Kinesio Taping : An Introduction on Technique and Results

University

Trunk ROM
Lateral Patella Dislocation
Acute Pediatrics Population
Clinical Implications
Application of Kinesio Tape
RTC

Impingement Taping
Quadriceps Facilitation Taping

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

or limit motion through sensory stimulus
Lymphatic Drainage
Increase lymph drainage from

the area via increased subcutaneous space

inhibit muscle stimuli
Should be 2 inches longer than target muscle
Teres

Minor Y

of Y
Primary purpose for edema and pain
Greater surface area
Used for

alignment correction

Tricep I strips

change depending on movement (Rhomboids)
Donut
Specifically used for edema
Use overlapping strips

and the center is cut out over area of focus

remain intact

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*

to percentage of available stretch

muscles
Light stretch required to achieve this goal
Origin to Insertion
Used to

facilitate weak or under performing muscles
Light to moderate stretch required

on skin
If wet, pat dry
Do not use hair dryer on

tape
Use alcohol to prep skin if needed

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

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

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

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

each erector spinae group with light tension
Outcomes
Taping significantly increased flexion

(17cm) over non-taping
No control group
Needs more detailed measurements

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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