An orthopaedic surgeon I send my guys to has recommended Kinesio style taping over the gastrocenemius origins to relieve a chronic inflammation. Anybody got any experience of this? I've not used it before but assume the tape would form a Y from the insertion and following the muscle heads. Does this seem about right?
Anybody have problems with irritation in the popliteal fossa? It's usually avoided in 'normal' taping.
I'll be interested to see it, Kinesio taping (or equivalent) is high on my list of things to study.
hi Dai,
this is a useful site
Its a highly useful technique to learn.
I have used tape, and one thing I have to point out is the actual application of the tape.
When shown how to do it (i rarely use it now due to cost) was as follows
1. if in the event of inflammation then the tape should be applied from distal to proximal of the swelling to the nearest lymphatic site as it facilitates the removal of swelling. (obviously now new research has come to light that maybe the introduction of swelling is a good thing, but as mice are the only mammal it has been tested on i shall sit on the fence for now)
2. if in the event it is muscle support and function then it should be applied from proximal to distal to follow the patterns of muscle firing etc.
It may take quite a bit of tape to actually facilitate gastrocnemius insertion chronic inflammation.
Also, if you are going to use the tape make sure to keep stock a few different colours. Mechanically they all have the same effect, however psychologically they offer the patient a different 'strength', what the patient likes the patient gets so to speak.
Thanks guys, useful pointers there. A couple of players have requested it this season but the club won't be quite so enthusiastic when I show them the bill.
Hi Dai, i use Kinesio taping quite frequently in my practice, and as ST has said it is a highly useful technique to learn and use.
Their are courses in many areas of the country, and may be a good CPD option to do too.
The tape is expensive, and as TT has said, you do have a variety of colours, saying that you can buy the clinic roll, which is 100ft long, i normally add a couple of pound to the treatment price to cover the price of the tape. My clients are happy with this, as they do get excellent results with the product.