This document summarizes kinesiotape (KT), which uses heat-activated acrylic adhesive to mimic skin qualities and replicate hands-on therapy. KT can provide analgesic and lymphatic drainage benefits and correct malalignment. Different shapes - Y, I, X, fan/web, and donut - are used for specific purposes like surrounding muscles or addressing edema. Application involves lightly stretching the muscle before applying different lengths of tape in insertion-to-origin or origin-to-insertion patterns. Skin should be prepared before precise application and rubbing of the tape. Examples show taping for rotator cuff impingement and the quadriceps.
This document summarizes kinesiotape (KT), which uses heat-activated acrylic adhesive to mimic skin qualities and replicate hands-on therapy. KT can provide analgesic and lymphatic drainage benefits and correct malalignment. Different shapes - Y, I, X, fan/web, and donut - are used for specific purposes like surrounding muscles or addressing edema. Application involves lightly stretching the muscle before applying different lengths of tape in insertion-to-origin or origin-to-insertion patterns. Skin should be prepared before precise application and rubbing of the tape. Examples show taping for rotator cuff impingement and the quadriceps.
This document summarizes kinesiotape (KT), which uses heat-activated acrylic adhesive to mimic skin qualities and replicate hands-on therapy. KT can provide analgesic and lymphatic drainage benefits and correct malalignment. Different shapes - Y, I, X, fan/web, and donut - are used for specific purposes like surrounding muscles or addressing edema. Application involves lightly stretching the muscle before applying different lengths of tape in insertion-to-origin or origin-to-insertion patterns. Skin should be prepared before precise application and rubbing of the tape. Examples show taping for rotator cuff impingement and the quadriceps.
Y shape I shape X shape Fan / web shape Donut shape Y Shape
Used to surround the muscle Facilitates or inhibits muscle stimuli Should be 2 inches longer than muscle I Shape
Used for more acute injuries instead of Y Primary purpose edema and pain Used for alignment correction X Shape
Used when origin and insertion of the muscle shift on movement Primary use is at the rhomboids Fan / Web Shape
Used in edema and restoration (muscle tears) Fan shape ends go together Web shape ends are intact Donut Shape
Specifically used for edema Use overlapping strips Cut out center over area of focus How to Apply
Muscle should be elongated prior to application Requires none to partial stretch Better too little than too much stretching Do NOT take a full stretch How to Apply
Stretch Types Full 100% of the way Severe 75% of the way Moderate 50% of the way Light 15-25% of the way None 0% Types of Application Insertion to Origin Inhibit overused or stretched muscle Light stretch required Origin to Insertion Facilitates weak or under-performing muscles Light to moderate stretch required Application Guidelines
Shave hair if interfering with tape No oil or lotion on skin If wet, pat dry Do not use hair dryer on tape Use alcohol to prep skin if necessary Application Guidelines
Measure appropriate length Remove tape carefully Rub tape after application Allow 20 minutes for adhesive to work Example 1: RTC Inpingement Example 2: Quadriceps Taping