The Kinesio Taping Method was developed by Dr. Kenzo Kase in 1979 as a therapeutic method of taping to provide not only external support but help rehabilitate injuries and address physiologic dysfunction. Therapists using Kinesio Tape on the arm first evaluate the client’s specific needs and impairments to determine the location, shape, and direction of taping and the amount of stretch. The assessment also determines what other interventions will be utilized alongside the Kinesio taping.

Kinesio taping has many different applications in the arm. It is typically used as part of a comprehensive rehabilitation program to reduce pain and inflammation, relax or stimulate muscles and promote lymphatic flow. Given the goals of this taping technique, Kinesio Taping can benefit clients recovering from many types of arm injuries or conditions as well as active individuals participating in work and sport-related tasks that require heavy use of the arms.

If you are experiencing pain, inflammation or injury to the arm you might benefit from the application of Kinesio Tape. While this is not a complete list, here are some conditions or scenarios that might indicate the use of the Kinesio Taping Method on the arm:

• Lymphedema of the arm
• Muscle contusions of the shoulder, upper arm and forearm
• Shoulder, elbow or wrist joint support
• Stroke causing weakness or instability in the arm
• Neuromotor control impairments
• Edema (swelling) control in the arm
• Arm muscle strains
• Tendonitis or tendinopathy of the arm muscles
• Shoulder pain
• Wrist pain
• Elbow pain
• Frozen shoulder
• Dystonia of the upper extremity
• Pediatric neurologic conditions
• Adult neurologic conditions

WHAT IS SPECIAL ABOUT KINESIO TAPE?

While there are several brands of therapeutic tape, Kinesio Tape has many attributes that make it special and effective for therapeutic taping. Some of these attributes are as follows:

• Medical grade acrylic adhesive and 100% cotton fibers
• Latex-free and hypoallergenic
• Water resistant with multiple-day wear capabilities
• Tension on the tape is meant to stimulate or relax muscles
• Elasticity mimics that of skin so it does not limit range of motion

When used on the arm, the tape is often applied in an “I”, “X” or “Y” pattern over the targeted muscle though other patterns may be used as well. When placed over the skin, the tape is meant to lift the skin microscopically to create more space underneath which helps reduce inflammation and promotes flow of lymphatic fluid and blood. It can also help reduce pain, relax overused or tired muscles or stimulate muscle function.

Patients with swelling from a contusion on their shoulder, for example, might use Kinesio Tape to encourage the flow of edema out of the muscle. A patient recovering from a stroke might use Kinesio Tape on the wrist to promote muscle activation.

The tape has three zones. The anchor is the first spot where the tape is applied to the skin. At the other end of the tape is the base. The therapeutic zone lies between the anchor and the base. The tension or stretch of the tape can be modified and customized to achieve different results. This is why knowledge of how to apply the tape correctly and effectively matters. Your clinician can change the effect of the therapeutic zone by stretching the tape more or less or aligning it in a different direction.

If you decide to work with a physical therapist to help correct your arm issues, your entire treatment plan could consist of around 8-20+ different physical therapy sessions that will each last 60-90 minutes. Once you complete your customized physical therapy treatment plan, you will be able to continue to do the prescribed stretches and exercises utilized during your PT sessions yet in the comfort of your own home.

AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR KINESIO TAPE?

Though Kinesio Tape was designed for use in many different populations and to treat many injuries and conditions, it is not always indicated or necessary. When you meet with your physical therapist you should mention your interest in Kinesio Tape. From there, they can advise you on how it might fit into a larger treatment plan. Even Dr. Kase, the inventor of Kinesio Tape, encouraged therapists to perform a full examination to identify other interventions needed to treat their patients. Kinesio Tape is usually just one part of a care plan for your arm.

Tape is often used temporarily to help facilitate healing and reduce inflammation or pain. That being said, one benefit of Kinesio Tape is that after identifying the optimal application strategy for your symptoms, PTs will sometimes teach you how to apply it on your own, allowing you to access the effects of taping when needed. Athletes like pitchers, volleyball players or tennis players or individuals who perform repetitive arm movements for their jobs might apply Kinesio Tape during competitions or when working to help manage symptoms.

Kinesio Tape can be a helpful addition to your physical therapy plan of care to address arm conditions such as biceps tendonitis, muscle contusions, post-stroke shoulder weakness, lymphedema and so much more. Finding a Kinesio Taping Technique-trained therapist is the first step to accessing this treatment.

My team of therapists at Evolve Physical Therapy would love to discuss your interest in Kinesio Tape and educate you on how we can help address your arm concerns with tape or the many other helpful techniques in our toolboxes. If you are experiencing arm pain, injury, weakness or inflammation, call Evolve Physical Therapy today to schedule an initial evaluation.