Kinesiotaping, Tape, Tape bandage
General
The application of a tape bandage can be a useful and complementary method to support conservative therapy in the treatment of tennis elbow. It is therefore advisable to apply a tape bandage already in the acute phase of tennis elbow, as this can immediately relieve pain and prevent bad posture due to pain. Thus the therapy consisting of moderate stretching exercises, pain medication and cooling is supplemented by an important aspect.
However, it has to be said that the effects of tape bandages have to be scientifically investigated in more detail and compared with each other in order to understand the exact mechanisms of action and to prove the effect scientifically. In principle, a distinction is made between elastic tapes such as Kinesio-Tape and inelastic tapes such as Leukoplast.
- The non-elastic tapes have a more supportive and splinting function and can prevent swelling due to the pressure they exert on the tissue. This improves muscle function and relieves pain.
- The elastic tapes should rather work by activating the muscles, promoting blood circulation and lymph drainage, thus reducing swelling and relieving pain.
Basics
The principle of kinesiotaping was developed by Dr. Kenzo Kaze, who used stretchable adhesive bandages instead of rigid bandages to partially immobilize the joint. The word “kinesis” is Greek and means movement. On the one hand, the kinesiotape bandages continue to allow movement of the affected joint, and on the other hand, the kinesiotape works by moving the skin against the underlying tissue layers.
In kinesiotaping, the tapes are glued in such a way that they support the anatomy of a painful joint or muscle. The tape is applied to the painful part of the body while it is under pre-stretching. The kinesiotape, to which the skin is attached, causes the skin to shift against the underlying layers with every movement.
These small movements increase blood circulation and improve lymphatic drainage, thus eliminating functional disorders and limitations and alleviating pain. Frequently, Kinesiotaping even brings relief from pain shortly after tapping. The immediate reduction of pain prevents incorrect postures and relieving postures, resulting in less muscle tension than without Kinesiotaping.
By normalizing the joint position and reducing muscle tension, the prognosis of functional joint disorders is significantly improved and the healing process accelerated. Since Kinesiotape also regulates muscle tone through the constant small movements, it can even be used preventively in sports that place excessive strain on a certain part of the body. In this way, injuries or muscle cramps can be prevented.
In order to achieve an optimal tape result, it is important that the person who applies the tape has precise knowledge of the anatomy and functional anatomy of the affected body region. Since the medical layman generally does not have this knowledge, no tape should be applied on his own initiative, as this can lead to potentially serious diseases being overlooked. Physio- and occupational therapists, masseurs, alternative practitioners and doctors can learn the technique of kinesiotaping at advanced training courses and then offer it in their practices.
It is also possible to train a patient, who needs a certain tape again and again, e.g. to treat chronic pain caused by tennis elbow, in the tape technique. But before that, some tapes should be applied by the practitioner experienced in kinesiotaping to find out the optimal position of the tapes for the individual patient. Sometimes other effects are attributed to the color of the tapes: the colors red or pink are said to stimulate the blood circulation particularly well and bring warmth to the affected area, the color blue is said to cool inflamed areas.
However, the different effects of different colored tapes have not been scientifically proven. Kinesiotaping is generally free of side effects. Nevertheless, incorrect application can lead to a worsening of the clinical picture that one actually wants to treat.In rare cases, allergic reactions to the acrylic adhesive used are possible, so that the kinesiotape has to be removed earlier than planned due to itching and progressive reddening of the skin and the healing process is interrupted. A tape bandage lasts about one week, the holding time is not influenced by sports and showers. More information about the technique of Kinesiotaping can be found here.
