Kinesio Taping:An Introduction on Technique and
Results
Chris Keating SPT
Thomas Jefferson University
Overview Introduction to Kinesio
Taping Properties Theoretical Benefits Types of Application Application Guidelines
Current Evidence Shoulder Pain Lower Trunk ROM Lateral Patella Dislocation Acute Pediatrics Population
Clinical Implications Application of Kinesio
Tape RTC Impingement Taping Quadriceps Facilitation
Taping
Kinesio Tape Properties
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
Theoretical Benefits
Theoretical Benefits
Analgesic Affect Mechanoreceptors 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
Theoretical Benefits
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 This is not athletic taping, do not take up full
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
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
Application Guidelines
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
Evidence Based Practice
Shoulder PainThelen et al. Purpose
To compare the short-term effect of a therapeutic KT application on reducing pain and disability in subjects with RTC tendonitis/impingement versus sham KT taping
Population 18-24yo College Students; (n = 27) + Hawkins-Kennedy, + Empty Can, + Pain Before 150°
elevation in any plane - Fracture, - GH Disloction/Subluxation, - Cervical
Involvement, - Shoulder Surgery < 12 months
Intervention 15-25% Stretch Y-Strip for Supraspinatus 15-25% Stretch Y-Strip for Deltoid 50-75% Stretch Y or I-Strip Coracoid Process ->
Posterior Deltoid Outcome
Only significant difference between groups found on day 1 with treatment group achieving greater abduction (19°)
Both groups over 6 days demonstrated improvements in all outcome measures
Attrition was high 7/27, due to scheduling conflicts
Lower Trunk ROMYoshida et al. Purpose
To determine the effects of KT on lower trunk flexion, extension and lateral flexion
Population 30 healthy subjects (15f, 15m) Average age (26,20) Volunteered Were excluded if had LBP within 6 months of trial
Intervention Cross-over Study 15-25% stretch with Y-Strip Place base above sacrum Attach tails on each erector spinae group with
light tension Outcomes
Taping significantly increased flexion (17cm) over non-taping
No control group Needs more detailed measurements
Traumatic Patellar DislocationOsterhues Purpose
To demonstrate the use of KT for control of pain, restriction of quadriceps muscle contraction and altered sense of weight bearing stability in patella dislocation rehabilitation
Population 49 yo female PT who sustained a traumatic left knee
patella lateral dislocation while cross country skiing
Intervention 10% Stretch Y-Strip from the insertion to origin Base placed without tension Tails across medial retinacular tissue and lateral
quadriceps border with paper off tension Treatment also included:
IFC, ice with compression, static and dynamic balance training, stationary bike, ROM exercises, massage
Outcome Reduced pain with activity 4 weeks after injury with KT use
function comparable to Atkin et al. (2000) study which put timetable at 6 months
Tests with NeuroCom Balance Master higher for taped condition than no taped, however both numbers outside (below) normal ranges
KT effect on PedsYasukawa et al Purpose
To describe the functional arm and hand skills for children admitted into a rehab program subsequent use of KT
Population 15 Children (10f, 5m) Ages 4-16
4 SCI, 2 TBI, 3 Brain Tumor, 2 CVA, Seizure, CP, 2 Birth Defects
+ muscle weakness or abnormal muscle tone Grades of 3 or more on Mod. Ashworth were excluded Trace on MMT or sensory issues were also excluded
No cognitive or motivation issues
Intervention Wide variety of KT techniques, Individualized
Outcome Melbourne Assessment
16 pt questionnaire measuring upper limb function Designed for CP population
Scores significantly improve pre-test to post-test as well as 3 days after taping
Its hard to draw specific treatment from study Overall function improved in group average
immediately after taping limiting learning curve Increase of 5 on MA immediately after application Increase of 10 on MA 3 days after application
Clinical Implications
Clinical Implications
Level of evidence Weak- only one RCT found (via Medline, Cinahl,
Cochrane, DARE, ACP) Mainly case studies, presented were a sample of
the most PT relevant What does the evidence support
Increase in ROM Increase in function
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
RTC Impingement Taping
Y-Strip Supraspinatus, 1st
Y or I Strip, Anterior displacement, 3rd
Y-Strip Deltoid, 2nd
Quadriceps Taping
Y-Strip 1st
Y-Strip 2nd
References Clinical Theraputic Applications of the Kinesio Taping Method; K.
Kaze, J. Wallis, T. Kase; Tokyo, Japan, 2003 The Clinical Efficacy of Kinesio Tape for Shoulder Pain: A
Randomized, Double-Blinded, Clinical Trial; M. Thelen, J. Dauber, P. Stoneman; Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, 38:7 2008
Pilot Study: Investigating the Effects of Kinesio Taping in an Acute Pediatic Rehabilitation Setting; A. Yasukawa, P. Patel, C Sisung; American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 60:1 2006
The Use of Kinesio Taping in the Management of Traumatic Patella Dislocation. A Case Study; D. Osterhues; Physiotherapy Theory and Practice; 20:4 2004
The Effect of Kinesio-Taping on Lower Trunk Range of Motions; A. Yoshida, L Kahanov; Research in Sports Medicine, 15 2007
Characteristics of Patients with Primary Acute Lateral Patellar Dislocation and Their Recovery Within the First Six Months of Injury; DM. Atkins, Dc Fithian, KS Marangi; The American Journal of Sports Medicine; 28:4 2000
Failure and Fatigue Characteristics of Adhesive Athletic Tape; Bragg, R.W, Macmahon, J.M, Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise 34:3 2002