Colorful support
The sports enthusiast is probably already familiar with it: the colored tape that adorns the calves, thighs or arms of (top) athletes. This so-called medical tape is also increasingly being used among non-athletes. Why actually? Physiotherapist Mark Chen explains.
1. What is medical taping?
“Medical taping is the collective name for taping with the brightly colored elastic tape that is characteristic of many. There are different types of tape (Curetape, Kinesiotape, X-tape) all with a similar appearance and function.
The founder of medical taping is the Japanese Kenzo Kase. In the 1970s, Kase was already a well-known name in chiropractic and acupuncture. His point of departure is, among other things, that physical exercise and muscle activity are necessary to prevent or cure physical problems.
The stiff tape that was available at the time and was used to restrict the freedom of movement of a muscle or joint, did not have this effect. Kase therefore went in search of a tape that resembles human skin. In this way you can improve the physical functions and support injured muscles and joints, without restricting the body’s movement possibilities.
Thus, after years, medical tape was introduced to the market. Over the past ten years, medical tape has also gained a lot of popularity in Europe and more and more physiotherapists are proficient in medical taping.”
2. For what kind of complaints is medical taping suitable?
“Medical tape can be used for many different types of complaints. Nowadays, applications of the tape are mainly reflected in the sports world. With complaints of the musculoskeletal system, the tape is often used to support joints, or to influence muscles to prevent an increase or decrease in tension. realize.
The tape can also be used for posture correction, swelling reduction, pain reduction and improving the skin condition with, for example, scars. Medical taping is therefore extremely versatile. However, not all therapists are trained for all aspects of the tape, so ask your therapist about the options.”
3. What kind of tape is used?
“With medical taping, tape is used that has the same elasticity as the skin. It is very thin and sticks well. It is also ventilating, skin-friendly, moisture-resistant and anti-allergic. It is advisable to place the tape on a dry, fat-free, hairless It is best to wet the tape before removing it.
There are several brands of tape and the type used will differ per therapist. I have experience with one type of tape myself, so it’s difficult to give an objective judgment about which one is best. It is ultimately a matter of which tape works best for you. Nowadays there are also cheap imitation brands on the market. So pay attention if you are looking for a real product.”
4. Can I do everything ‘taped’?
“Depending on the technique used and the skin, the tape can last between four and ten days. In that time you can do everything with it: exercise, shower and even swim! The tape is breathable and wicks away moisture, so it causes no soft skin under the tape either. Of course, intensive use shortens the duration.”
5. Can I also apply medical taping myself?
“Yes, it is certainly possible to tape yourself. Depending on the complaint, location and technique, it is sometimes useful to learn to tap yourself (with a physiotherapist). This gives you more freedom, especially if you have to be taped regularly. this reduces the amount of treatment you need with a physiotherapist.
Today, there are even pre-packaged, cut-to-size packages for sale at some sporting goods stores. They are then provided with enough tape to tape yourself once, with an explanation in text and illustration. However, I would recommend that you buy a roll of tape and find a certified therapist to teach you how to tap. This is cheaper and ultimately delivers more quality and results.”
Mark Chen is a physiotherapist and NASM trained personal trainer at OCA in Alphen aan den Rijn. His expertise lies in analyzing and optimizing movement patterns. Dry needling and medical taping are an important part of his vision and training predominates.
