Kinesiology Taping
Kinesiology taping is one specific mode of treatment that chiropractors and other practitioners may use to help improve mobility and support joints, muscles, and tendons. It involves placing strips of special tape on the body in specific directions. Dr. Roberts has undergone special training on how to efficiently, accurately, and effectively apply kinesiology tape to maximize its effect in helping her patients. Kinesiology taping has been used by athletes for many years to aid in the recovery of musculoskeletal injuries and improve biomechanics as well as athletic performance.
The kinesiology tape used at Essentials for Wellness is RockTape. While traditional kinetic tape has 130% to 150% elasticity, RockTape offers 190% which increases efficiency of movement and reduces fatigue. RockTape uses a tighter weave than other kinetic tapes which helps it provide support without compromising elasticity. Simply put, RockTape is the “top of the line” kinetic tape.
Here are some uses for kinetic tape:
“Active recovery” for athletes. Kinetic tape may be applied before and after an event to help reduce onset of fatigue during event and aid in recovery after an event, such as a marathon or triathlon.
Treat injuries: Decrease pain, muscle spasms, and swelling after an injury.
Support and stability of specific joints for conditions such as patellofemoral stress syndrome, iliotibial band (IT band) friction syndrome, or shoulder instability. May also be used to help relieve low back pain.
Scar tissue management after surgery or trauma. Scar tissues can limit mobility or movement. Using kinetic tape can help by providing a low intensity and long duration strength on the tight collagen that makes up scar tissue.
Re-educating muscles: This application may be used to correct posture or to help correct the way you walk.
It should be noted that kinesiology tape and athletic tape are not the same thing. Kinesiology tape is used to facilitate motion and inhibit pain, it can improve circulation, and it is stretchy with properties similar to skin. Athletic tape is used for support, to limit motion, decreases circulation, and is not elastic.
