Therapeutic Taping in Physical Therapy: What It Is & How It Works
What is the first thing that comes to mind when someone mentions therapeutic taping? Many people think of first aid taping used to stabilize an injury until more appropriate medical treatment can be obtained. Others might remember a broken toe that was taped to others to prevent reinjury while healing.
Therapeutic taping really is more than just a first aid technique. It can be used in a variety of ways, including:
- To improve joint stability after injury
- As a preventative measure to avoid injury or reinjury
- To reduce strain on damaged tissues
- By inhibiting or facilitating muscle actions
- As a compression aid to reduce edema or drainage
Overall, the most common reasons to use therapeutic taping are to stabilize or support a joint injury, relieve pain by decreasing stress on painful joints and bodily structures, and to facilitate or restore natural movement or improve posture.
Types of medical tape used in therapeutic taping
If you have ever been in the first aid department of a retail establishment, you have likely seen how many different types and brands of medical tape are out there. To the layperson, choosing the right kind of tape for the job can seem impossible. There are three types of medical tape that can be used for therapeutic taping, each for a different purpose.
Rigid strapping tape
This type of athletic tape is the one that most people think of when taping a minor joint injury. Strapping tape is more rigid, which provides superior support and can immobilize smaller injuries. Rigid strapping tape is used in the McConnell taping method.
Elastic strapping tape
Elastic strapping tape is usually wider, and is best for offering support while still allowing for natural movements. This type of medical tape is more likely to be used on minor injuries that don’t need as much support or protection. Sprains or strains of joints or muscles can benefit from the light compression and mild support of elastic athletic tape.
Kinesiology elastic tape
This is an improved elastic medical tape that is used to dynamically assist in muscle function. Muscles can relax, easing tension and pain, while your joints remain supported. This type of therapeutic tape is softer and less rigid, and in some cases, it might be used as a layer underneath other strapping tape for comfort.
Types of therapeutic taping
Just as there are different types of medical tape, there are also different methods of therapeutic taping. Each method is used for its own purposes, but the expert physical therapists at Burger Physical Therapy are trained in each and know when they are appropriate. There are two taping methods that we use, depending on the injury and recommended treatment.
The McConnell taping technique
This athletic taping technique uses rigid strapping tape to immobilize certain larger injuries. For example, we might use the McConnell taping technique to treat:
- Offer support and pain relief of patella and femur conditions or injuries
- Stabilizing an injured or dislocated shoulder
- Chronic lower back pain
The McConnell taping technique is also a good option for less common injuries, such as taping ribs to ease pain and discomfort while healing. Auto accidents can often cause back pain, neck pain, stiffness, and headache as a result of whiplash, and these too can be treated with the McConnell technique.
The Kinesio taping technique
The Kinesio taping method uses less rigid elastic sports tape to reduce pain and inflammation. Unlike McConnell taping, this athletic tape is worn for several days. It allows the muscles to rest while still supporting the joints and improving ease of movement. The primary reason for using this athletic taping method is to improve circulation, muscle function, and pain level.
If you have a particularly painful injury that is keeping you from getting enough rest, a few days of Kinesio taping can also help you get a good night’s sleep.