Since August 30th, the KT Tape blog, The Way We Roll, has posted descriptions and instructional videos explaining, step-by-step, how to prepare four new KT Tape applications for various conditions. (Links to the YouTube versions of these videos are listed at the end of this post.)
The first post, dated August 30, 2011, describes how to use KT Tape to treat Osgood-Schlatters, a knee condition common among young people who are in the middle of a growth spurt. The condition causes inflammation leading to pain of varying intensity in the patella tendon below the knee. This application uses a single KT Tape I-strip, which is cut in half and applied in an X-pattern across the point of pain (the lower knee area), relieving pain and shortening recovery time.
The second post, published September 8, 2011, explains the process for using KT Tape precut strips for wrist pain such as carpal-tunnel, ulnar-entrapment, and other wrist-related pain. This technique requires two KT Tape I-strips, one of which is applied along the back of the hand, up, and over the top of the wrist (with the wrist in a flexed, palm-down position), while the other strip is cut into two equal sections, rounding the corners, with one piece placed across the back and around the sides of the wrist (like a bracelet) and the other piece placed across the front and around the sides of the wrist for added support. This application provides stability, while relaxing the forearm flexors.
The third post, dated September 13, 2011, demonstrates the proper technique for self-application of KT Tape for arch pain caused by plantar fasciitis. The application uses three I-strips. The first is applied along the inside of the ankle, down and across the bottom of the arch just in front of the heel. The second is applied slightly below, behind, and diagonal to the first strip, crossing it near the mid-point of the ankle and continuing down under the mid-arch. The third strip runs from the ball of the foot backward under and around the heel, using 50% stretch (“bow-stringing” the tape). This application is said to result in dramatic pain reduction, while also preventing compensation injuries.
The fourth post, dated September 20, 2011, illustrates the technique for low back, or SI (sacroiliac), joint pain. This type of pain is often caused by activities such as cycling or stresses such as pregnancy. The SI-pain application uses two KT Tape I-strips. With patient leaning forward, the first strip is applied crosswise along the point of pain, with a 50% stretch in the tape. The second strip is cut in half, the corners rounded, and each half applied diagonally across the center of the first strip in the shape of an upside down “V.” This application relieves low-back pain or pain that radiates into the “glutes” (buttock muscles) and legs.
To view the instructional videos for the above applications, visit the TheraTape YouTube channel.
Loading ...
