Physical therapists: What is KT Tape.?

Physical therapists: What is KT Tape.?: KT Tape is a revolutionary sports medicine solution for treating and preventing common sports injuries such as ITBS, shin splints, plantar f...

What is KT Tape.?

KT Tape is a revolutionary sports medicine solution for treating and preventing common sports injuries such as ITBS, shin splints, plantar fasciitis, knee pain and more. Ultra-light, elastic, and strong, KT Tape is highly effective at providing pain relief, stability & support, & faster recovery for injured or sore muscles and joints-without sacrificing comfort or freedom of movement.

KT Tape is simple to use and easy to apply. Most common injury applications require only two strips of tape, and each box of tape comes with step-by-step instructions. Injury-specific video instructions (1-2 minutes long) for common applications are also available on the KT Tape website.

 

It’s designed for Professional athletes, Olympians, and active people world-wide who take health & fitness seriously and who refuse to stop training, playing, or living life active and free. The design is minimalist, the results are magic.provides relief and support for muscles and joints and can be used to prevent or treat hundreds of sports injuries.

General instructions

General Shoulder pain 

Pain in the front of the shoulder is usually the result of strained or inflamed biceps tendons.

Inflammation of the biceps tendons or strained ligaments contributes to pain in the front of the shoulder. Acute pain is addressed by icing affected area and anti-inflammatory medication.

KT Tape is helpful in increasing lymphatic drainage, reducing pain by relieving pressure on nerves, and proving support and stability to the shoulder.

Calf Strains 

The calf muscles consist of two muscles: the gastrocnemius and the soleus. The gastrocnemius is the larger muscle that is visible on the back of the leg, and the soleus is the smaller muscle that is lower down on the back of the leg and mostly underneath the gastrocnemius. Both muscles end up attaching to the heel via the achilles tendon and serve to point the toes down (plantarflexion). These muscles are vital in walking, running, and propelling the body.

Strains in the calf come in varying degrees:

Slight pain in the back of the leg                               

Grade 1

Zero to very slight restricted motion or activity

Tightness, aching, and slight pain for up to 5 days

Grade 2

Pronounced, sharp, and restrictive pain

Swelling and bruising

Tightness and aching for up to 10 days

Grade 3

Severe pain that is fully restrictive

Moderate to complete inability to restrict the muscles

Significant bruising and swelling

In the most severe cases (ruptures) the muscle is bunched up towards the top of the calf

Calf strains occur due to injury during acceleration, change of direction, or repeated flexion under duress. The muscles may initially begin to spasm, cramp, or swell. Bruising may also become apparent at some time after the initial injury.

Treatment of a grade II calf strain involves rest most importantly. Ice, elevation, and compression are necessary to reduce pain and inflammation, and should absolutely not be relied upon to continue strenuous activity. Grade II calf strains can become very serious if this rest is not afforded to the muscles.

KT Tape provides excellent support for these muscles during unavoidable activity, reducing aching and tightness in the calf. This application also provides inhibition of the muscles to promote relaxation and healing.

Groin Strain

A groin strain is an injury to the adductor muscles. Less severe strains pull the muscle beyond their normal excursion. More severe strains tear the muscle fibers, and can even cause a complete tear of the muscle. Most commonly, groin pulls are minor tears of some muscle fibers, but the bulk of the muscle tissue remains intact.

Groin strains are usually graded as follows:

Grade I Groin Strain: Mild discomfort, often no disability. Usually does not limit activity.

Grade II Groin Strain: Moderate discomfort, can limit ability to perform activities such as running and jumping. May have moderate swelling and bruising associated.

Grade III Groin Strain: Severe injury that can cause pain with walking. Often people complain of muscle spasm, swelling, and significant bruising.

KT tape application is an appropriate use for Grade I and II groin strains. Seek professional medical evaluation for grade III strains and use KT Tape as part of a larger treatment plan.

General Knee Pain

Knee pain can result from many conditions. Among athletes, common injuries arising from overuse include inflammation and irritation of the patella or quadriceps tendons from poor patella tracking. Other causes of common knee pain stem from injuries that strain or tear ligaments. Meniscus damage and arthritis are also major contributors to knee pain. Each of these conditions have their own well-established treatments that include rest, icing after athletic use, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy and training, or even surgical procedures. Proper diagnosis of the source of your pain is vital to creating a treatment plan to reduce pain and improve function. Your professional medical provider has the tools and expertise to diagnose and develop a treatment plan for your specific condition.

KT Tape has been helpful for general knee pain, regardless of its source, through its ability to provide support without limiting mobility. KT Tape queues large muscle groups like the quadriceps to do their job in supporting knee movement. By creating surface tension on the skin over the area needing support, KT Tape creates a light, comfortable support structure that relieves pain and restores mobility.