Comments from Clinicians
Paula Lugar, MS OTR/L
I have tried several tapes and recently tried the ROCKTAPE for two
different applications. I always try new tapes on myself or my family
members before using them clinically.
I taped my husband's shoulder. He has significant scoliosis that
results in poor alignment of the shoulder and interferes with shoulder
girdle function. I used the Rock tape to support the shoulder joint and
to stabilize the scapula. The result was better postural alignment,
better function, and reduced pain. He described the Rock tape as
"feeling better" and making his shoulder feel more secure than the other
tapes we have used. The other tapes rolled and came off within hours of
application. The Rock tape stayed on for 3 days with no redness or skin
irritation.
I also used the Rock tape on my abdomen. I have spondylolisthesis,
anterior pelvic tilt, and tightness in the low back from overuse of
muscles. I spend a lot of time on the floor working with infants and
toddlers and drive approximately 100 miles per day. Pain from sitting
on hard floors and sitting for prolonged periods in the car are part of
daily life. With the Rock tape, I was pain free and postural alignment
through the pelvis was substantially improved. I tape aggressively and
the abdomen is a sensitive area. Other tapes have resulted in
blistering and itching that made it impossible to keep the tape on for 3
days. They also tend to roll off because of the friction of clothing.
The Rock tape caused no skin irritation. It stayed on for 3 days
without rolling.
Rock tape has a slightly heavier feel than other tapes I have used.
Although I was initially concerned about the heaviness, I found it
easier to apply than other tapes. It did not feel heavy on the skin.
It did not cause skin irritation. It was superior in adhesion while
still coming off easily when it was time to take it off.
The only thing I would change about Rock tape is the print on the
paper. It is difficult to cut into strips with no lines to follow. The
print on the back has curves and patterns that confuse the eye when
trying to cut straight lines.
Kim Rock-Stockheimer, MS OTR/L Certified Kinesio Taping Instructor and Certified in Manual Lymphatic Treatment
Kinesio tape is very
useful in the treatment of chronic swelling and lymphedema. Proper
application alleviates pain and facilitates lymphatic drainage by
structurally lifting the skin in the affected area. Thereby, increasing
the space in which lymphatic fluid flows and decreasing pressure and
irritation of neural/ sensory receptors.
Kinesio tape does not substitute for decongestive
massage or manual lymphatic treatment, medical compressive bandaging,
compressive garments, positional consideration, and/or exercise.
Kinesio taping can augment the current treatment
of acute or chronic edemas by opening up lymphatic pathways to allow for
lymphatic flow even when the patient is not in a therapy session. In
other words, Kinesio Tape may help to accelerate the reduction.
DeDe
Wanzek,
LPT, Certified
Kinesio Taping® Instructor (Executive Director of a Pediatric Practice)
In
response to the question of how to keep the tape on CP children who
sweat - a therapist was wondering about a skin
prep. The only skin prep we use is Maalox. It
works great and is cheaper than anything else I know of. However, I had
trouble keeping the tape on until I started using a different method to
apply the tape. Instead of rolling it back from the end, I break the
paper about one half to one inch from the end. Then, as I place the tape
on, I pull that end piece off so I never touch the end. Kids wiggle
around so much that I was finding that I was touching the end so much
that it just would not stay on. This method has worked great and the
tape stays on. Also rounding the edges is a must, whenever I forget to
do this the tape starts rolling off. Also we do not use water proof
tape. We use the regular tape and the kids even go in the water with it
and get along fine.
DeDe Wanzek also answers these frequently asked questions
Question—Is there
anything that can be used when a child has a tendency to develop a rash
from the tape?
If the rash develops when
a child is on an antibiotic or another new medication it is wise to
discontinue tape usage until the child is healthy again. If the
rash is persistent, then putting a light layer of Benedryl gel or Maalox
on the skin before applying the tape can be very effective in reducing
the chance of the rash developing. Make sure to let the gel or
Maalox dry before applying the tape.
Question—I have tried
the Benedryl Gel and Maalox but my child still develops a rash. Is
there anything else I can do?
Try using the tape for a shorter period of time. The tape can be effective if only on for a few hours. Be sure to inform the caregiver of when you would like the tape taken off. Monitor how the skin does. If rash persists, discontinue use.
Ms. Wanzek speaks on the topic of Pediatric Kinesio Taping and is available for private trainings.
Jan Albrecht,
OTR,
CHT, Experienced Kinesio Taping® Clinician
Since becoming
familiar with the theory and techniques for the application of Kinesio®
Tape, I have enjoyed many successes with the patients I treat as an
on-call hand therapist. Patients report pain relief and greater
confidence in managing their own symptoms even after the first trial
application. The properties of the tape are ideal for the gentle
treatment of soft tissue in order to decrease inflammation and swelling,
as well as to facilitate or inhibit muscles. By using it for postural
correction, it has resulted in pain relief for patients with
fibromyalgia or regional pain syndrome, sometimes for the first time in
years. The application I learned for the treatment of deQuervainne's
Tenosynovitis is popular with patients as it provides relief from thumb
spica splints, either custom or prefabricated, and seems to hasten a
resolution of symptoms. I designed a modification of that application to
provide thumb rotation and facilitate the Abductor Policis Longus.
Patients with pain at the base of the thumb report almost instant pain
relief, due to a restoration of more normal thumb biomechanics. I feel
fortunate to be on the forefront of a new treatment modality that
invites experimentation and research.
Tracey Edblom,
OTR/CHT
I have been using
Kinesio Tape since I was introduced to it in 1994.In the past few years
my use of the tape has increased and continued to change and grow. It
has added yet another creative tool to my clinical bag of tricks. Being
able to augment the treatment I give in the clinic has enhanced my
ability to reach optimal outcomes in a shorter period of time. I use
Kinesio Tape in my practice on almost all of my patients at one time or
another in their healing phases, maybe controlling sensory input to
change the behavior of a repetitive strain patient, or helping a
post-operative patient manage their edema, or manage their scar
formation and fascial dynamics. In all the different and creative ways
that I am able to use Kinesio Tape, the universal response from the
patient is gratitude. I have seen patients with neuritis come into the
office with pain at 8/10 and less than 30 minutes later report their
pain to be 2/10.I have seen burn patients remodel their scar tissue,
improve the color, circulation and texture of their scars so much they
actually avoided subsequent planned surgeries. I've had patients and
physicians ask “What did you do to that scar? How did it change so fast?
Where did it go?”" I love explaining those cases. Essentially, Kinesio
Tape has made me a better therapist; better at targeting problems,
better at teaching clients to understand how to help themselves.
George Stribling,
D.C., CCSP, Certified Kinesio Taping® Instructor
I've been in practice
20 years. In looking back over the years, I am certain most if not all
of us wonder or try to grasp what one thing have I worked with or come
upon, which has had the single most dramatic impact on my practice, and
the results my personal professional career. It is likely hard to put
your finger on "it", very possibly there are a few things. As for me,
Kinesio Taping, ranks right up there. I can say without question, the
scope of my practice has changed and expanded dramatically since my
involvement with Kinesio Taping. In a typical Chiropractic setting, you
know... the athletic injuries, auto accident injury, the recovery
from back or hip surgery, slips and falls, and of course herniated
discs. I have treated with many high caliber athletes, track and field,
swimming complaints, and many others. Besides the subluxation, do they
or do they not have one very important characteristic....Absolutely!
..Soft tissue involvement. Be it acute or chronic, KinesioTaping expands
your ability to address myofascial involvement and reach optimum
recovery or performance in your practice. I have far more success in
treating chronic subluxed shoulders, patellar difficulties. groin
injury, ankle and calf injury or weakness. Taping a patient in addition
to adjustments extends the effect of your treatment by 3 to 5+ days. The
taping when applied properly will continue to have its intended effect
on reducing inflammation, strengthening tissue or securing joint
positioning longer than usual care. It is important for the beginning
student to learn proper application and concept. I was lucky enough to
learn firsthand from the founder/inventor of Kinesio Taping, Dr. Kase.
He practiced in my hometown,
