Move Better, Feel Better: A Movement Based Approach to Soft Tissue Mobilization for the Upper Body: Summary 36
KINESIOLOGY TAPING (KT)
Application: • Several different brands in variety of sizes (2 inch most common) • Apply on clean, dry skin • Remove body hair if necessary • Measure and cut tape appropriately (with rounded corners): ○ I, V, or Y ○ H tape: Two straps parallel (25% to 50% stretch); one cross-strap (25% to 50% stretch) ○ Starburst: Trigger points; 3–4 straps at 25% to 50% stretch ○ Fan cut: For edema/lymphatic drainage: ■ Typically anchoring proximally and fanning out distally • Rub the tape to promote adhesion after applied • Stretch changes based on target tissue: ○ Epidermis: 0% to 5% stretch ○ Dermis: 5% to 10% stretch ○ Superficial fascia, muscle: 10% to 15% stretch ○ Deep fascia: 25% to 50% stretch ○ Tendon: 75% stretch ○ Ligament: 100% stretch • Tape can be left on for 2 to 3 days Goal of Treatment: • Improve ROM/decrease tone: Typically taping distal to proximal • Support ligament: Parallel decompression • Support a muscle strain: Typically proximal to distal • Relieve peripheral nerve entrapment: Cross-fiber decompression • Relieve swelling/lymphatic drainage: Fan cut
Pros
Cons
• Some evidence proves theories • Provides an optional additional treatment • Application to multiple populations • Decrease in pain encourages movement • Patient can perform themselves • Waterproof
• Inconsistent evidence to support • Can be expensive when used for prolonged time • Can irritate skin or
cause allergic reactions
Research: • Some support for pain relief and improved gait following KT in older adults with knee OA • Improved quad strength with application of KT • Reduced subcutaneous intertissue movement and percutaneous translation in superficial thoracolumbar fascia during flexion • Reduced lymphedema after breast cancer Proposed Benefits: • Reduced pain via inhibiting/decompressing tissues or facilitating/supporting tissues • Improved lymphatic drainage via opening of microvalves • Increased tissue glide • Improved ROM • CNS changed: KT applied on the skin creates mechanical stimulus and activates different CNS pathways
Upper Quarter Treatment Location
Taping Technique
Picture
Mid-scapular pain
V cut anchored at mid-back and applied upward along scapulas while patient flexes forward Cross-piece in the middle between shoulder blades
Lateral epicondyle pain
T application (2 I cuts) First along the forearm and upper arm parallel to the fibers Second strip perpendicular across the epicondyle
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