Taping/Medical or Kinesiology Taping

Taping/Medical or Kinesiology Taping

Taping is an effective physiotherapy method that helps:

  • relieve muscle and joint pain caused by overuse, trauma, or prolonged inactivity;

  • improve blood circulation and microcirculation;

  • reduce swelling and bruising;

  • in cases of all types of ligament and muscle strains;

  • correct posture.

Taping is suitable for both adults and children, and its application is quite broad.

Kinesiology tape, a single-sided adhesive tape made of natural material with properties (thickness and elasticity) similar to those of the skin, is used in taping. When the tape is applied to the skin, it slightly lifts the skin, increasing the space between the skin and the inflamed tissues beneath it, thus reducing pressure on blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, and nerve endings in the inflamed area. The procedure is completely safe and painless. This method rarely causes side effects, but in cases of highly sensitive skin, redness or itching may occur. In such instances, the tape should be immediately removed.

The tape adheres to the skin, is thin and breathable, and does not interfere with showering, water activities, or movement.

Since taping materials are available without a doctor's prescription, people sometimes decide to apply the tape themselves to painful areas. Unfortunately, this doesn't help, as effective taping requires precise knowledge of physiology, and each person's problems need to be addressed individually. A doctor must have a certification that confirms their skills in medical taping.

Properly applied tape works immediately and continues its effect 24 hours a day for about a week. If necessary, the tape can be replaced afterward.

Taping is used for:

  • Carpal tunnel syndrome treatment;

  • Epicondylitis cases;

  • Joint, muscle, and ligament pain/injuries/strains;

  • Back pain;

  • Headaches;

  • Reducing swelling;

  • Varicose veins/thrombosis;

  • Muscle tension relief;

  • Muscle weakness;

  • Scar reduction, and more.

In gynecology and obstetrics, taping is used for:

  • Pregnant women’s abdominal/back pain;

  • Symphysis (pelvic bone) pain/instability;

  • Relieving neck tension;

  • Headache relief;

  • Reducing leg/arm swelling;

  • Varicose veins;

  • Lactostasis (blocked milk ducts);

  • Menstrual pain relief;

  • Muscle diastasis prevention/therapy;

  • Reducing swelling after lymphadenectomy;

  • Hematoma reduction;

  • Scar reduction, and more.

The taping method is also used in speech therapy, and it is a novelty in Latvia. It can only be performed by specialists who have obtained the appropriate certification. The audiologists at "Veselības centrs 4" branch "Children’s Health Center" have mastered this method and received certification.

Audiological taping is a method that, using tape, allows for:

  • stimulating and supporting oromotor functions;

  • promoting the development and quality of speech and language;

  • reducing swallowing difficulties;

  • improving chewing function;

  • promoting diaphragmatic breathing and improving exhalation intensity.

Taping originated in Japan. Initially, it was mainly used by professional athletes, but as its effectiveness in improving various body functions, relieving pain, and restoring joint movements was proven, taping is increasingly used in general medicine as well.