Unfortunately, knee injuries can sometimes happen. And in some cases it can end up in very serious troubles. It is an important but very vulnerable part of the human body. Of course, for some serious injuries, plaster cast can be applied for treatment, however, this will entail the inability to walk and generally move.
However, this is not necessary for all injuries or other health problems. The use of taping will allow treatment with minimal limitation of the patient's mobility. This method, of course, has its own characteristics, but it is able to provide assistance in many difficult cases. Also, with its help it is possible to prevent certain health disorders.
Taping
The name of this treatment method comes from the English word "a tape", which translates as "tape" or as "adhesive tape". In general terms, we are talking about a therapeutic effect by applying several adhesive tapes of a certain type to the damaged part of the body.
What are teips?
Taping can be attributed to the methods of complete or partial immobilization of a certain part of the body. It can be used for rehabilitation after injury, in treatment after surgery, for the prevention of possible injuries. Of course, other devices having a similar purpose are also used in practice.
For example, we can name bandages or retainers. However, taping has certain advantages over them. All mentioned devices are rather bulky. When using them, the patient's mobility will be severely limited. Taping does not create such problems. Its use practically creates only those restrictions for movement that are the most minimal (taking into account the need to apply therapeutic measures.
However, do not forget that joint treatment is a rather long and difficult process. It requires a certain amount of patience. Also, it will not be superfluous to avoid putting stress on the damaged joint.
The use of this method is common among athletes. It can significantly reduce the likelihood of certain types of sports injuries.
They have a number of important features:
- The tapes are completely made of cotton.
- They have good stretch ability. It can be as high as 140 percent.
- They are completely latex free.
- The structure of the teips is as follows. That air passes freely through them. Which gives the skin the ability to breathe freely.
- On one side of such a tape, a special glue is applied, which provides a strong and reliable attachment to the skin.
- The permissible time during which the tapes are allowed to be worn is 4 days.
- Water resistance is inherent in these tapes. This allows, when wearing them, to use, for example, a shower, go to the pool.
Mechanisms of influence of tapes
At first glance, tapes are very similar to an adhesive plaster on a cloth basis. However, in reality they are significantly different. The belts are made of a special material that is capable of stretching with force and then returning to its original position.
The adhesive layer allows you to firmly and comfortably fix the tape on the body. With the help of tapes, the mobility of the diseased part of the body is limited. This is the basis of the produced therapeutic effect. Tapes can have different widths, but more often those with a width of 5 centimeters are used.
The main effects of taping
The use of this method of treatment has its effect in several different ways:
- In the course of treatment, the muscle support of the human body is stabilized.
- When fixed with tapes, the soreness of body parts is reduced. Some people are naturally prone to experience severe pain with certain movements. Taping can help with this.
- This procedure improves blood flow.
- Thus, the load on the knee joint is minimized.
- And, of course, there is a limitation of the mobility of the injured part of the body. Moreover, as a rule, such a restriction makes it possible to lead an active lifestyle during treatment (as opposed to applying a plaster cast).
Why and how should knee taping be done?
This method has proven to be highly effective in practice. Its correct use will not only allow for the treatment of the knee joint or its rehabilitation after the operation, but it can also serve as a prophylactic agent in various cases.
Knee pathology
When applying taping, the type of pathology that they want to cure should be taken into account. Applying the tapes should be done by a specialist who will choose the appropriate treatment method for the particular case. If the tapes are not positioned correctly, there may not only be a lack of therapeutic effect, but also complications may arise. Correct application of taping will lead to effective knee healing.
Is kinesio taping effective for knee pain?
The correct treatment should be appropriate for the specific characteristics of the disease. There are several options for using this method, depending on the tasks facing the doctor. In addition, the effectiveness of kinesio taping can be complemented by the use of other treatments.
The effectiveness of this method of treatment has been scientifically proven in the following questions:
- relieving pain;
- an increase in the volume and quality of the movements performed;
- stimulation of muscle neurons;
- there is an increase in lymphatic activity.
Types of taping
Depending on the purposes for which such a procedure is applied, it may refer to one of the following varieties:
- Healing procedures. This method reduces the mechanical stress on the affected knee. In this way, it can also be prevented from extending more than necessary. When using this method of treatment, the likelihood of inflammation decreases and the damaged knee is restored as soon as possible.
- Functional application. Usually in such cases we are talking about the use of this method by athletes. Taping reduces the load on the ligamentous apparatus, preventing the athlete from getting injured. It is also important that in this way it is possible to prevent possible injury to the meniscus. In such situations, the tapes are applied before training and left until the end of the workout.
- Rehabilitation application. Here we are talking about the use of this method to treat the consequences of surgery. This use is much more complex than in previous cases. It is used in combination with various other techniques. This use has its own name - kinesio taping.
Indications for taping
- Injuries resulting from bruises.
- With some types of pathologies of the musculoskeletal system (for example, with arthrosis).
- Sprains of ligaments or muscles.
- Pain syndrome related to periarticular tissue.
- Cramps that occur with increased muscle load.
Basic rules for applying tape
- The skin, on which the tape will be applied, must be cleaned of hair and degreased with alcohol.
- The direction of application of the tape is along the muscles.
- You need to be very careful with the belt tension. It should be determined by a specialist.
- The kneecap should remain free when taping.
- After the procedure for applying tapes is over, they will need to be smoothed out.
- It is necessary to carefully check that there are no pinched vessels or nerves.
- It is necessary that there are no folds.
- With the therapeutic application of this method, there should be no limitation of mobility.
Contraindications for taping
This method of treatment may not be applicable in all cases.
We list the contraindications for its use:
- You should not do this if the patient has increased skin sensitivity.
- In the event that allergic reactions occur, the use of taping is also not recommended.
- You can not perform these procedures if there is damage to the skin.
- In the event that the skin around the joint is loose, this method will be ineffective.
- Elderly people are not advised to use this treatment.
- For sufficiently complex injuries, this method of treatment is not used.
The use of taping is an effective method of treatment, rehabilitation and prevention of injury. When applied, it does not restrict physical activity and helps to restore health with maximum efficiency.
