taping somaya malkawi, phd. in 1973, kinesio® tape (kt) has been used to prevent and heal many...

Taping

Somaya Malkawi, PhD

• In 1973, Kinesio® Tape (KT) has been used to prevent and heal many different conditions

• Kinesio® Tape was invented by a chiropractor, Dr. Kenzo Kase, in Japan (Kase, Wallis, & Kase, 2003).

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

Tape Characteristics

• Athletic tape is hypoallergenic and cotton-backed with adhesive designed to withstand temperature changes.

• Key Concept– Supplies needed for taping and wrapping

include spray adhesives, underwrap, tape, foam paddings, and tape-removal tools.

Tape Characteristics• Mimic some characteristics of the skin

• It can stretch 30-40 percent of its length giving it an elastic quality like that of the skin

• It is approximately the same thickness of the epidermis of the skin.

• “It was intended to limit the body’s perception of weight and not give a sensory stimuli that there was something on the skin when properly applied.

Tape Characteristics• After approximately 10 minutes the patient will

generally not perceive there is tape on their skin”

• The tape is made with 100% cotton fibers allowing for quick drying and evaporation of body moisture.

• The adhesive used is 100% acrylic and 100% latex-free

• It is heat activated and once removed leaves behind no residue.

Tape Characteristics• “The acrylic adhesive is applied in a wave

like pattern to mimic the qualities of the fingerprint on the fingertip.

• Allows for zones in which moisture can escape

Taping Supplies

Taping in the Prevention and Treatment of Injuries

– It should be stored in a cool, relatively dry environment.

– Cut edges in rounded shape

– Tape is made to be torn easily by holding firmly on each side and pulling at an angle so the force breaks the fibers.


• Tape underwrap helps eliminate irritation from repeated taping, while providing comfort, holding heel and lace pads in place, and keeping tape away from the skin of those allergic to tape.

• Spray adherent helps the adhesive tape and underwrap adhere to the skin.

Underwrap and Spray Adherent


• Key Concept– The primary purpose of taping is to provide

additional support, stability, and compression for an affected body part. Taping can be used as a preventive measure or as protection for new or healing injuries.


• Taping is an important skill for the rehab team– OTs– PTs– Ats– Chiropractors and massage therapists– Athletes – Dancers .. etc


• It can be preventative for patients who need additional protection or as a treatment for new and healing injuries.

• Before tape is applied, a certified therapists should complete a full assessment of injury.

Theoretical Benefits


• Analgesic Affect– 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

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

Achilles-Tendon Taping

• The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the body, joining the lower leg gastrocnemius and soleus muscles to the heel bone (calcaneus).

• Most ruptures of the Achilles tendon occur with the contraction of the calf muscles.

• Taping is an effective way to relieve strain and overstretching.

Achilles-Tendon Taping

Wrist taping

• Wrist taping adds support to the wrist.

• Wrist support products also available commercially.

Thumb Taping

• For mild sprain, proper taping allows safe return to play.

• A simple method to keep the thumb from hyper-extending is to tape the thumb to the adjacent finger, maintaining the normal spacing between the two.

Finger Taping

• Finger support can be obtained from a simple buddy taping procedure.

Elbow Taping

• Hyperextension of the elbow is normally the result of falling on an outstretched arm or hand.

• Taping prevents hyperextension and prevents hyper mobility, a body part from moving beyond its normal range of motion.

Clinical Implications

• 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

Clinical Implications

• 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

Y-Strip Supraspinatus, 1st

Y or I Strip, Anterior displacement, 3rd

Y-Strip Deltoid, 2nd

Quadriceps Taping

Y-Strip 1st

Y-Strip 2nd

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taping somaya malkawi, phd. in 1973, kinesio® tape (kt) has been used to prevent and heal many...

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