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What is Kinesiology Tape?
Kinesiology is the scientific study of human body movement, and sports tape is a specialized adhesive for joints, muscles, and injuries. Together Kinesiology Taping is a technique used in forms of therapy to help with a range of musculoskeletal conditions.
Most commonly used to reduce pain and support movement aiding in injury recovery, it can also be used to manipulate body positioning to benefit the scoliotic spine.
Taping for Posture
Kinesiology Tape can be used for scoliosis in the form of mechanical corrections. The tape itself works as a tactile reminder for the subconscious, as opposed to physically holding your body in position.
For example, in many cases of scoliosis, the individual can present with shoulder asymmetries where one is collapsed further forward and rounded giving the illusion of uneven shoulder height. We can use Kinesiology Tape to aid this correction by first moving the shoulder into the desired tractioned position.
One corner, the ‘anchor’, is placed below the collar bone with no tension. The therapist would then pull this anchor using around 50-75% tension and wrap it around the deltoid muscle with the end anchor placed between the space between the shoulder blade and the spine. For the second piece of tape, you would first be directed into an upper trap stretch position (where you bring the ear down to the shoulder that is not being taped).
The second anchor is then placed again just below the clavicle. Once anchored down, the tape would be pulled once again to 50-75% tension up over the trapezius muscle (top of the shoulder) and anchored down between the same border of the shoulder blade and spine.
This method helps supports muscle without limiting movement so other forms of therapy and physical activity are not inhibited.
Taping for pain
Kinesiology Tape is not a cure / standalone treatment for ‘getting rid of pain’ but it can be used as a contributing intervention to general pain management. It is common amongst individuals with scoliosis to experience pain in specific regions in relation to the individual curve pattern due to the muscular imbalances caused. It is also common to experience tenderness and aches when completing intensive physiotherapeutic scoliosis specific exercises (PSSE), due to the intensity of the work.
In these cases, Kinesiology Tape can be used as a means to help relieve symptoms of pain short term via the adjustment of muscle positioning. Research has suggested the tape provides a form of sensory feedback that helps to alter perception of pain, aid in reduction of swelling, and improve circulation.
Application and Duration
Taping is one of the less time-consuming forms of treatment in the world of manual therapy. Applications of the tape itself can take from as little as 5 minutes depending on the area being treated and the complexity of the taping technique being used. For an initial appointment it would be expected to take longer as the therapist will first have to complete an assessment of the area where the tape is being applied and determine the most appropriate approach.
It should be applied onto smooth dry skin as any sort of lotion / massage balms or, in some cases, body hair will reduce the adhesiveness of the glue. Once applied, on average it can last up around 3-5 days, but factors such as moisture from sweat / swimming / showering can affect the adhesive, and therefore the duration for which it will remain in place. When applying Kinesiology Tape, practitioners would ensure that the corners are rounded off to avoid premature lifting.
FAQs
Will Kinesiology Taping correct my scoliosis?
This method is not a treatment that can permanently correct the spinal curvature that occurs with scoliosis. Kinesiology is a supportive technique that helps with postural awareness and muscular recovery, which can assist with postural improvements when used in combination with strengthening interventions.
Can I replace my other scoliosis treatments with Kinesiology Taping?
No, you should not. Kinesiology is simply an aid in the world of physiotherapy and rehabilitation. It works best when paired with specific prescribed treatments.
Can anyone Apply Kinesiology tape?
Yes, and it is highly recommended. First learn the correct methods and techniques favoured for your individual classification of scoliosis. Then, once assured from your therapist and you are confident, Kinesiology Tape can be applied at home when needed to help with home-based therapy and rehabilitation.
What are the contraindications for Kinesiology Taping?
Kinesiology Tape should NOT be applied over open wounds, or damaged or infected skin. Also, those with allergies to adhesive or latex may need to avoid Kinesiology Taping. Other medical conditions such as Deep Vein Thrombosis and certain heart conditions can make Kinesiology Taping unsafe, so be aware of this before using, and make these factors known to your therapist if applicable.
Final Thoughts
In summary, Kinesiology Taping can be a useful supportive technique for individuals with scoliosis, helping to encourage postural awareness, provide muscular support, and potentially manage short-term discomfort. While it can assist with positioning and provide sensory feedback without restricting movement, it cannot permanently correct or straighten the spinal curvature associated with scoliosis. Therefore, Kinesiology Taping should not replace other prescribed scoliosis treatments, but instead be used alongside physiotherapy, exercise, and rehabilitation. For the safest and most effective results, taping techniques should be tailored to the individual’s specific spinal curve and initially demonstrated by a qualified healthcare professional.
Kinesiology Taping is most effective when combined with other treatments such as the Schroth method and the ScolioGold method provided through the Scoliosis SOS clinic. It is suitable for all classifications and severities of scoliosis so anyone attending can trial it out, after ruling out any possible contraindications such as adhesive allergies, etc. Each therapist has training in correct and effective applications of the tape, so you can be sure you are in safe hands.
For further information on Kinesiology Taping, spinal rehabilitation courses or other scoliosis related questions – you can contact us on via any of the below methods.
📞 02074884428
🌐 www.scoliosissos.com
📷 @scoliosissosclinic
📧 enquiries@scoliosissos.com
📍 63 Mansell Street, London, E1 8AN (headquarters)
