Kineso Taping

Rogers Bridge » Kineso Taping

Kinesiology taping is a versatile therapeutic tool widely used by occupational therapists, physical therapists, and athletic trainers to support individuals of all ages. The tape itself is thin, flexible, and designed to stretch, allowing for movement while still offering support to muscles and joints.

Kinesiology taping provides benefits such as reducing swelling and inflammation, alleviating pain, and improving joint stability and muscle function. It's a particularly useful method in pediatric therapy, helping children improve mobility and manage specific conditions.

How Kinesiology Taping Works in Pediatric Therapy

In pediatric occupational therapy, kinesiology tape is often used to address conditions that can affect a child's movement and posture. These may include conditions like torticollis, cerebral palsy, decreased muscle tone, toe walking, inflammation, and abnormal range of motion. Occupational therapists, who are specifically trained to evaluate these conditions, may use KT tape to provide additional support, improve posture, or stimulate muscles. The tape is applied in different patterns depending on the child's needs, and its effects can be felt immediately as it works to stabilize and support the targeted area.

Education and Parental Involvement

Your child’s occupational therapist will teach you how to properly apply and remove the kinesiology tape, ensuring that you can continue using it at home between therapy sessions. The therapist will also guide you on monitoring your child's skin for any irritation and adjusting the application based on your child's activity level and therapeutic needs.

Common Applications in Pediatric Therapy

Core Engagement: Taping along the abdomen can help increase core muscle engagement, supporting children who need help with posture or trunk control.
Toe Walking: Applying KT tape to the bottom of the foot provides sensory stimulation, helping to discourage toe walking by promoting proper foot placement.
Torticollis: Taping the neck area helps in reducing tightness and improving range of motion for children with torticollis.
Swelling and Bruising: KT tape can reduce swelling in an injured or bruised area, promoting healing and allowing for a greater range of motion.
Joint Support: The tape can also be used to support or reposition joints that are unstable or subluxed (partially dislocated), providing children with added comfort and stability.

By using kinesiology taping, occupational therapists can promote more natural movement patterns, improve muscle function, and provide non-invasive, supportive care tailored to your child’s developmental needs.

While kinesiology taping can be an effective tool in pediatric therapy, it's important to remember that it should only be applied by a trained professional or under the guidance of one.

Improper taping without training can lead to irritation, discomfort, or ineffective results. If you're interested in using kinesiology tape for your child, be sure to consult with their therapist, who can teach you safe and effective techniques for at-home use. Your child's well-being is the priority, and professional guidance ensures the tape is used correctly to support their development.