The Kinesio Taping Method was developed by Dr. Kenzo Kase in 1979 as a therapeutic method of taping to provide not only external support to tissues but also to help rehabilitate injuries and address physiologic dysfunction. Therapists using Kinesio Tape on your back will first assess your 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 is typically one of several interventions your physical therapist will administer to address your concerns.

Kinesio taping may be used to address many different concerns in the back. It is typically 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, you may benefit from Kinesio Taping if you are recovering from a back injury or participating in work or sport-related tasks that might strain or work the muscles of the back.

If you are experiencing pain, inflammation or injury to the back area 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 back:

• Contusions, hematomas or large bruises on the back
• Low back pain
• Overactive or underactive muscles around the spine
• Neuromotor control impairments
• Back muscle strains
• Tendonitis or tendinopathy of the back muscles
• Pediatric neurologic conditions
• Adult neurologic conditions

If you decide to work with a physical therapist to help correct your back 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 larger care plan for your back.

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 or tennis players or individuals who perform repetitive back 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 back conditions such as low back pain or strain, muscle contusions, 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 back concerns with tape or the many other helpful techniques in our toolboxes. If you are experiencing back pain, injury, weakness or inflammation, call Evolve Physical Therapy today to schedule an initial evaluation.