There is a vast array of different taping methods for different areas of the body and for different problems. Here at advance physiotherapy our physiotherapists use clinical reasoning to decide whether taping would be suitable and what technique to use.
There are two main types of tape, one of which is called zinc oxide tape and the other is called kinesiology tape.
Zinc oxide tape can be used to support a joint and so to limit unwanted movement and prevent further injury e.g. following an ankle sprain. Many athletes will use zinc oxide tape to protect a joint after an injury. Climbers may use it to strap their fingers. Zinc oxide can also be used by physiotherapists as part of a treatment programme to offload structures where a weakness has been identified. It is also an important aid to physiotherapy treatment to reposition/realign a structure such as the kneecap (patella).
Kinesiology tape is elastic tape, applied correctly it can provide excellent pain relief from many common injuries such as tennis elbow, low back pain, shoulder pain and knee pain. It is light weight and comfortable to wear and designed to be used to help keep you moving and is particularly beneficial when applied before partaking in sport. It is applied along muscles, ligaments and tendons and creates feedback to the soft tissue which relaxes tight muscle and optimises muscle function.
