kinesio taping

Kinesio Taping:An Introduction on Technique and

Results

Chris Keating SPT

Thomas Jefferson University

Overview Introduction to Kinesio

Taping Properties Theoretical Benefits Types of Application Application Guidelines

Current Evidence Shoulder Pain Lower Trunk ROM Lateral Patella Dislocation Acute Pediatrics Population

Clinical Implications Application of Kinesio

Tape RTC Impingement Taping Quadriceps Facilitation

Taping

Kinesio Tape Properties

Properties of Kinesio Tape

Mimics skin qualities Tape is replicating

hands on the patient Sensiomotor stimulation

Allows longitudinal stretch of 30-40% of its resting length

Effective for 3-5 days of constant use

Latex free and heat activated adhesive

Acrylic adhesive applied in wave fashion to allow for moisture escape

Theoretical Benefits


Analgesic Affect Mechanoreceptors Create space for areas of

pain and inflammation Assist or limit motion

through sensory stimulus Lymphatic Drainage

Increase lymph drainage from the area via increased subcutaneous space


Correct Malalignment Positional stimulus Align fascia tissues

Scar Tissue Breaks adhesions Reduce irritation

Types of Application

Types of Application

Y I X Fan Web Donut

Types of Application: Y

Used to surround muscle Either to facilitate or inhibit muscle stimuli Should be 2 inches longer than target muscle

Teres Minor Y

Type of Application: I

Used for more acute injuries in place of Y

Primary purpose for edema and pain Greater surface area

Used for alignment correction

Tricep I strips

Type of Application: X and Donut X

Used when origin and insertion change depending on movement (Rhomboids)

Donut Specifically used for edema Use overlapping strips and the center is cut out

over area of focus

Types of Application: Fan/Web Chief use for edema Web different because ends remain intact

Type of ApplicationStretch Muscle should be elongated prior to

application KT requires none to partial stretch Stretch results in skin convolutions whether

they are visible or not they are present Would rather have too little than too much

stretch This is not athletic taping, do not take up full

stretch*

Types of ApplicationStretch Full- 100% Severe- 75% Moderate- 50% Light- 15-25% None- 0% Percentage stretch refer to percentage of available stretch

Type of ApplicationDirection Insertion to Origin

Used to inhibit overused or stretched muscles Light stretch required to achieve this goal

Origin to Insertion Used to facilitate weak or under performing

muscles Light to moderate stretch required

Application Guidelines


Shave hair if interfering with adhesive

No oils or lotions on skin

If wet, pat dry Do not use hair dryer

on tape Use alcohol to prep

skin if needed


Measure appropriate length- allowing for desired stretch

Remove tape carefully in order not to touch or increase application difficulty

Rub tape after application to activate adhesive

Allow 20 mins for adhesive to take effect If KT doesn’t reduce pain than D/C treatment

after 20 mins

Evidence Based Practice

Shoulder PainThelen et al. Purpose

To compare the short-term effect of a therapeutic KT application on reducing pain and disability in subjects with RTC tendonitis/impingement versus sham KT taping

Population 18-24yo College Students; (n = 27) + Hawkins-Kennedy, + Empty Can, + Pain Before 150°

elevation in any plane - Fracture, - GH Disloction/Subluxation, - Cervical

Involvement, - Shoulder Surgery < 12 months

Intervention 15-25% Stretch Y-Strip for Supraspinatus 15-25% Stretch Y-Strip for Deltoid 50-75% Stretch Y or I-Strip Coracoid Process ->

Posterior Deltoid Outcome

Only significant difference between groups found on day 1 with treatment group achieving greater abduction (19°)

Both groups over 6 days demonstrated improvements in all outcome measures

Attrition was high 7/27, due to scheduling conflicts

Lower Trunk ROMYoshida et al. Purpose

To determine the effects of KT on lower trunk flexion, extension and lateral flexion

Population 30 healthy subjects (15f, 15m) Average age (26,20) Volunteered Were excluded if had LBP within 6 months of trial

Intervention Cross-over Study 15-25% stretch with Y-Strip Place base above sacrum Attach tails on each erector spinae group with

light tension Outcomes

Taping significantly increased flexion (17cm) over non-taping

No control group Needs more detailed measurements

Traumatic Patellar DislocationOsterhues Purpose

To demonstrate the use of KT for control of pain, restriction of quadriceps muscle contraction and altered sense of weight bearing stability in patella dislocation rehabilitation

Population 49 yo female PT who sustained a traumatic left knee

patella lateral dislocation while cross country skiing

Intervention 10% Stretch Y-Strip from the insertion to origin Base placed without tension Tails across medial retinacular tissue and lateral

quadriceps border with paper off tension Treatment also included:

IFC, ice with compression, static and dynamic balance training, stationary bike, ROM exercises, massage

Outcome Reduced pain with activity 4 weeks after injury with KT use

function comparable to Atkin et al. (2000) study which put timetable at 6 months

Tests with NeuroCom Balance Master higher for taped condition than no taped, however both numbers outside (below) normal ranges

KT effect on PedsYasukawa et al Purpose

To describe the functional arm and hand skills for children admitted into a rehab program subsequent use of KT

Population 15 Children (10f, 5m) Ages 4-16

4 SCI, 2 TBI, 3 Brain Tumor, 2 CVA, Seizure, CP, 2 Birth Defects

+ muscle weakness or abnormal muscle tone Grades of 3 or more on Mod. Ashworth were excluded Trace on MMT or sensory issues were also excluded

No cognitive or motivation issues

Intervention Wide variety of KT techniques, Individualized

Outcome Melbourne Assessment

16 pt questionnaire measuring upper limb function Designed for CP population

Scores significantly improve pre-test to post-test as well as 3 days after taping

Its hard to draw specific treatment from study Overall function improved in group average

immediately after taping limiting learning curve Increase of 5 on MA immediately after application Increase of 10 on MA 3 days after application

Clinical Implications


Level of evidence Weak- only one RCT found (via Medline, Cinahl,

Cochrane, DARE, ACP) Mainly case studies, presented were a sample of

the most PT relevant What does the evidence support

Increase in ROM Increase in function


Why use it Tool in the toolbox Treats patient for 72

consecutive hours Feeling of treatment ->

encourage movement Placebo or Treatment?

Versatile

Pros Some evidence proves

theories PTs provide treatment Applicable to multiple pt

populations Constant treatment

Cons Some evidence proves

theories Expensive Requires practice Skin reaction


Athletic Taping v Kinesio Taping Bragg article demonstrates AT decrease in support within

an hour of use Since KT does not focus on support its means of sensory

stimulus to enforce movement may just be a better form of AT

Clinical Opinion Kinesio Taping could be a useful tool for therapist who see

patients only a handful of times during rehab Little evidence supports its multiple theories, more research

needed May be a way to facilitate and encourage movement

RTC Impingement Taping

Y-Strip Supraspinatus, 1st

Y or I Strip, Anterior displacement, 3rd

Y-Strip Deltoid, 2nd

Quadriceps Taping

Y-Strip 1st

Y-Strip 2nd

References Clinical Theraputic Applications of the Kinesio Taping Method; K.

Kaze, J. Wallis, T. Kase; Tokyo, Japan, 2003 The Clinical Efficacy of Kinesio Tape for Shoulder Pain: A

Randomized, Double-Blinded, Clinical Trial; M. Thelen, J. Dauber, P. Stoneman; Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, 38:7 2008

Pilot Study: Investigating the Effects of Kinesio Taping in an Acute Pediatic Rehabilitation Setting; A. Yasukawa, P. Patel, C Sisung; American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 60:1 2006

The Use of Kinesio Taping in the Management of Traumatic Patella Dislocation. A Case Study; D. Osterhues; Physiotherapy Theory and Practice; 20:4 2004

The Effect of Kinesio-Taping on Lower Trunk Range of Motions; A. Yoshida, L Kahanov; Research in Sports Medicine, 15 2007

Characteristics of Patients with Primary Acute Lateral Patellar Dislocation and Their Recovery Within the First Six Months of Injury; DM. Atkins, Dc Fithian, KS Marangi; The American Journal of Sports Medicine; 28:4 2000

Failure and Fatigue Characteristics of Adhesive Athletic Tape; Bragg, R.W, Macmahon, J.M, Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise 34:3 2002

kinesio taping

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