Tapen helps with pain

Tapes to relieve joints and muscles

02/12/2015

The so-called Kinesio taping, in which elastic strips of cotton and spandex are glued to the skin to improve the functionality of muscles, joints and ligaments or to remedy the present impairments, was originally developed in Japan and in the 1990s in the USA introduced. Today tapes are extremely popular with professional as well as recreational athletes worldwide. Among other things, they should protect against injuries, prevent muscle fatigue, relieve pain and promote blood circulation.

In professional sports, but also in recreational athletes in the gym or on the jogging track are colorful tapes that pull over the back, knee or other muscle groups and joints, now commonplace. How the tapes are constructed, when and how they are applied, and what effects they unfold is reported in a news agency news release „dpa“ shown. Here is also expressed that the tapes - despite their promising effect - in case of doubt, can not replace further therapeutic measures.

Application for pain and swelling
The Kempten sports physiotherapist, John Langendoen, explains in the contribution of the „dpa“, these are „tens of meters of stretchy cotton strips with an elastin blend and skin-friendly adhesive that activates when warm.“ An application is possible for example in pain or swelling of muscles and joints. Also, the „Tapes are often used with restrictions in the mobility and muscle weakness“, quotes the „dpa“ sports physiotherapist and osteopath Sascha Seifert of the International Taping Association in Kassel. To the effect of the tapes, the experts explain that the elastic cotton strips a certain pull on the skin is exercised, which in turn positively affect the underlying pain receptors and thus causes pain relief. „This is similar to the principle of squeezing to the point where you hit yourself - the pressure relieves the pain“, becomes Seifert of the „dpa“ cited.

Relief of muscles and joints
If the tapes are used to relieve the muscles and joints, there is also a train-oriented attachment. The cotton strip is stretched, for example glued along the course of a muscle. Hereby going „put the skin under tension, which gives a stimulus to the muscle”, explains the physiotherapist from Kaarst near Düsseldorf, Ulrike Stocks-Sanio, to the „dpa“. Seifert adds that there are eight different taping techniques. The effect is usually felt quickly. The pain goes back, the muscles relax and the mobility increases. Although the tapes are not a substitute for therapy, they can be combined with other therapeutic measures such as manual therapy, acupressure or physiotherapy, explains John Langendoen. The muscle relaxation through the tapes, often facilitate further treatment.

Tapes to promote the lymphatic flow
Also, a positive influence on the lymph flow with the help of tapes is possible according to Sascha Seifert. If the tape is supposed to have a lymphatic effect, it will be applied without tension. „The lymphatic vessels are in the skin, the tape acts like a bandage after the lymphatic drainage”, quotes the „dpa“ the sports physiotherapist. Furthermore, the tapes are often for pregnant women who suffer from back pain, a special help, the news agency continues. According to the experts, the use of tapes is contraindicated in open wounds, eczema and edema due to heart problems or varicose veins. Should a burning sensation or unpleasant pulling occur in the muscle, immediate removal of the adhesive strips is advised. Long-term damage, however, are not to be feared.

Even laymen can tap
In principle, taping is also feasible by laymen, which allows an independent application as needed. However, it takes a little skill and practice for this, so the message of „dpa“. In order to ensure the correct application, at least a one-time instruction by experienced therapists is recommended. The extent to which the color of the tapes used should play a role in their application is often assessed differently by the therapists. While most leave the color choice to the patient - depending on their individual tastes - others point to the importance of color theory in terms of a holistic therapeutic approach. (Fp)