Preganancy

&Kinesio Tape

Pregnancy is a special time in the life of a

woman, characterized by many changes in
the body of the mother Hormonal, structural
and energy level changes are the foundations
for the growth of new life.
 Due to the nature of KT - as thin, as better adjustment to the new situation
Constant changes light and as elastic as skin, one of its main (pregnancy) and can help avoid strain and
due to the enlarging effects is the passage of "positive sensory tearing (stretch marks).
of the mother's information" over the skin and its receptors.

abdomen very The fact that, after a short time using

often lead to over KT, the "supporting" (uplifting, pulling)
straining of the sensation is no longer noticed, and one can
abdominal and shower, bathe and work with no negative
limitations on normal living, means it will
back muscles, and be well accepted by expectant mothers.
consequently to
problems in the The multi-colored KT stripes focus the
eye on the activity and surroundings of the
Lumbo-Sacral pregnant woman and do not symbolize
region. Hormonal "illness" as many support garments and
reIaxation of compression stockings can.
Lumbo-Sacral Problems
In many pregnant women, structural
changes and continuing strain lead to pain
in the L-S region.
Here I use a classic application of a muscle
"tightening" (supporting?) technique and a
ligament stabilization technique. Through
these techniques, positive sensory impulses
will pass through the receptors in the sacral
region to the pelvic region. Taping the abd
muscles at the same time as the back muscles,
in many cases produces optimum results.

the abdominal Supporting the Abdominal Muscles

structures in
preparation for
the birth can lead
to irritation of the
Sacroiliac region.
Lymphadema in the legs is often the result
of constricted lymph flow in the pelvic area
which leads to changes in the venous and
lymph systems. In addition, lack of activity
during the last stages of the pregnancy can
lead to reduced (lymph) flow function.
Through application of the KT from
muscle origin to insertion one can increase
the muscle tension functioning; application
from insertion to origin suppresses the
muscle tension.
As the therapist moves the skin in the
abdominal area, the woman can get a Muscle supporting and ligament stabilizing technique
feeling for which application direction is
best at that time. In the event that these basic techniques
are not effective, then additional broader
ligament techniques (small of the back)
can be used.

The use of medication is not possible due

to the potential for passing it to the baby.
Compression stockings and support under
garments are, for many expectant mothers,
not a desired solution in their "special
condition".
Technique for the rectus and oblique abd muscles

Since KT shares many characteristics with

skin, it is a simple and acceptable solution
to the above-mentioned problems.
Technique for the abd rectus muscles
Rectus, oblique and transverse abdominal
muscles can be taped with KT, thereby
changing the condition of the muscles and
stance for the better (thereby improving the
condition of the muscles and posture).
Supporting the Skin in the
Abdominal Regione
In addition, better control and functioning
of the abd muscles as well as a distinct
improvement in metabolism (circulation?)
in the region of the Kinesio Taping will
support the stretched and extended
skin of the abdomen. This leads to a
Taping across small of the back.
Ilio-Sacral Problems
Stretching and strain in the iliosacral region
can lead to difficulty in movement when
the previously mentioned pain moves to the
adjacent iliosacral region and structures.
Two overlapping fan-cuts are the potential
application here. This application will, on the
one hand provide improved lymph flow, and
on the other hand symbolize and produce
the stability of criss-cross (interlocking) fans
as in a half-timbered house.
The base of the sagittal fan tape must be
applied low enough so that most of the
cross over with the horizontal fan will be at
the height of the sacroiliac region.
Sagittal and horizontal fan cut taping
The base of both fans should begin at the
opposing sacroiliac region so both areas
move in the same way.
Circulation Problems
Spirai lymph taping technique
As an application technique, I have applied
the KT in a spirai around the leg, from
proximal to distai, with only a slight stretch
(10-20%).
Example Cases
Fascial application technique
A pregnant patient had a "side pain" when
she was sitting and also problems breathing.
By using both a fasciai technique taping in
the area under the ribs, as well as a dorsal
"diaphragm application" the problems were
almost completely alleviated.
Dorsal diaphragm application
Increased Milk Production
After the Birth
The Japanese physiotherapist and KTI
Emiko Takehana uses Kinesio Tape on
the woman's breasts to improve milk
production and also to help prevent
swelling, inflammation and blockage of
milk flow.
The increasing size of the breasts and the
effects of gravity can lead to compression
of the blood and lymph tissues around the
milk glands.
The application of several double X-shaped
Kinesio Tape cuts results in a slight lifting of
the breast and thereby reduces the effects
of gravity. With the use of these mechanical
enhancements as well as the generally
improved circulatory function from the
KT, Yakehana has seen increased milk
production, less visible congestion and less
hardening in the breast region and reduction
in other common painful problems.
Minimizing the tearing (stretching) of the
collagen structure of the breast will also
leave the breast in better cosmetic condition
when nursing has ended.
Application technique
Use of KT after the Birth for
Rehabilitation of the Abd Skin
and Muscles
Here we usually use the previously
described muscle (application) techniques
for the entire abdominal region. Takehana,
on the other band, always promotes this
regenerative process through the use of
two techniques on each side of the body,
which spirai counter-clockwise around the
navel. With this, the skin and the muscles
are assisted during convalescence, the inner
organs supported and the overall metabolism
(circulation) in the region increased.
Spiral application in counter-clockwise direction
Summary
KT is undoubtedly a no-risk, and by many
expectant mothers, an accepted method of
support during and after pregnancy.
Pregnancy and the time after the birth will
be more pleasant for the mother, with more
positive thoughts, feelings and energy that
are not only transferred to the growing life
in her belly, but continue especially to the
time after the birth for her and the baby.
The contentment of the baby, the mother
and the entire family during and after
the pregnancy is the reward for our
the rapeutic efforts.
Siegfried Breitenbach
Physiotherapist
Sports Physiotherapist of the German
Triathlon National Team
Member of the German Olympic Medical
Team in Sydney and Athens
S-Breitenbach@t-online.de
www.kinesiotape.info
Please consult a physician before attempting
any of these procedures.