` Kinesiology Taping

Ń Kinesio Taping
x Kenso Kase
Ń SpiderTech Pre-Cuts/NeuroStructural Taping
x Kevin Jardine
Ń Rock Tape (Movement Taping)
x Greg van den Dries, Steve Capobianco
` Strapping Methods
Gregory H Doerr, DC, CCSP, CSTI, CKTP, Roc Doc Ń McConnell
gdoerr@bergenchiropractic.com Ń Mulligan
www.bergenchiropractic.com Ń Specific Proprioceptive Response Taping (SPRT)
x Tim Brown
Ń Functional Movement Taping
x Cook

` Neurosensory ` Neurosensory
Ń Goals: to improve afferent efferent communication Ń Variety of different kinesiology tapings techniques
to normalize tone of tissue, assist in restoring Ń SPRT
motor pathways and disrupt pain Ń To an extent all tapings have a neurosensory aspect
` Structural due to application on the skin
Ń Goal: Block injurious ROM, improve adaptive ` Structural
postural behaviors, assist mechanical advantage of Ń SPRT
a joint, assist in stabilizing laxity/instability Ń McConnell
` Microcirculatory Ń Mulligan
Ń Goal: Promote movement of stagnant superficial Ń Kinesiology Taping with significant stretch
fluid, edema, bruising, assist in removal of chemical Ń Functional Movement Taping (Cook)
irritants, improve oxygenation to injured tissue Ń Standard athletic taping/Strapping (coban, elastikon)
` Microcirculatory
Ń Kinesiology taping only

` System of evaluation and application of a ` Concept of evaluation to determine what type

number of different taping techniques of taping technique to use

` Utilizes specific pre-testing to determine if ` Concept of pretesting to ensure the taping

the taping may be effective for the patient’s will have a significant change in patient’s
injury symptoms

` Through pre-testing assists in determining ` Utilizes all existing taping theory and
which taping technique will be most effective techniques with emphasis on kinesiology
taping, SPRT and strapping techniques
 ` Squat testing for knee ` Squat testing for knee
Ń Tibial Torsion Ń Tibial Torsion

Ń Lateral Patella tracking Ń Lateral Patella tracking

Ń Inferior patella tendinpathy Ń Inferior patella tendinpathy

Ń Patella Femoral Arthritis Ń Patella Femoral Arthritis

Ń General Patella unloading Ń General Patella unloading

` Kinesio Taping involves taping over and ` Gives the practitioner the opportunity to
around muscles in order to either: support tissue with full ROM that enables the
individual to participate in physical activity
Ń assist and give muscle support with functional assistance.

Ń prevent over contraction of the muscles.

` Kinesio® Taping Technique

Ń works with the body allowing full ROM

Ń No latex in the product making it skin sensitive

Hallux Valgus

and safe to use from pediatric to geriatric

AC Joint
Patella

Achilles Tendonitis
Tendonitis Bicep
Tendonitis populations
Bursitis
Elbow

Brachial Plexus
Ń allowing comfortable wear over a 3-5 day period

Ń Water resistant fabric that wicks away the

moisture as well as giving the patient the ability
Medial/Lateral
Epicondylitis

Shin Splints to bathe as normal

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome ACL

Headaches
Scoliosis
 History of Kinesio Taping

•Kenzo Kase, D.C. invented this taping ` Skin Functions

` Muscular Functions
method in 1973.

` Lymphatic Functions
•Dr. Kase wanted his patients to utilize a
“prescription” that they could take
home and use between visits. ` Joint Functions

•Began experimenting with already

existing tapes.

` Improves muscle contraction of a weakened

` Sensory stimuli to mechanical receptors muscle???? (decreased nociception)

` Decrease inflammation and pressure on ` Reduces muscle fatigue

chemical receptors
` Reduces over-extension and over-contraction
` Possibly activates spinal inhibitory system -
through stimulation of the touch receptors ` Increases Range of Motion

` Gate Control Theory ` Relieves pain

` Lifts the skin, causing convolutions which

h provide space
` Adjusts misalignment caused by spasms and and decrease pressure
shortened muscle
` With lifting of the skin, filaments which attach skin to
endothelial cells are opened allowing for lymph
` Normalizes muscle tone and abnormality of obligatory load to fill in lymphatic capillaries
fascia involved
` Creates areas of decreased pressure, under the Kinesio
tape, which allows areas of higher pressure to migrate to
` Improves range of motion areas of lower pressure

` Relieves pain ` Decreases pain as a result of decreased stimuli on

pressure receptors and gate control theory.
` Insertion to Origin

` Approximately 5-10% stretch

` Tissue placed in a stretch position

` Origin to Insertion

` Tape stretched 15-25%

` Tissue placed in stretch postion or done in

active motion
` Joint placed in its mechanically correct
position when possible

` Tape is stretched 50-100%

` Place in lymphatic drainage direction

` Tape stretched minimally

` Placed over bruising or swelling

` Kinesiology
Tape that is Pre-
Designed and Ready-to-Apply.

© 2009 Nucap Medical Inc., SpiderTech™ Education

Standardized Reproducible

Simple Saves Time

Applications Able to apply

Stay on outside of
Longer clinical setting
© 2009 Nucap Medical Inc., SpiderTech™ Education © 2009 Nucap Medical Inc., SpiderTech™ Educati

© 2009 Nucap Medical Inc., SpiderTech™ Educati © 2009 Nucap Medical Inc., SpiderTech™ Educati

© 2009 Nucap Medical Inc., SpiderTech™ Educati © 2009 Nucap Medical Inc., SpiderTech™ Educati
© 2009 Nucap Medical Inc., SpiderTech™ Educati © 2009 Nucap Medical Inc., SpiderTech™ Educati

© 2009 Nucap Medical Inc., SpiderTech™ Educati © 2009 Nucap Medical Inc., SpiderTech™ Educati

© 2009 Nucap Medical Inc., SpiderTech™ Educati © 2009 Nucap Medical Inc., SpiderTech™ Educati
© 2009 Nucap Medical Inc., SpiderTech™ Educati © 2009 Nucap Medical Inc., SpiderTech™ Education

© 2009 Nucap Medical Inc., SpiderTech™ Education © 2009 Nucap Medical Inc., SpiderTech™ Education

© 2009 Nucap Medical Inc., SpiderTech™ Education © 2009 Nucap Medical Inc., SpiderTech™ Education
 16 different static designs....
Currently the SpiderTech™ line
...over 40 different ways to apply
has 16 applications
Therefore NOT a cookie cutter
approach

© 2009 Nucap Medical Inc., SpiderTech™ Education © 2009 Nucap Medical Inc., SpiderTech™ Education

Neurosensory Effects
Mechanoreceptors

The tape on the skin

leads to the formation of
areas of low pressure to
areas of high pressure
leading to a change in the
flow of fluid

© 2009 Nucap Medical Inc., SpiderTech™ Education © 2009 Nucap Medical Inc., SpiderTech™ Education

Microcirculatory Applications
Technique #1
“Stretch the tape AND the muscle™” ` Microcirculatory Applications:
Example: Ń Theory
x Creates convolutions on the skin (Accordion Effect)

• Use the Lymphatic Spider™ x These convolutions create alternating areas of low and high
pressure
• Improve superficial fluid
dynamics x Through the properties of diffusion, these alternating
pressure systems effectively create “rivers” assisting in the
reduction of fluid stasis
• Improve lymphatic drainage
x Removes chemical irritants assisting in blocking the
• Treats Swelling, Bruising, inflammatory cycle preventing unwanted fibrosis and
Oedema and/or Ecchymosis accelerates the healing of tissue

© 2009 Nucap Medical Inc., SpiderTech™ Education

 Swelling/
Oedema/ Lymphatic
Bruising Spider™

` Application Stimulates the

Ń Tissue and the tape are stretched Accelerated Merkel Cells/
Tissue Cellular
Healing Modulation/
Ń Should be left on for a minimum of 12 hours Accordion Effect

Ń Reduces bruising under the tape

Removal of
Ń Improves superficial fluid movement chemical
irritants
Improved
superficial
fluid flow
Ń Make sure the patient is able to accept the increase
of fluid back into the lymph system (lymph edema)
Reduced
swelling and Reduced fluid
oedema stasis
© 2009 Nucap Medical Inc., SpiderTech™ Education

` Structural Applications
“Stretch the tape NOT the muscle™” Ń Theory
• Prevent harmful ranges of motion x Continuous biofeedback associated with potentially
without a hard end feel injurious ROM without hard end feel

• Dynamically supports better postural x Allows for improved postural positions without limiting
positions full ROM (shoulder)

• Enhance biomechanical postures x Assists in protection of healing tissues (helps prevent

during sports repetitive strain)
• Reduce strain on affected muscles
x Assists in structural adaptation blocking cycles of poor
• Dynamically treat hyper-mobility posture

© 2009 Nucap Medical Inc., SpiderTech™ Education

Poor Posture e
and the need d Tape on Skin
to protect “Structural
tissue healing Application”

` Application
Break the cycle Mechanical
Ń Tissue is not stretched but placed into support provided
of poor posture
biomechanical correct posture by the tape
and abnormal
mechanics
Ń Tape is stretched to the amount necessary to assist
in preventing motion into potentially injurious
motions
x More stretch = Less motion Continuous and
Stimulates
x Less stretch = More motion Structural Uninterrupted
Adaptation Stimulation

Ń DO NOT OVERSTRETCH TAPE AS THIS WILL CREATE

IRRITATION
Enhanced
Protection for postures and
Healing Tissue protected ranges
of motion
© 2009 Nucap Medical Inc., SpiderTech™ Education
 Neurosensory Applications
Technique #3
“Stretch the muscle NOT the tape™” ` Neurosensory Applications
• Used for 90% of all Applications Ń Theory
x Stimulate sensory receptors (Merkel Cell)
• Enhanced sensory stimulation leading
to a decrease in the neural perception of x Stimulation of the Merkel Cell (A-Beta
pain Fiber) disrupts the stimulus from A-delta
• Activates sensory gating mechanisms and C-Fibers (pain fibers)
for therapeutic effect
x Assists in restoring proper
• Restoration of normal muscle activation afferent/efferent communication
and function

© 2009 Nucap Medical Inc., SpiderTech™ Education

Poor Muscle Continuous

function due to uninterrupte
Neurosensory
Painful d sensory
Muscles and Application
input
Joints
` Application
Ń Tape should be applied to stretched tissue with This reduces pain Sensory input
paper off tension (tape is applied to the backing at which ultimately
restores normal
provided by the
tape
10% stretch) muscle activation

Ń Tape should only be stretched more if you cannot

stretch the tissue (frozen shoulder) This occurs at the
segmental level
Merkel Cells and
and is a part of the
A-beta fibres are
sensory gating Activated
mechanism

Breaks the A-beta fibers disrupt

the noxious input from Stimulatess
cycle of Pain A-delta and c-fibres
and Mechanisms of
Dysfunction Neuroplasticity
© 2009 Nucap Medical Inc., SpiderTech™ Education

Neurosensory Effects
Mechanoreceptors
Sensory Function Receptor Type Afferent Axon Type
e L
Larger/
Faster
Proprioception Muscle Spindle A-Alpha (Ia II)

Touch Merkel, Meissner, A-Beta

Pacinian, Ruffini

Pain, Temperature Free nerve A-Delta

endings
Pain, Temperature, Free nerve C
itch endings
S
Smaller/
Slower
S

© 2009 Nucap Medical Inc., SpiderTech™ Education © 2009 Nucap Medical Inc., SpiderTech™ Education
 ` Developed by Dr. Tim Brown in California
Neurosensory
Utilizes several different types of tape
Application
`
Ń Leukotape
Ń Coverall
Ń Kinesiotape

` Utilizes the concept of the AC tab

Structural Microcirculatory (approximation / compression)
Application Application

` Neuro/proprioceptive based: retrains

muscular motion patterns
© 2009 Nucap Medical Inc., SpiderTech™ Education

` Helps determine the direction necessary for ` Neurosensory Applications

proper approximation and/or compression of Ń Through use of the AC tabs, it is possible to create
the injured tissue. vector pulls on the superficial fascia.

Ń Through facial pulls can assist in finding a vector

` Provides a vector of pull in relief of symptoms that will relieve pain

` Gives greater relief from the injury in Ń With use of strapping tapes it is important not to
movement patterns over pull and only create tension on the fascia
directly at the AC tab

` Due to the types of tape used, very Ń Should not limit ROM!
supportive of injured areas

` Structural Applications
Ń Used to Block possible injurious motions
x Determine the point at which injury/pain will occur
x Bring the patient just out of painful range
x Apply tape at this position
x Example: Disc herination:
x Pain with radiation at 35 degrees of standing
x Bring patient to 30 degrees of flexion and apply tape

Ń Used to enhance posture

x Assists in retraining proper posture
x Hard end feel so used in more severe cases
 ACUTE
CARE

PREGNANCY (RST) EDEMA

TAPING CONTROL
TAPING
(PT)
(ECT)
ROCK
SPORT TAPE POSTURAL
PERFORMANCE CONTROL
TAPING TAPING
(SPT) POWER (PCT)
TAPING
Based on Trunk Spiral
METHOD Belly Cradle Method
Fascia

(PTM)

Movement Correction/Performance Enhancement

Goal: To assist in establishing a targeted posture to Technique
facilitate normal movement patterns:
Goal: To utilize known bio effects of kinesiology
1. Place the body into the position opposite to the taping for performance enhancement
unwanted posture.

2. Apply the stabilization tape along the fascial line

to facilitate the intended posture (via cutaneous
stimulation).

3. Apply the tape with little to no stretch.

1. Taping Movement , not Muscles

2. Longitudinal/Integrated Anatomy
Concept

3. Sensorimotor Stimulation
 ` 1. Brain coordinates
movement not muscles

` 2. Taping movement
patterns helps to prime
the sensorimotor system
via cutaneous afferent Associated Conditions:
stimulation • LBP
• C/T Pain
• Costal Pain
` 3. Improve performance
• Shoulder Pain
via improved fascial
• Headaches
continuity

Kinesiology Tape Cutting Techniques

X-Cut “I” Cut “Y” Cut “Fan” Cut

Kinesiology tape and Strapping Tapes

Joint is moved through a full range of motion prior to

Kinesiology Tape is applied to stretched
`
`
completing tape application
Ń Neurosensory tissue, minimal stretch is added to the
Ń Microcirculatory Applications tape for .
X, Y, I & Fan tape cuts are used
Kinesiology Tape is slightly stretched if
`
`
Ń “Y” & “I” cut being the most common
Ń Other creative cuts depending on injury
applied to non-stretched skin (frozen
x Basket weave/lantern, diamond holes, bottle shape shoulder).

` 1”, 1 ½”, 2”, 3”, 4” tapes are available
Ń 1 ½”: Strapping tapes, athletic tapes, kinesiology tapes
Ń 2”: Kinesiology, Coverall
Ń 4”: Coverall, Rock Tape
` Kinesiology Tape is applied with moderate
stretch only when used as a Structural
technique.
 ` Skin should be free of oils and dry ` Body hair may need to be clipped or
shaved
` After application, rub the tape to
` Apply approx. 45 minutes before activity
activate the heat sensitive adhesive
` Application during activity, may require
` Tape application in moist areas, may the use of a tape adherent
want to use water resistant tape
` Patient understanding & willingness to
` Tape both the pain, and cause of the wear tape for multiple days, or in public
pain Ń TMJ
Ń SCM

` Trraining for use of athletic tapes teach the ` LS Disc SPRT

need to “pull tape” for support
` Need to treat both the pain and the cause of
pain, providing for correction of symptoms
Ń Increased pain on flexion, sitting driving at a
specific range
Ń Symptoms decrease as soon as you raise slightly
out of the posture

` Proper muscle/injury evaluation critical in

obtaining positive results

` Knowledge of the Lymphatic system helpful

` Unlearning what “tape” can be used for

Tape used: Coverall, ` With leukotape,

Leukotape grab the tab and
Patient in flexed position apply tension in
just above pain
the direction of
` Apply Coverall from
decreased
mid-lower sacral region
to T/L region along symptoms
paraspinals region
` Apply A/C tapes to level
of involvement
 ` Used for disc
herniation and
postural
correction

` Rotation in the SI Joint

Ń Supine to Sit Test
Ń Active SLR Test
Ń Supine Force Closures
Ń Standing Manual Force Closures
Ń SPRT Neurosensory Taping Application
x PI/AS ilium

Tape used: ` AS side: Apply

Coverall/KT, Coverall/KT from
leukotape ASIS posteriorly
Patient standing along iliac crest
` PI side: apply to Sacrum
Coverall from
` Apply leukotape
sacrum across PSIS
running anteriorly tab lateral &
and superiorly along anterior PSIS
iliac crest to ilium
` Apply leukotape A/C
tab lateral to PSIS
 ` PI side: catch the ` Use a piece of
tab with leukotape coverall across
starting at sacrum
and pulling tab the sacrum to
anteriorly toward anchor tape
abdomen ` On pregnant
` AS side: catch the patients becareful
tab starting at moving too far
Lateral LS and
pulling tab anteriorly as the
posteriorly to abdomen skin is
Sacrum highly sensitive

` Used for rotational corrections of the SI joint

` Must be aware of irritation with this tape job
at abdomen or with obese patients

` Scapular Retraction
Ń Hard End feel for more aggressive cases Tape used: Coverall,
Ń Greater control over winging at specific sites leukotape
Patient Position:
` CS Disc exaggerated neutral
Ń Flexed posture increases CS pain or radiation posture
Ń Coming out of posture decreases symptoms Structural Technique
immediately ` Apply Coverall across the
scapulas at spine of
scapula and inferior angle
` Apply tabs to the lateral
aspect of the medial
border of scapula
` From both the ` From both the
right and left right and left
side, grab the side, grab the
tabs and pull tabs and pull
towards the spine towards the spine
` Do the same at
the inferior angle

` Strong scapular
retraction for
weak scapular
stabilizers

Tape used: Coverall, ` Catch tabs with

leukotape
2nd strip of
Patient Position: CS in
position of best leukotape
centralization
Structural Technique
` Apply Coverall from
top of CS inferiorly
to the scapula
` Apply leukotape tabs
over level of
involvement
 ` Postural Correction

` Postural Correction (X your Heart)

Ń Poor Posture with rounded shoulders Tape used: KT,
Ń CS Disc with or without radiation Leukotape Coverall
Ń Progressive layers depending on needs Patient Position:
x Start with Kinesiology tape only Slightly exaggerated
x Multiple levels of stretch correct posture
x Progress to addition of leukotape for more serious Structural Technique
conditions ` Apply Coverall in
crisscross patter
from front of
shoulders to the
opposite inferior
scapula

` With Leukotape ` Can be used for

pull from CS disc
shoulders to the herniations as
opposite inferior well
scapula along
Coverall
 ` Use of Mulligan mobilization with movement
Ń Painful or restricted movement on ABD

Ń Using mobilization belt or hands apply corrective

force to the anterior GH joint improves symptoms

` Positive Relocation Test

` Significant Anterior and/or superior

translation on PROM for IR

` Positive Apprehension test

Tape used: KT, “Y” strip ` Apply the first tail

Patient position: seated anteriorly at
Structural Technique about a 25-50%
tension
` Affix base at posterior ` Apply the 2nd tail
shoulder anteriorly at
about a 25-50%
` Bring the patients arm
tension
into anatomically
correct position

` Apply the inferior ` Prevents superior

section “Y” inferiorly translation in
toward the inferior Abduction and ER
angle of the scapula positions
` Apply tape at a 25- ` Used in conjunction
50% stretch with anterior
translation
Tape used: KT, “I” strip ` Apply the tape
Patient position: seated posteriorly at about
Structural Technique a 50-100% tension
` Affix base along the ` I do not apply 100%.
anterior GH joint Find it to be
` Bring the patients arm irritating and tends
into anatomically to roll with patient
correct position activities above 90
degrees
` Joint Correction

` Epicondylopathy
Ń MMT produces pain
Ń Fascial pulls in one or several directions relieves
pain

` Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

Ń HX of repetitive or traumatic stress to elbow with
tingling along ulnar nerve distribution
Ń Positive Ulnar Nerve Tension Test
Ń Reduction of Ulnar Nerve Symptoms with Fascial
Pulls

Tape used: Leukotape, ` Starting on the

coverall
Patient Position: Neutral
inside aspect of
position the elbow pull the
Neurosensory tab across the
Technique flexor tendons ¾
of the way around
` Apply coverall
perpendicular to the ` Cho pat without
common Flexor vascular
tendon
compression
` Place AC tab to inside
tendon
 Tape Used: KT,
Leukotape
Patient Position: Knee
bent
` Apply KT along the
anterior tibia from
medial to lateral in a
superior angle
` Apply 2nd KT along
anterior thigh from
lateral to medial

` Apply 1st tab ` Catch tab with 2nd

along medial strip of leukotape
tibial tuberosity and pull laterally
` Apply 2nd tab at to reduce IR of
lateral thigh the tibia
` Catch the 2nd tape ` Finish off all
with leukotape strips along the
and pull medially KT
` Used for tibial
torsion correction
` Also excellent for
meniscus
correction

` Inversion Ankle Sprain

Ń Hx of Inversion Sprain
Ń Palpatory Tenderness of Ligaments
Ń Swelling, edema, bruising
Ń Positive Ligament Stress Tests
` General Ankle Stabilization
Ń Hx of Eversion Sprain
Ń Ankle Mortice Joint Injury
Ń Decreased pain on Dorsiflexion with posterior Talus
moblization

Tape Used: coverall, ` Catch tab with

leukotape
2nd leukotape
Patient position:
Dorsiflexed and strip and pull
everted towards the
Structural Technique lateral malleolus

` Apply coverall from

dorsum of the foot
along the ATFL
` Apply Leukotape tab
just before ATFL
` Toughest application ` Pull foot into
` Apply coverall in a dorsiflexion and
diagonal along the eversion from
anterior under the foot
compartment and along the lateral
lateral malleolus and malleolus ending
wrapping under the at the medial
foot anterior
compartment

` Apply coverall ` Apply tab inferior

from under the to the CFL
heel medial and ` With 2nd strip of
laterally along the Leukotape, begin
leg medially and
follow under the
heel to the lateral
surface

` Catch tab with ` With 3” coverall

leukotape and apply under the
pull into everted heel
position ending
laterally
` Pull tight medially
across the front
of the ankle
` Pull tight laterally
across the front
of the ankle

Strips 1 and 3 have

tabs Strip 2 does
not