Kinesiological “taping”
Kinesiological taping
Have you ever watched a sporting event and noticed these pretty colored bands on a shoulder, a knee or even the back of an athlete? In fact, the famous tapping are very common among athletes, but also in the general population. Despite their sometimes very attractive patterns and colors that make us all want to have one too, what exactly are they for?
In general, the tapping has the function of helping to manage pain linked to poor functioning of superficial muscle tissues (called myofascial tissues). It also helps to assist and accelerate the return to a normal range of motion, without pain. Then, finally, it also helps to complete treatments and support the patient between them.
There are three main types of implementation tapping depending on the desired effect p
ar the therapist. The first is the structural type. As the name indicates, its objective is to improve the structure and positioning of a body segment in order to prevent a painful end of movement. Its application helps improve the patient's posture during a desired movement and reduces tension on the underlying muscle during the healing process. Finally, structural application helps break the circle of poor posture or painful mechanical movement by guiding the segment into the desired amplitude and alignment.
The second type of application is neurological. The latter acts on subcutaneous pain receptors, sending a sensory signal which helps reduce the perception of pain. More simply, it is as if we were rigging the brain by stimulating certain cells near the skin, which in turn send a message to the latter to reduce the activity of pain receptors. This reduction in pain helps restore normal, pain-free muscle activity.
The third type of application of tapping is the microcirculatory. The latter helps with the circulation of superficial fluids. It helps, among other things, to improve lymphatic circulation or to reduce inflammation and edema.
Here is a very quick overview of the three main types of applications of the tapping kinesiology and their uses. Just as there are several types of therapies and various techniques to heal certain injuries, we must keep in mind that the tapping is not always the solution. The decision is up to the therapist according to the treatment he wishes to consider with his patient.
Of course, you don't have to know what type of tapping you need during your next clinic visit, your therapist will be able to apply the tapping that you need in order to have the desired effects.
By Rebecca Beaudette
Physiotherapist/Kinesiologist
