KT and Rock Tape
- Posted on: Jul 24 2017
Physical Therapy Modalities and Durable Medical Equipment (DME): Kinesiotaping/Rock Tape
While Kinesiotaping has started to become more known to the common person, it has actually been around since the late 1970’s! Dr. Kenzo Kase, who developed the Kinesio Taping Method, wanted to find something that would help facilitate the body’s natural healing process and prolong the benefits of his treatment for his patients in his clinic. Over the years, many researchers have come together to help redefine the Kinesio Taping Method that has led to its prominence today.
WHAT CAN KINESIOTAPE/ROCK TAPE DO FOR ME?
- DECRASE PAIN INTENSITY – this works similar to when you rub your elbow when you bang it against a table. When applied correctly, Rock Tape can interfere with pain signals and essentially change how your body interprets pain and decrease “pain volume”.
- HELP REDUCE SWELLING/INFLAMMATION – your skin is comprised of a few different layers. When applied correctly, KT or Rock Tape can have a microscopic lifting effect underneath the skin that helps allow the inflammatory by-products to be eliminated at a greater and quicker rate
- IMPROVE POSTURAL AWARENESS – promoting proper postural alignment is key in movement disorders. When applied correctly, a patient can feel the stretch of the Rock Tape on their skin as they slouch/move into undesired posture. This can serve as a tactile cue to return to the proper posture that was taught to them in PT!
- NOMRALIZE MUSCLE TONE – muscle activity can greatly be affected as a person becomes sick, fatigued, injured, or inflamed. Rock Tape has been shown to wake up “dormant” muscles (ie. Quadricep muscle group after an ACL Reconstruction) or inhibit overactive muscles to help better allow for optimal movement.
MANY MORE!!!
Overall, Kinesiotape or Rock Tape can be a nice supplement to any patient’s plan of care. With the proper application, a patient can garner many benefits from its use. If you have further questions or are interested in experiencing the effects of any of the taping methods above, don’t hesitate to ask your physical therapist! It could be what helps get you back on the golf course or back to walking at the track much faster!
Finally, be on the lookout for the final installment in this series in the upcoming weeks regarding different braces and orthotics that are available to help aid in your recovery!
Posted in: Fitness, Health & Wellness
