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Therapeutic Taping

There are three main taping techniques recognized here in the USA.  White Athletic Taping, McConnell Taping Technique, and Kinesio Taping.

White Athletic Taping

White Athletic Taping is the most commonly used technique in the USA.  Using a white athletic tape that is extremely rigid and requires a pre-tape prior to using the white athletic tape.  Used for acute and preventative injuries.  Left on for a short period of time typically applied immediately prior to an activity and taken off immediately thereafter.  Causes skin irritation due to the entrapment of moisture, high latex content, and high compression of the skin, joints, and muscles due to the wrapping technique. NO rehabilitative purposes or benefits.

McConnell Taping

McConnell Taping is a bracing or strapping technique using a super-rigid, cotton mesh highly-adhesive tape.  Most commonly used for pattelafemoral, shoulder subluxation, lumbar (low back dysfunction), foot, and hip impingement.  Left on the persons for no more than 18 hours due to in-adverse skin reaction. Typically left on for a shorter period of time due to its constricting and suffocation feel.  Affects bio-mechanics of patient.  Primarily used for neuromuscular re-education of the affected condition.  Widely accepted by the medical community.

Kinesio Taping

Kinesio Taping:  What is it?  Dr. Kenzo Kase nearly 20 years ago developed this taping technique for the Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinics in Japan. Since this introduction of Kinesio Taping into the U.S., medical practitioners have recognized and embraced this effective, safe, and easy-to-use modality.  The method and tape allow the individual to wear and receive the therapeutic benefits on a 24-hours/day basis, and can be worn for several days per application.  Currently, Kinesio Taping is practiced in clinics, high schools, and by professional sports teams.

The Kinesio Taping method involves taping over and around muscles in order to either: assist and give muscle support, or to prevent over contraction of the muscles. The first technique gives the practitioner the opportunity to actually give support with full range of motion that enables the individual to participate in physical activity with functional assistance.  The second technique helps fight against overuse/contraction and helps provide 24 hours/day facilitation of lymphatic fluid.  This technique is most commonly used in the acute state of rehabilitation.  Lastly, there are many types of correctional techniques such as: myofascial, lymph, and tracking (ie patella (knee cap).)  Kinesio Tape can be best used in conjunction with Physical Therapy treatments.

How does this work?  Kinesio Taping alleviates pain and facilitates lymphatic drainage by lifting the skin.  The taped portion forms convolutions in the skin this increasing interstitial space.  The result is that pressure and irritation are taken off the neural/sensory receptors.  The slowly, pressure is taken off the lymphatic system allowing it to drain more freely.