Taping procedure. Ankle taping. Taping for varicose veins
Once upon a time, a step forward was taken in sports medicine to treat injuries related to joints and muscles. More than a quarter of a century ago, Japanese doctor Kenzo Kase developed a taping method, which became a real sensation in the field of treatment and rehabilitation of injuries associated with the musculoskeletal system. Dr. Kenzo developed a rehabilitation technique, which was later called kinesiological taping.
Today, the kinesiological taping technique has become available to the common person.
This technique has allowed many people suffering from joint pain, various injuries and diseases affecting the musculoskeletal system to feel relief when moving. After all, Life is movement.
Literally translated teip - tape, taping - this, in short, will mean fastening with tapes. It is necessary to take into account that taping helps only in the early stages of various joint-related injuries, muscle pain, and other diseases.
Tape properties
What does tape look like, you ask? Yes, very simple. This is an adhesive tape similar to an adhesive plaster, the basis of which is cotton fabric, while it is elastic, hypoallergenic, breathable, and dries very quickly if a person takes a shower or goes to the pool. The developers of the tape provided for long-term and continuous use.
The influence of tape
So, kinesiological taping allows you to fix a joint, muscle, ligament, tendon in the desired position, thereby reducing the load on the area of injury. Raising the fascia due to the fixed skin, thereby increasing the lymphatic drainage of the damaged area and blood supply, which has a beneficial effect on the healing of the damaged area. When moving, there is alternating tension and then weakening of the skin, and since the tape is elastic and has a cotton base, the effect of a light massage is created. This massage activates metabolism in intensely working muscles.
This method of fixing a joint or other injury is directly related to the musculoskeletal system; it allows you to create the best conditions for healing, avoiding complete immobilization.
Indications for taping
— Bruises of various etiologies;
- Tendon sprain;
- Arthrosis;
- Arthritis;
- Convulsions;
- Muscle pain;
- Pain in the neck;
- Pain in the lower back;
- Swelling of the legs due to excess weight;
- Edema during pregnancy;
- Getting injured during heavy and strenuous physical activity.
Techniques
As we have already written, tapes have been known in sports circles for a long time and, naturally, only athletes used them.
Mainly used for:
Knee joint taping;
Elbow joint taping;
Shoulder taping;
Ankle taping.
Another way to immobilize the ankle is
But the circle of athletes is quite small, and the circle of people suffering from injuries and diseases associated with the musculoskeletal system is large. Therefore, the use of the taping method has recently been appreciated by physicians who, by the nature of their occupation, are not in any way related to sports.
Taping rules
However, not all people can immediately seek qualified help for various reasons. Therefore, for proper taping at home, an assistant is needed to help the injured person apply the tape according to the following rules:
In the area of a sore joint, injury or disease, it is necessary to first remove hair, if necessary;
— The tape is applied to washed, clean, dry skin;
— For a painful limb or part of the body, it is first necessary to determine a favorable position in which the person will feel comfortable after applying the tape;
— First, the tape must be secured below and above the injured area;
— Then, you need to start rolling out the tape with one hand, and straighten it with the other hand;
— The tape must be wrapped around the injured area, so that the new wrap covers the previous half;
— The tension of the adhesive plaster should be uniform, without displacement, folding, without constrictions or peeling off. It is important not to compress the vessels and nerves in the injured area;
— After application is completed, the tape is secured with small strips of the same tape;
— I usually apply 3-5 layers of tape on the upper limbs;
— Shin 5-6 layers of tape;
— For the torso and thighs, 6-8 layers are needed.
Possible side effects
If the tape is applied without medical assistance, it is necessary to monitor the condition of the injured person for some time. During this time, pay attention to the following complaints of the injured person, after which it is necessary to quickly remove or reapply the bandage, or loosen the tension of the tape:
- The limbs became cold;
- The skin became bluish;
- The skin became very pale;
- Numbness;
- The appearance of goosebumps;
- Mild or severe tingling of the limbs;
- Increasing pain.
Types of taping
Kinesiological taping gave rise to taping in general. Over the recent period of growing interest in tape, a wide variety of taping techniques and methods can be traced. Let's look at some of them:
Contraindications
Taping is inherently safe, but there are still points that can be used as contraindications, let’s consider them:
- The tape is applied for no more than 5-10 days for prophylactic purposes, this is justified by the fact that when wearing the tape for a longer time, muscle tone weakens, namely in fixed places;
- Of particular note is skin sensitivity. As the pain intensifies, irritation of the skin occurs, and the tape must be pulled tight in the area of the injured area; the tension can cause hemorrhages. Therefore, it is better to abandon this method of treatment, since the most important thing is not to cause harm;
- With sagging skin, taping shows little or no effect, because the interaction of the skin with the underlying muscles and fascia is reduced.
Conclusion
So what is taping? This is a fixation that allows you to ensure the functioning of muscles and joints with the help of special tapes, thereby reducing the pain effect, while simultaneously giving the ability to move. These bands can be worn for 24 hours continuously for 5 days. Which provides rehabilitation of a damaged joint or muscle.
Hippocrates has a very good saying:
Life is short, the path of art is long, opportunity is fleeting, experience is deceptive, judgment is difficult. Therefore, not only the doctor himself must use everything that is necessary, but also the patient, those around him, and all external circumstances must contribute to the doctor in his activities.
Taping is a technique of applying a special adhesive tape to bruised and injured areas of the musculoskeletal system. Basically, the tape is applied to damaged muscles and joints, creating rest for the area on which it is attached. The regeneration processes of the affected area are usually quite long and continue even after the state of health returns to normal. That is why the use of this method after completion of the acute phase (edema) is necessary. Sports activities can be resumed at the regeneration stage, starting with the light ones - exercise machines, walking, muscle stretching, with the obligatory use of tape, which will protect the joint from possible re-injury and the bruise becoming chronic. Taping is also used not only to treat injuries, but also for preventive purposes to immobilize joints that are at risk of being damaged.
Differences between sports taping and kinesiology
Kinesiological taping is similar in methodology to sports taping, but there are certain differences. are used for the treatment and prevention of joint injuries, and kinesio tapes are suitable for any soft area of the body (mainly the muscular system), and for the treatment of visceral and neurological pain. "Kinesio" in the title"kinesio taping"translated as "movement". That is, the place where kinesio tape is applied remains actively mobile, and sometimes even more mobile than without tape. Therefore, the mechanism of action is also different: sports tape fixes the joint in a limited number of movements for faster healing, and kinesio tape holds the muscle, improving blood circulation and lymph flow in it, allowing regeneration processes to occur faster. Kinesio tape can be worn around the clock, for 3-5 days, while sports tape is recommended to be changed and re-glued before each workout (which is mandatory for joint restoration). Read more about kinesio tapes in the article .
An important advantage of sports taping is that the tape, if there are no contraindications and is applied correctly, will not become a catalyst for worsening the condition. There are significantly fewer negative aspects than traditional methods of treatment. The material does not interfere with air circulation and is not afraid of water, which eliminates restrictions when wearing tapes in everyday life.
Effects of taping
Efficiency of the technique sports and kinesio taping very high, which is why they are actively used in modern treatment of problems with the musculoskeletal system. With the correct and specialized application of these techniques, recovery occurs much faster than without it. Any organ after damage requires additional rest, and the body’s own forces alone cannot always provide it. Therefore, taping is used, which, due to its effect, provides additional relaxation to the injured area. At the same time, recovery should occur in an active mode, without stopping training or normal walking and minimal loads. Then the products of regeneration of damaged tissues will be eliminated faster and pain will be relieved better. This task is perfectly accomplished by taping, which gives complete or relative freedom of movement. If this method is carried out by a specialized doctor or massage therapist, the effect will be amazing.
It is worth noting that sports taping has become an excellent alternative to complete immobilization of the limb. The technique combines the advantages of both completely eliminating mobility and taping, which does not limit it at all. It is possible to stabilize muscles and joints, but maintain normal metabolic processes. Thus, there will be no harmful factors such as atrophy or decreased performance of the limb. In this case, you can expect early results and begin other effective methods aimed at rehabilitation at earlier stages of recovery. It is important to understand that the greatest effectiveness of the drug is achieved when it is combined with other treatment options.
Indications for the procedure
Naturally, not all people need to use taping - this method, like all others, has its own indications and contraindications. Below are the main indications for this method:
- rehabilitation support after injury in the knee, ankle, wrist joints, shoulders, back;
- prevention of overload of certain joints and body parts when participating in complex strength or active sports;
- correction of movement in joints, which is limited for some reason, but is possible with adjustment;
- treatment of diseases caused by excessive stress on both joints and muscles;
- posture correction;
- improvement of proprioception (muscle sensitivity);
- changes in the position of the joint when it is deformed;
- pain syndrome of various localizations.
It would not be amiss to note that the effect of the taping technique is much deeper than a simple mechanical effect on the skin. Thanks to the fixation of the application, the natural processes of the body are stimulated, which is the most correct method and minimizes any unpleasant consequences of injury.
Contraindications to taping
There are also a number of contraindications that should never be forgotten when carrying out the taping procedure:
- heart and kidney failure;
- swelling and elevated body temperature, which has not yet passed after the acute phase;
- oncological diseases and metastasis;
- diabetes mellitus, in which the use of tape is possible, but requires additional consultation with an endocrinologist;
- diseases of unknown etiology or not yet confirmed, in order to avoid subsequent complications;
- wounds on the surface of the skin to avoid infection, since the tape is not sterile;
- thrombosis, since there is a risk of blood clot formation.
Please note that tapes are not applied to injured areas of the body with open wounds. If there are minor skin lesions, they are covered with aseptic dressings. In some situations, it is necessary to place a special material between the tape and the body area, which will prevent contact of the elements and the occurrence of allergies.
In connection with the above, it should be noted that the work of applying tape should be carried out by a specialist. Only a physician can determine the indications and contraindications for using tape. Such simple methods as palpation and visual inspection can already provide important information regarding the prospects and effectiveness of using the taping method.
With the slightest mistakes, some negative factors may increase, for example, the formation of edema. In this case, it is necessary to replace the already applied bandage as soon as possible and correctly correct it.Ideally, in order not to miss important moments of recovery, the patient should be monitored throughout the application of the taping technique. At the same time, what is more important is not the expert’s opinion and his knowledge, but the feelings that the client experiences. If there is the slightest suspicion that the method has been applied incorrectly, the tape is immediately reapplied.
Taping training
The basic rule in the taping technique is that the correct application of tape, depending on a particular problem and the nature of the injury, can only be guaranteed by a person trained in this. This technique is widely used by sports medicine doctors, rehabilitation doctors, physiotherapists, massage therapists, trainers and even pediatricians. Only after completing taping training: a course, seminar or master class, a specialist can begin the taping procedure, since improper use may not improve the client’s condition, but rather worsen it. After completing a master class or listening to a seminar, anyone will have the opportunity to independently use some types of taping, for example, in case of common injuries or before active training to support muscles and joints. But if the damage is complex, it is better to consult a doctor or massage therapist. You can take training in taping and see the schedule of upcoming seminars on taping on our website in the section .
If you are not confident in your own abilities, then it is wiser to turn to an expert. It is not enough to have a theoretical basis - it is more important to have practical experience. The fact is that the application of the patch and the use of the taping method are in accordance with such aspects as knowledge of anatomy (location of muscles, ligaments, places of their attachment), physiological mobility of the limb. It is important to distinguish natural movements from pathological ones, which is difficult to learn without specialized training.
In addition, the use of the taping technique involves several stages, each of which uses knowledge from different areas. After a preliminary examination and assessment of the situation in which the tape is used, you need to apply a bandage, observing the directions of operation of the body systems. Applying tapes on your own can be simply inconvenient and impossible.
However, the simplest methods of applying tape and basic training in taping can be easily learned on your own. But, in any case, it is necessary to pay close attention to the process at all stages, right up to removing the tapes.
Taping tutorial video
Below you can see video about taping : what is it and in what cases is it used.
The material in this article is the property of Unisport LLC; copying is prohibited.
Observant viewers have long noticed that many athletes cover their bodies with strange multi-colored ribbons. It is clear that this is not decoration. So what is it? Why is this needed and who can it help?
An effective non-drug method
Relatively recently, a unique method has appeared - kinesio taping. What it is? It seems easy to explain, but suddenly a lot of myths and misunderstandings arose around the method. We are talking about a non-medicinal effect on damaged or overstrained muscle tissue using a special tape - kinesio tape.
The name of the method was formed from two words: “kinesio” means movement and “tape” - the actual tape. Kinesiological taping helps relieve pain, but does not limit mobility, does not cause allergies, and improves blood flow and lymph movement. With proper application, the muscles are able to work adequately and withstand intense loads, since part of the tension is absorbed by the kinesio tape.
What does kinesio tape look like?
The tape patch has elasticity similar to human skin. It is made of a cotton base, on which an acrylic adhesive layer is applied. After application to the skin, body temperature activates the glue, allowing it to adhere well to the surface. The cotton base is permeable to air and moisture. This allows you to leave the tape patch on for a long time (depending on the indications). The minimum application is for 24 hours, the maximum is 2 weeks. While using kinesio tape, the patient can move freely, rest or shower.
The medical industry produces various types of kinesio tapes. This can be a ribbon of different widths and lengths or figured products.
History of the method
In 1973, a Japanese doctor living in America developed an interesting method - kinesio taping. What it is, he had to explain for more than 10 years. The world premiere of the method took place only in 1988, at the Olympics in South Korea. This doctor's name is Kenzo Kase. After the Olympics in Seoul, the method rapidly gained popularity, although there were not enough competent specialists.
Today, there are several international training centers that allow the use of therapeutic kinesio taping in many areas of medicine. In Europe, the largest centers are located in the Netherlands and Germany. From here come specialists who know how to use kinesiotaping in sports medicine, traumatology, orthopedics, neurology, pediatrics, gynecology and obstetrics.
Residents of the CIS countries received wide access to the technique only at the beginning of 2000. The method became popular not only among athletes, but there were certain problems with the official training of specialists. Since 2016, the problem of training specialists has been solved. Kinesio taping training, according to the license of the Moscow Department of Education, is carried out in a specialized educational institution (Academy of Therapeutic Taping). The total course takes 160 hours and consists of 10 seminars teaching how to apply the technique in various fields of medicine.
Indications for use
When is kinesio taping used? What it is? In fact, this is a modern method of physical rehabilitation, part of a complex of recovery procedures after injuries or operations. Correct application of the tape patch allows you to obtain the following effects:
- relieve pain;
- stimulate the anti-inflammatory process;
- improve lymph drainage;
- facilitate the movement of limbs or joints;
- relax overworked muscles;
- eliminate swelling and hematomas;
- gently stabilize joints.
The tape begins to act immediately after application and can be kept in one place for up to two weeks. Numerous studies show that maximum effectiveness is expressed in the first 5-6 days. Then there is a gradual decrease in the therapeutic effect.
Who is recommended for kinesio taping?
Many rehabilitation specialists claim that kinesio taping is quackery and there are no studies confirming the effectiveness of the method. However, since 1988, a huge evidence base of effectiveness has been accumulated in various fields of medicine. Work in this area has not been completed to this day; evidence is being received with enviable regularity.
Today we can say for sure that kinesio taping has a positive effect:
- with sprained ligaments;
- with subluxations of the ankles, shoulders, fingers;
- eliminating bruises and hematomas;
- for pain in the shoulder (humeroscapular hyperarthritis);
- in the treatment of epicondylitis;
- with plantar fasciitis (heel spur);
- for subluxation of the patella, knee pain and chondromalacia;
- in the treatment of pain in the neck;
- for lower back pain and swelling of the legs in pregnant women;
- with osteochondrosis;
- for lumbago and other diseases.
In addition, the method is effective in the treatment of functional motor disorders (pediatrics), and in the postoperative period it serves to prevent the appearance of rough scars.
The difference between kinesio taping and hard taping
Hard taping can be combat (functional) or therapeutic-immobilization. It is performed with a regular or elastic plaster and serves to fix, ease the load or limit mobility in the area of injury.
Kinesio taping (what it is - today more and more rehabilitation specialists understand) serves to preserve, and in some cases even increase, the mobility of damaged areas (limbs). A stretchy tape (kinesio tape) takes on part of the load, lifts the skin, improving fluid drainage, and supports the body, allowing it to use its own strength for rehabilitation.
Application methods
Kinesio taping in Moscow, and in Russia as a whole, is becoming more popular every day. They teach how to apply tapes correctly at specialized courses in America, Asia, Europe, and now, as already mentioned, in Moscow.
To put it simply, there are 2 ways to apply kinesio tapes:
- The unstretched form of application is used when it is necessary to lift the skin and facilitate lymph drainage. Before application, the skin on the damaged area is stretched, and after gluing the tape, the skin and muscle return to normal, lifting slightly.
- Stretched form of applique. In this case, the kinesio tape stretches, and after gluing it contracts, supporting the injured area. This way you can create additional pressure, stimulate nerve receptors and relieve pain.
Contraindications
Kinesiology taping is contraindicated in elderly patients, people with hypersensitive skin and patients with systemic skin diseases.
And finally, a little about myths. There is an opinion that the color of the tape indicates its purpose: blue - relieves swelling, red - warms up, black - gives maximum tension. But this is not true. The color can be any; the effect of kinesio tape depends on the method of application.
Medical Benefits of Colored Tape
They were very hard to miss at the last Olympics, with colorful ribbons adorning the arms, legs and torsos of many athletes. Today, these ribbons are no longer just fashion, but a sustainable trend. Many athletes believe that such bands, called kinesio tape, have a medical effect.
Tape was invented by Japanese chiropractor Kenzo Kase in the 1970s. The UK Kinesio Taping website states that the tape can relieve pain, reduce inflammation, relax muscles, improve performance, as well as aid in rehabilitation and support the muscle during sporting events.
Experts are skeptical
"The scientific evidence is still missing," says John Brewer, head of sport and exercise science and director of sport at the University of Bedfordshire in the UK. He finds it very difficult to understand: "I'm still trying to understand how tape that is placed on the skin can have any significant effect on performance other than some psychological effect."
He says kinesiology tape can be a habit for an athlete in preparation for a competition: "putting on a strip is a tradition or part of an athlete's uniform, an accessory. The tape makes them think they are ready and has a certain placebo effect."
Physiotherapists' opinion
Gavin Daglish is a physiotherapist at Mike Varney Physiotherapy in Harlow, Essex, UK. Does he think kinesitis taping is effective? "Very, very effective," he says. “I realized that it does not work immediately, but over the next 24-48 hours. This is the period that is necessary for a noticeable reduction in pain.”
That being said, kinesio taping is not just for athletes: “I used it on a 45-year-old construction worker who had lower back pain. The effect was actually very good. I also used the strip to treat the front of the knee on a 16-year-old athlete. It was also very effective."
How does he think it works? "The tape is designed to work around the contours of the skin," says Gavin. “This helps promote the free movement of lymphatic fluid, reducing friction between tissues in the skin. In addition, kinesio tape helps the movement of blood and lactic acid and relieves tension in certain muscles.”
Can people tape themselves? "Normally, but a physical therapist can teach the athlete to do it themselves," he says.
Jeremy Parker is a physiotherapist at Six Physio in Central London. "I get great results with it," says Jeremy.
He admits the specifics of how it works haven't been fully documented in studies, however: "its elasticity subtly tightens the skin, which allows for improved circulation."
Can athletes feel kinesio tape on their skin? "It's a very subtle thing," says Parker. "Because the band is so elastic, it moves with you. "The feel is very different from a traditional band, the athlete can move naturally without feeling like there's something pulling in certain places."
Treatment of diseases associated with joints, tendons and muscle tissue is a rather lengthy process. Recovery of these tissues occurs slowly and requires minimal stress on the affected areas.
Agree that even without doing heavy lifting, in everyday life our joints constantly succumb to pressure. And very often it is unnecessary.
Even just standing in one position puts stress on the knee and hip joints. If they are also damaged, then even minimal loads complicate and delay the process of renewal of the affected tissues.
It is possible to ease the recovery period with the help of taping. Taping is an option for fixing joints or muscle tissue using special tapes or adhesive plasters.
Taping has the following effects:
- Improved lymphatic drainage in damaged areas
- Reducing stress on joints
- Reducing pressure on ligaments, muscle tissue and tendons
- Immobilization of the affected limb (if necessary)
Using tapes
When performing taping, special tapes are used.
Tapes are elastic bands. They always have an adhesive surface on one side. “How are they different from adhesive plaster?” - you ask.
The difference between tapes and the usual adhesive plaster is that the tape can shrink and stretch.
Today, cotton-based tapes are widely used in practice, thanks to which, in addition, a patient using tapes can safely swim in the pool or take a shower without fear that the elastic tape will come off. Tapes dry quickly after water procedures and do not lose their elasticity.
Conventional pharmaceutical plasters come off almost immediately upon contact with water.
What is the mechanism of effectiveness of tapes?
Most patients are very surprised when their doctor prescribes taping. It is difficult for patients to imagine what impact a tape with an adhesive base can have.
Nevertheless, the effectiveness of tapes has been proven by many studies. Tape tape fixes the skin. Due to this, the load on joints, muscles, ligaments and tendons is reduced.
The mechanism of action of taping is as follows: the skin is connected to muscle tissue using fascia. Holding and fixing the skin allows you to indirectly fix the muscle, limiting its compression and release beyond the amplitude specified by taping.
The table shows the additional effects that taping provides:
Taping is a method of soft stabilization of joints. This facilitates joint mobility and creates optimal conditions for its recovery.
Doctors note that the patient can feel it within a few minutes after taping. This effect is achieved due to the simultaneous lymphatic drainage and anti-inflammatory effects of tapes.
Classification of tapes
Taping has long been known to medical science, but previously it was used only for fixing joints in athletes.
Today, the use of tapes is used in many cases of diseases associated with the human musculoskeletal system.
in joints led to the development of a large number of techniques on how to properly apply tapes.
In addition, medicine does not stand still and is constantly improving the composition of tape materials.
Today, tapes are designed in such a way as to achieve maximum fixation of the joint, without causing restrictions or discomfort to the patient. As already noted, the patient can even visit the pool or shower.
We list the main types of taping, depending on their purpose:
- Functional view. This type of taping is used mainly by professional athletes. They need taping to prevent injury during training. In this case, tapes are applied to the skin before the start of the workout and removed after its completion. Tapes can reduce excessive mobility of the knee joint and prevent damage to the meniscus of the knee joint. In addition, the use of tapes can improve athletic performance.
- Medicinal look. It is used on a damaged joint and limits the mobility of the joint to a certain amplitude. Therapeutic taping allows you to reduce the risk of complications and begin active joint movements at an earlier date. Therapeutic tapes can be applied to a dislocated shoulder in order to prevent the development of arthrosis in the shoulder joint.
- Rehabilitation type (kinesio taping). This is the most difficult type of taping. When it is carried out, a number of techniques are used to achieve the correct correction. Due to this taping, overstrain of the affected area is reduced, lymphatic drainage is improved, pain is reduced, swelling and hematomas are reduced. This type of taping is used to injure soft tissues and prevent the appearance of keloid scars.
Range of indications for taping
Taping can be applied in a wide range of cases. The purpose of tapes is limited in many respects by the specialist’s training and his ability to achieve a therapeutic effect with the help of fixing tapes.
The main indications for applying tapes include:
- Bruises.
- Injuries to joints, ligaments and tendons.
- Pain in muscle tissue.
- Muscle cramps that appear during exercise
- Severe pain in the cervical spine
- Back pain
- Migraine
- Edema of the lower extremities in pregnant women
- Pain caused by menstrual bleeding
- Fine motor disorders in preschool children.
