Kinesiotaping Lab for Occupational Therapy Students

Caption: Virginia showing off her taped shoulder, with three layers of tape covering different muscle bellies.

We recently had a session on kinesiotaping. Here is the introductory quote from the official Kinesotaping website:

“Kinesio Taping has emerged as the rehabilitative taping method within the US and international medical communities. Kinesio Taping, or simply “KT”, is an absolute must-have skill for the committed musculoskeletal practitioner. It’s easy to learn, requires a minimal initial investment, and is reimbursable with many carriers. The elastic, latex-free tape takes very little time to apply, is long-lasting (stays on 3-5 days) yet easy to remove, and is suitable for patients of every age or condition. KT is extremely versatile in its ability to re-educate the neuromuscular system, promote lymphatic flow, reduce pain, enhance performance, prevent injury, and promote injury resolution.”

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We watched short clips of the Kinesotape demonstration video and then practiced on each other. It can really reduce pain and/or make a surprising difference. You can apply the tape going from origin of muscle to insertion if you want to help the muscle contract (like in weakness) and apply it from insertion to origin if you want to lessen the strain (like in carpal tunnel). I might have this backward, I’ll check my notes soon. It will definitely make your muscles feel weird, like they are tingling. It can also leave you sore. This past summer I had physical therapy for back issues and the PT taped up my scapula one day to alleviate some pressure (I have really mild scoliosis), and it felt so weird! Even having the tape on for about 10 minutes at a time during this session was slightly odd. As an added bonus, you’ll get free hair removal when taking the tape off if you aren’t careful. Eyebrow wax, anyone?


Me demonstrating my beautiful taping job on Meg.


Virginia taping up a foot for plantar fasciitis.

Sep 15, 2007 | Category: Occupational Therapy | Comments: none