What is it?

Taping is used in conjunction with physical therapy techniques to increase support for joints and muscles or to facilitate or inhibit targeted muscle contractions. We use two basic types of tape; kinesiotape and Leukotape. Kinesiotape is a stretchy tape applied in a very specific way to either help a muscle perform better by contracting stronger and quicker or to inhibit a muscle that is perhaps in spasm causing pain and affecting normal movement. Leukotape is a strong, nonelastic tape that is used to physically support a body structure.

How Can It Help Me?

Kinesiotape can be used to inhibit excessive muscle contraction. It can be used when the upper trapezius muscle on the top of the shoulder and neck is tight and in spasm causing neck pain. It can also be used to facilitate a weak or poorly functioning muscle such as the mid- and lower trapezius muscles which stabilize the shoulder blade for arm movements.

Leukotape can be used to better position a joint for optimum movement. It can be used on the kneecap to prevent excessive lateral tilting, the arch of the foot to support strained muscles and ligaments in plantar fasciitis, and the shoulder blade for better posture.

Common Conditions Treated by Taping:

• Plantar Fascitis
• Tennis Elbow
• Neck and Back Pain
• Poor Posture
• Posterior Tibialis Tendinopathy/ Insufficiency
• Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy
• Iliotibial Band Syndrome

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