Physiotherapy and Taping
Understanding Physiotherapy and Taping
Physiotherapy, a healthcare profession dedicated to improving movement and function, often uses taping as a tool. This technique helps stabilise muscles and joints without limiting their range of motion.
Taping is like having an extra set of hands that never tire out, constantly helping your body maintain the right posture or position. You put something strong to hold the door open, like a bookend – same concept as taping. That’s exactly how taping works. It gives support where needed while still letting you move freely.
Studies have shown that correct application can reduce pain from injuries, improve athletic performance, and even prevent future harm.
How Does Physiotherapy and Taping Work Together?
Physiotherapy and taping work in conjunction to help the body’s natural healing processes. The aim is to alleviate pain, enhance mobility, and foster recovery.
Taping provides external support to muscles and joints without restricting their normal range of motion. The adhesive tape exerts a microscopic lift from the skin which can reduce discomfort and provide additional support to the area. Taping an area also increase the proprioception of the joint, allowing the joint to receive more feedback on where it is in space.
In contrast, in physiotherapy, your therapist may educate you to train your body to be in a certain posture. With the help of taping, it acts as a reminder to maintain the optimal position for your joint. By training your body in the optimal range, this will help improve strength, flexibility, and endurance whilst preventing further injury. It aims to restore physical function by targeting specific muscle groups or joint movements based on individual needs.
What are the Different Types of Tapes?
Kinesiology Taping
Kinesiology tape aids muscle function and reduces pain by lifting the skin to improve circulation. It’s colorful, stretchy, and often seen on athletes.
Athletic Taping
This technique uses rigid tape to restrict movement and provide support. Studies suggest it helps prevent injuries during sports activities but can limit performance if not applied correctly.
For more information on taping, read here.
Benefits and Limitations of Physiotherapy and Taping
Physiotherapy and taping are often used together to treat sports injuries. But like all treatments, they have their pros and cons.
The biggest advantage is that these methods can give immediate relief from pain. They work by limiting movement in injured areas, which lets the body heal itself more efficiently. Studies show that physiotherapy combined with taping accelerates recovery time for many patients.
But there’s a flip side too. While useful for temporary relief, relying solely on these techniques may not address the root cause of some conditions. Overuse might even lead to skin irritation or allergies due to adhesive tapes.
Above all, remember that every person’s response to treatment varies; what works well for one might not be as effective for another. It’s essential always to seek professional advice before starting any new treatment plan.
For any queries, contact one of our Doreen Physio for further assistance.
FAQs in Relation to Physiotherapy and Taping
What does taping do in physiotherapy?
Taping aids recovery by supporting injured muscles and joints, reducing pain, and improving movement and stability.
Do physiotherapists use KT tape?
Absolutely. Physios often use Kinesiology Tape (KT) to help with inflammation, promote healing, or enhance athletic performance.
What are the 5 things that Kinesio taping does?
Kinesio Taping provides support, reduces pain, improves circulation, promotes healing of damaged tissues, and enhances performance.