Lymph Node Removal: Do not apply kinesiology tape over areas where lymph nodes have been surgically removed or damaged by trauma.

Contraindications, Relative

 Relative Contraindications (Situations where the tape may pose risks in certain groups):  Fever: Not recommended for patients with a fever.  Broken or Damaged Skin: Avoid applying kinesiology tape over broken or damaged skin.  Pregnancy: Care is required during pregnancy

Contraindications, Relative

 Patients who are taking blood thinner medications may observe bruising under the skin due to the increased circulation effects.

Taping Technique THE CLINICAL APPLICATION OF KINESIOLOGY TAPE

Taping Technique – I Shape

 Muscle Technique (I Shape):  For muscle support, apply the tape directly over the muscle belly.  Use parallel strips or a single strip along the muscle.

I Technique Run tape parallel to the muscle fibers

Tape along several muscles in a group

Taping Technique – Y Shape

 Ligament and Joint Capsule Technique (Y Shape):  For joint stability, create a “Y” shape with the tape.  Apply the base of the Y near the joint and the arms along the ligaments.

Y technique Anchor tape below the joint

Run the tape branches along the line of the ligaments

Taping Technique – Fan

 Edema Technique (Fan Shape):  To reduce swelling, create a fan shape around the affected area.  Start from the center and fan out.

Fan technique Anchor tape from the center of the edema or below it

Run the tape branches across and outward from the edema

RockTape Edema Applications A type of kinesiology tape, this tape is an upscale brand that is used all over the world by health professionals. Made with an acrylic adhesive, nylon, and cotton, this is a latexfree product that won’t cause an allergic reaction. It is widely accepted that this tape reduces body pain, increases blood circulation, improves how your muscles and joints work, and provides overall support.

Taping Technique – Cross

 Cross Technique (X Shape):  For pain relief, apply two strips in an “X” pattern over the painful area.

Cross technique Anchor the tape from an oblique line through the center of the treatment area

Run the two oblique crossed lines of the tape through the center of the area being treated

Cross bar (H) technique Run 2 parallel I lines and 1 or more cross bars

The cross bar is an added stabilizer for the tape

Pregnancy technique Anchor the tape from inferior to superior

Run I lines over the rectus and oblique abdominal muscles

Post surgical technique

 Tape for edema and pain  Run multiple thin strips keeping away from the incision

Specific Taping Techniques CLINICAL MUSCULOSKELETAL APPLICATIONS

Ankle Kinetics People with ankle sprains or other injuries benefit from using kinesiology tape. It helps alleviate pain and provides support to the ankle joint. The tape’s elasticity allows for movement without restricting range of motion, which is crucial during recovery.

Kinesiology tape can help reduce swelling and edema (fluid accumulation) after an ankle injury. By lifting the skin, it creates a space for improved blood and lymphatic flow, aiding in the healing process3.

Kinesiology tape provides enhanced ankle and foot proprioception, enhancing awareness of body position and movement.

This feedback may aid in ankle joint stabilization and pain relief during activities.

Ankle The medial ankle refers to the inner side of the ankle joint.

The ankle joint, also known as the talocrural joint, connects the bones of the leg (fibula and tibia) with the talus bone of the foot. It is a synovial hinge joint composed of two articulations.

The tibia and fibula act as a mortise, forming a notch in which the body of the talus fits (acting as the tenon).

Key actions of the ankle joint include dorsiflexion (lifting the foot) and plantar flexion (pointing the foot), along with some degree of pronation and supination involving the subtalar and midtarsal joints.

Additionally, the ankle joint acts as a shock absorber during the initial phases of walking or running.

Plantar Fasciitis Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain that involves inflammation of the tissue connecting the heel bone to the toes.

The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. It connects the heel bone (calcaneus) to the base of the toes. The plantar fascia provides support to the arch of the foot.

Symptoms: The main symptom of plantar fasciitis is heel pain, especially when taking the first steps in the morning or after prolonged rest.

The pain is often described as sharp or dull and is typically felt at the bottom of the heel.

It can also occur during or after physical activity.

Carpal Tunnel Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common hand condition caused by pressure on the median nerve in the wrist. It occurs within the carpal tunnel, a narrow passageway on the palmar side of the wrist.

Anatomy of the Carpal Tunnel: The carpal tunnel is a flattened body cavity formed by the carpal bones and the flexor retinaculum (a ligament).

It serves as a passageway for structures passing between the anterior forearm and the hand.

Epicondylitis, Myositis, and Tendonitis Epicondylitis refers to inflammation of the tendons, which are cords of tissue, that attach the forearm muscles to the elbow. The inflammation leads to tenderness in the tendon and elbow pain. Epicondylitis commonly occurs due to overuse of the elbow and involved tendons during sports, such as golf and tennis, or work-related activities that involve repetitive and forceful gripping and lifting.

Epicondylitis may be accompanied by myositis and tendonitis or tendinopathy.

Upper Arm Kinetics and Tennis Elbow

There are circumstances where both the kinetics of the upper arm and the lower arm are contributing to epicondylitis such as tennis elbow. In these cases, it may be beneficial to kinesiology tape both the upper arm and the forearm and wrist.

Knee Kinetics People with knee dyskinesis or arthritis can benefit from using kinesiology tape. It helps alleviate pain and improve knee function.

The tape provides support to muscles and joints, which can be especially helpful for individuals with conditions affecting their functional mobility.

Kinesiology tape can improve circulation around the taped area. Enhanced blood flow may aid in reducing inflammation and promoting healing.

A study involving people with knee osteoarthritis found that kinesiology tape resulted in better pain relief, improved walking, and increased knee-flexion range of motion compared to a placebo tape.

Another study showed that wearing kinesiology tape for several days led to reduced pain, joint stiffness, and improved knee function.

Knee Kinetics

Kinesiology tape may be applied to improve patella tracking and to provide stimulation to the joint capsule ligaments.

Knee Kinetics

Icing, heat, or other therapeutic modalities including photo modulation therapy may be applied in conjunction with kinesiology tape.

Massage therapy can be provided around the taped area as well as above and below it.

Hamstring Support Hamstring muscles, located at the back of your thigh, play essential roles in leg movement. They function to: Bend the Knee Joint Extend the Hip Joint Rotate the Hip Joint These muscles start at your hip and insert at the knee.

Hamstring tendons attach them to bones in your pelvis, knee, and lower leg.

Three Hamstring Muscles: Biceps Femoris: Closest to the outside of your body. It flexes the knee, extends the thigh at the hip, and rotates the lower leg when the knee is bent.

Semimembranosus: Located closer to the middle of your body. It flexes the knee joint, extends the thigh at the hip, and provides medial rotation for the hip and lower leg.

Semitendinosus: Between the semimembranosus and the biceps femoris. Its function is like that of the semimembranosus.

Spinal Support The paraspinal muscles, also known as the erector spinae, are a group of muscles that play a crucial role in supporting your back. The paraspinal muscles are located along the length of the spine. They occupy the intermediate layer of the intrinsic back muscles, situated above the deep layer and beneath the superficial layer.

These muscles consist of three groups: Iliocostalis – Longissimus - Spinalis They attach at various points along the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine, coursing from one vertebra’s spinous or transverse process to another vertebra’s corresponding process. Nerves from the dorsal rami of the first cervical nerve down to the fifth lumbar nerve innervate the paraspinal muscles.

Function: Extend the Spine: They help arch the back and lift the torso.

Bend the Spine Laterally: When they contract, they bend your spine to the same side on which the contracting muscle is located.

Spinal Kinetics Kinesiology tape can reduce pain and provide support to the spine. It is commonly used for lower back pain, helping to alleviate discomfort and improve function. The tape’s elasticity allows for movement without restricting range of motion.

Kinesiology tape can stimulate the proprioceptors (sensory receptors) in the lower back. This feedback helps cue the body to create stability and maintain proper posture during activities like lifting weights.

It encourages the lifter to maintain a strong lumbar posture, reducing the risk of injury from excessive lumbar flexion

Spinal Kinetics

Kinesiology tape allows oxygenated blood to flow toward and into the spine region and reduces swelling by facilitating fluid movement away from the injured and/or inflamed areas.

Shoulder Stability The shoulder joint requires ample stability, especially during physical activities. Kinesiology tape provides additional stability by interacting with the skin’s proprioceptors. It runs over common landmarks such as the acromion process, deltoid, infraspinatus, latissimus dorsi, and rhomboid major/minor muscles.

By enhancing proprioception, the tape helps increase stability around the shoulder joint and upper back area. It helps maintain awareness of shoulder movements, preventing overextension during injury recovery.

Shoulder Kinetics The shoulder area is one of the most complex regions of the body due to the multiple joints involved during shoulder movement. It comprises three physiological joints and one functional joint: Glenohumeral (GH) joint: The ball-and-socket joint where the head of the humerus articulates with the glenoid fossa of the scapula. It heavily relies on surrounding soft tissues for stability.

Acromioclavicular (AC) joint: Between the acromion process of the scapula and the clavicle.

Sternoclavicular (SC) joint: The only bony attachment site of the upper extremity to the axial skeleton.

Scapulothoracic (ST) joint: A functional joint involving gliding movement of the scapula along the rib cage during upper extremity movements.

Shoulder Kinetics

Shoulder Motion: Shoulder motion occurs in three planes:  Abduction and adduction in the coronal plane.  Flexion and extension in the sagittal plane.  Rotation about the long axis of the humerus

Shoulder Kinetics Shoulder motion occurs in three planes:  Abduction and adduction in the coronal plane.  Flexion and extension in the sagittal plane.  Rotation about the long axis of the humerus Several muscles work together during shoulder movements: Trapezius, deltoids, serratus anterior, latissimus dorsi, rhomboids, teres major, biceps, coracobrachialis, and triceps contribute to coordinated activities.

These muscles allow for a wide range of motion, including flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, external/lateral rotation, internal/medial rotation, and circumduction

Pregnancy

Anchor the tape from inferior to superior stretching and pulling upward.

Run several lines parallel to the direction of the rectus and oblique abdominal muscles. In cases with pregnancy and low back pain run stabilizing tape to the posterior and low back area in conjunction with vertical I line tape running up the paraspinal muscles.

References 1.

Page, Phil. (n.d.). Kinesiology Taping in Clinical Populations: Does it Work #TapeTuesday. Performance Health Academy.

Retrieved from https://bit.ly/3n4VZJX

2.

Moore, R. (October 2016). How to Use Kinesiology Tape to Reduce Swelling. Performance Health Academy. Retrieved from https://bit.ly/2K9ISsg

3.

Turner, S. (October 2017). Does Kinesiology Tape Really Increase Blood Flow? Don’t Stretch to Conclusions. Performance Health Academy. Retrieved from https://bit.ly/39WHnsr

4.

Page, P. (April 2016). Can You Handle the Truth about Kinesiology Taping? #TapeTuesday. Performance Health Academy.

Retrieved from https://bit.ly/2JPW9qf

5.

Topp, R. et al. (May 2018). Adhesion Of Three Brands Of Elastic Therapeutic Tape. Performance Health Academy. Retrieved from https://bit.ly/3nfKgsl

6.

Moore, R. (February 2016). Kinesiology Tape Tension Guidelines #TapeTuesday. Performance Health Academy. Retrieved from https://bit.ly/3oBd7aD

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Moore, R. (July 2016). Does Kinesiology Tape Tension Matter?. Performance Health Academy. Retrieved from https://bit.ly/3a44ocO

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Page, P. (March 2015). Evidence supports the clinical use of kinesiology tape to reduce pain. Performance Health Academy.

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