2015 Courses attended - Kinesio Taping Course

Kinesiology Taping Course 

This was a one day workshop in london, which included all of the key areas in the use of Kinesiology tape in the effective management of patients suffering from musculoskeletal conditions.

The following areas were covered

• Symptom reduction taping
• Oedema control taping
• Postural control taping
• Power taping

The techniques that I have learned can now be utilised in the effective management of both sporting and non-sporting patients in both their treatment and rehabilitation. These are core skills to possess in a really up-to-date and ‘in vogue’ modality.

This Course Covered all the areas below in detail:

• Neck and Shoulders
• Rotator Cuff Tendonopathy
• Impingement syndrome
• Lumbar Spine/SacroIliac Joint
• Hamstring Offload / Strain
• Quad Strain
• IT Bands
• Plantar Fasciits
• Achilles Tendonopathy
• Ankle Inversion Sprain
• Shin Splints
• Anterior Knee Pain
• MCL/LCL Sprain
• Lateral Epicondilitis – Tennis Elbow
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Oedema control upper and lower extremity

So the Aims/Objectives of this course is:

1. To understand the theory behind the use of Kinesiology Tape
2. Understand the and be aware  of the evidence into the use of Kinesiology tape in clinical practice
3. Learn the effective application of Kinesiology tape to a variety of conditions
4. and then have the ability to clinically reason the best choice of taping technique in future clinical practice 

The Background of Kinesiology Taping

- Dr Kenzo Kase in the 1970’s developed KT to correct abnormalities of muscles and myo-facial tissues around painful joints.
- KT has grown in popularity and is now a vital tool in rehabilitation and management of musculoskeletal injuries and conditions, Very popular amongst athletes.

The Tape

- It's been specially created so that the thickness the same as skin epidermis.
- It's capacity to stretch to 130-140%, is similar to that of skin or muscles
- It's latex free
- 100% cotton covered with a layer of acrylic glue
- The glue is applied as a wave to permit skin to breathe
- It's heat activated
 and finally can be left for 3-4 days (even when showering!!)

  KT Mechanisms

1. Muscle inflamed/swollen/stiff
2. Space between the muscle and skin is compressed
3. Pressure on pain receptors
4. Stretching the muscle during application means that when returning to neutral position the tape forms wrinkles/convolutions

1. By lifting skin away from fascia creates more space
2. There is less pressure, which equals less pain
3. Allow more drainage of lymphatic fluid and increases blood flow
4. More space for movement of skin/facia/muscle contraction
5. Normalising tone and function
6. Repositions joints by relieving abnormal surrounding tissue tension

Proposed clinical effects of KT:

1. Increasing circulation of blood and lymphatic fluid
2. Reduces swelling/speeds up healing
3. Reduces pain
4. Facilitate weak or atrophied muscles in spasm/stiff
5. Increased range of movement
6. Improves proprioception
7. Repositions joints by relieving abnormal muscle tension

Summary

Based on theories of proprioception, increasing space and soft tissue mobilisation
Can have rehabilitative effect as well as just symptom relief
Facilitates natural healing process
Provides stability / support to muscles and joints without restricting range of movement Can provide extended soft tissue
manipulation to prolong the benefits of manual therapy
Adaptable to each patients requirements on assessment, once happy with theories and techniques.

References

• Kase et al (2003) Clinical Therapeutic Applications of the Kinesio Taping Method. Kinesio Taping Association (Japan)
• Morris et al (2012) The clinic effects of Kinesio Tex taping: A systematic review. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice. Early online: 1-12.
• Williams et al (2012) Kinesio Taping in the Treatment and Prevention of Sports Injuries. Sports Medicine. 42 (2). 153-164.

Bibliography

• Aytar et al (2011) Initial effect of Kinesio Taping in patients with PFPS: A randomised, double blinded study. Isokinetics and Exercise Science. 19(2) 135-142
• Brandon and Paradiso (2005) The use of Kinesio Taping in patients diagnosed with Patellofemoral pain. [online]. Available at: http://www.kinesiotaping.co/patellofemoral-pain-kt.php
• Chang et al (2010) Immediate effect of forearm Kinesio Taping on maximal grip strength and force sense in healthy athletes. Physical Therapy in Sport. 11(4) 122-127
• Firth et al (2010) The effect of Kinesio Taping on function, pain and motoneuronal excitability in healthy people and people with Achilles tendonopathy. Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine. 20(6) 416-421
• Fu et al (2008) Effects of Kinesio Taping on Muscle Strength in Athletes- A Pilot Study. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport. 11. 198-201.
• Garcia-Muro et al (2010) Treatment of myofascial pain in the shoulder with Kinesio Taping: A case report. Manual Therapy. 15. 292-295.
• Gonzalez-Inglesias et al (2009) Short-Term Effects of Cervical Kinesio Taping on Pain and Cervical Range of motion in Patients with Acute Whiplash Injury: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy. 39(7). 515-521.
• Gusella et al (2013) Kinesiologic taping and muscular activity: A myofascial hypothesis and a randomised, blinded trial on healthy individuals. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies. Xx, 1-7
• Halseth et al (2004) The Effects of Kinesio Taping on Proprioception at the Ankle. Journal of Sports Science and Medicine. 3. 1-7.