The explosive growth in the use of kinesiology tape has created a need for instructional materials for those who want to learn the principles of kinesiology taping as well as application techniques. Consumers need to learn how to apply kinesiology tape for their sports injuries and everyday aches and pains, while health professionals require in-depth knowledge to treat patients with more complex issues. My last post presented a wide variety of online resources to learn about kinesiology taping. This post will focus on instruction manuals and DVD’s to help you learn the theories and techniques of how to apply kinesiology tape.
Kinesiology Taping DVD’s:
Kinesiology taping DVD’s offer information on the theories and principles of kinesiology taping, in addition to providing demonstrations of taping techniques for common injuries and health conditions. There are currently only 3 DVD’s available:
Kinesiology Taping Fundamentals DVD – the most comprehensive kinesiology taping DVD, with over 90 minutes of content, including step-by-step instructions for over 50 different conditions and injuries. Suitable for anyone with a basic understanding of anatomy and medical terminology.
Neurostructural Kinesiology Taping DVD Set – a 2-DVD set with over 5 hours of training for health professionals who want to learn both the theory and application of kinesiology taping in a clinical setting.
Clinical Kinesio Taping DVD – part of the official Kinesio Taping Method materials, this 40 minute DVD focuses more on theory and general taping techniques than on instructions for specific conditions. Suitable for those with some knowledge of medical terminology.
Kinesiology Taping Instruction Manuals:
When selecting a kinesiology taping manual, it is important to choose one that is written at a level appropriate for your background and taping goals. Some manuals are written at an advanced level and are appropriate only for those with health and medical training, while others are written more for the general population. The summaries below should help you select a manual suitable for your needs.
Kinesio Taping Perfect Manual (suitable for all levels) – the oldest of the Kinesio Taping Method manuals, the black and white photos may make Kinesio Taping Perfect appear dated, but the information is as applicable today as when it was first published in 1996. Step by step instructions are clearly outlined for a variety of common physical complaints and injuries.
Softcover, 6″ x 8″, 132 pages with black/white photos.
PowerTaping 3rd Edition: Theories and Practical Applications of Fascial Movement Taping (requires basic understanding of anatomy and exercise training principles). This revolutionary manual, produced by RockTape, covers both therapeutic taping and taping for sports performance. Information is presented in six areas: Rehabilitation Taping, Edema Control Taping, Postural Control Taping, Neurological Taping, Pregnancy Taping and PowerTaping for Sports Performance.
Softcover, 8-1/2″ x 11″ , 226 pages with full color charts and photos.
Illustrated Kinesio Taping, 4th Edition – (requires moderate understanding of anatomy and medical terminology). Clear, step-by-step taping instructions are accompanied by black and white illustrations showing each tape application in this Kinesio Taping Method manual. One of the less expensive KinesioTaping manuals, this book is a good initial investment for those wanting to learn more about Kinesio Taping.
Softcover, 8.5 x 11″ spiral bound, 107 pages with b/w illustrations
Clinical Therapeutic Applications of the Kinesio Taping Method – (requires advanced understanding of medical terminology). This large manual is a comprehensive guide to kinesiology taping for clinicians and allied health professionals. Taping instructions are organized by body part and are preceded by a comprehensive introduction to Kinesio Taping principles and techniques.
KinesioTaping in Pediatrics, Infant to Adolescent (for health professionals). Written for pediatric therapists and physicians, this KinesioTaping Method manual focuses on conditions affecting infants, toddlers and adolescents, including birth injuries, postural issues and neurological damage or deficits. Clear, detailed instructions are accompanied by sequential color photographs, making the taping configurations easy to replicate.
Softcover, 8.5″ x 11″, Spiral Bound, 218 pages with color photos
Kinesio Taping for Lymphedema and Chronic Swelling – (for educated consumers and health professionals). This manual focuses on issues related to the lymphatic system, including lymphedema, pitting edema, bruising and vascular conditions. Although the anatomical and medical terminology is advanced, the clearly written taping instructions accompanied by color photographs can be followed by most people with a moderate knowledge of medical terms and kinesiology taping skills.
Softcover, 8.5″ x 11″, Spiral Bound, 172 pages with color photos