Supportive Strapping & Taping
Strapping, or taping, is one of the many tools that Physical Therapists have for helping you recover and return to your normal everyday life. The therapist will apply tape directly to the skin in various locations for various outcomes. The location and purpose of strapping varies from patient to patient and depends on his or her diagnosis. A few of the many purposes of strapping can be to provide stability to a joint complex, help with postural correction, relieve pain, decrease swelling, activate a muscle or inhibit an overactive muscle. Kinesio tape can be used for conditions such as bursitis, joint instability, muscle spasm, muscle weakness, tendonitis and general pain/swelling.
Materials for Physical Therapy Taping
Kinesio Tape
The type of tape can also vary depending again on the desired outcome. Kinesio tape is tape that allows for more stretch, can get wet, and can be worn for several days requiring little maintenance by you. It is both latex-free and hypoallergenic. Kinesio tape alleviates discomfort and facilitates lymphatic drainage by microscopically lifting the skin. This lifting affect forms convolutions in the skin thus increasing interstitial space and allowing for a decrease in inflammation, reducing pressure while enabling a more effective flow of blood and lymphatic fluid in and out of the target area.
Leukotape
Leukotape is a more rigid type of tape that can be used to provide stability. Leukotape is applied first with a Cover-roll over the skin to protect it and help with adhesion. Leukotape, like Kinesio tape, is hypoallergenic and latex free. Leukotape sports tape is primarily used for patellofemoral taping and shoulder taping. It works by affecting the biomechanics of soft tissue such as muscles, joints, tendons and ligaments which makes it ideal for neuromuscular reeducation. Without this re-education, soft tissue will become accustomed to the limited range of motion that resulted from an injury.
Farmingdale Physical Therapy West Methods
Both types of tape can be applied to remedy ailments in the neck, back, shoulders, knees, hips, wrists, and ankles making for a very versatile treatment option. Strapping is a very safe treatment option with no serious adverse effects. Both are hypoallergenic meaning that those with easily irritated skin need not worry.
It is your therapist’s’ goal to give you the tools you need to participate in any and all work, household, and recreational activities without pain. Strapping, in addition to the many other tools at our disposal, can help you live the life you want to live.
