Kinesio Taping for Shoulder Sensations (Sports Rehab)

Case Study Full Name: Shoulder Sensations - Kinesiology Tape Helps Upper Extremity Injuries Heal More Rapidly and Fully By: Rebecca Mayer   Summary: Kinesiology tape benefits a wide variety of injuries and inflammatory conditions. The modality can be used to correct a movement deficiency, brace an unstable joint or assist with muscle re-education. The thin, stretchy, therapeutic tape can be worn without binding, constricting or restricting movement. Kinesiology taping can either provide support or prevent over-contraction of muscles. When used for support, taping allows the patient to retain his full range of motion and normal biomechanics. When used to prevent over-contraction, the taping technique provides all-day facilitation of lymphatic drainage. "In my practice, I have used several different types of taping methods to help a patient return to full functioning," said Brian Koczenasz, DPT, SCS, A.R.T., physical therapist with Performance Physical Therapy in Stamford, CT. "I have used McConnell taping techniques to help with patello-femoral issues and kinesiology tape to help with muscle re-education and athletic tape for injury prevention prior to athletic events."   Dr. Koczenasz's clinic is located inside a large athletic training facility and the majority of the patient caseload is sports-related, so he tends to use taping more than most physical therapists. "I find that it is very beneficial during the transition period between finishing up with formal rehabilitation and a full return to sports," he shared. The main benefits of kinesiology taping include pain relief, lymphatic drainage with bruising and edema, and as a corrective alignment or reminder to the patient, according to Chris Keating, PT, DPT, a physical therapist with Strive Physical Therapy & Sports Rehabilitation in Marlton, NJ. The four main types of this taping are the Y, I, X, and fan shapes. The PT can adjust the amount of tension to suit the patient when applying the tape. Because kinesiology tape is flexible, research shows the modality helps circulation flow and speeds healing. Kinesiology tape must be applied correctly, by a trained professional.