Although originally used to rehabilitate injured athletes, the taping therapy has now become more widespread.
Kinesiology taping is a delicate way of treating muscles, skin tissues and joints. Therefore, it is not prohibited to use it in elderly people. Moreover, it helps to alleviate age-related changes in the musculoskeletal system, as well as faster recovery after injuries and surgeries.
When it comes to musculoskeletal recovery in the elderly, the indications for patch application would be as follows:
- Joint pain/arthrosis;
- Pain in the area of the lower back and spinal column;
- Increased swelling of the legs;
- Occurrence of hematomas;
- Rehabilitation after injuries or surgical interventions;
- Inflammation of soft/joint tissues;
- Headache.
The technique is simple – it consists of applying a particularly strong cotton-based elastic adhesive tape to the problem skin area according to a specific pattern.
The purpose of taping is not only to permanently support painful muscles and tendons in the place where the tape is attached, but also to achieve relaxation, which creates opportunities for further treatment and recovery.
In addition, the tapes provoke a rush of blood to them and gently warm the affected area. Thanks to this, pain and inflammation go away faster. At the same time, the "stickers" do not restrict movement – you can not only walk with them, but even do sports.
Basic techniques of kinesiology taping:
- Lymphatic drainage: this method is characterized by the fact that the tapes are applied in a fan-shaped pattern and minimal tension is created; usually 4 to 10 tapes are applied.
- Muscular: this method affects muscle tone and is used in paralysis or paresis. The tape in this case is attached to the muscle, due to which the bioelectric activity of the muscle is changed.
- Fascial: when using this technique, the most effective will be a slight displacement of the skin over the fascia. For this purpose, applications of Y- or I-shaped tapes are used, and the anchor of the tape is applied without tension. At the same time, its ends are sufficiently securely fixed.
- Ligamentous: with this type of taping, the tape is stretched with maximum tension, which allows you to maintain the mobility of the joint and muscle.
How to apply tapes correctly?
There are rules for applying tapes, according to which it is necessary to fix the affected area in the desired position before applying the tape to the skin. The tape is glued so that it does not gather in the skin folds, but at the same time it is not overly taut. The tape should be applied to cleaned and dried skin. Remember that when you put the tape on, the adhesive will securely fix the hairs growing in the treatment area. To avoid pain when removing the tape, pre-treat the skin and remove hair from the taped area.
Despite the fact that the taping technique looks simple, there is a trick to it: if the taping is applied correctly, relief is immediate. And vice versa: if applied incorrectly or too weakly, it will have no effect. However, there may be negative consequences – pain, numbness, tingling indicate that the tape is not in its place and may be compressing nerves and vessels, disrupting blood circulation. In this case it should be removed immediately.
Therefore, it is not easy to apply the tape without basic training. You need to have some skill and experience to ensure that you do not over tighten or loosen it. It is best if it is done by a doctor. He has undergone special training, knows the technology of applying the tape and can do everything the first time, excluding errors.
Despite all the advantages of the presented non-medication therapy, it is not without contraindications. Despite their small number, they should never be ignored.
Since in advanced age the skin becomes more sensitive, it is forbidden to use tapes for people suffering from dermatitis, as well as allergies to adhesive substances. This once again confirms the need for preliminary consultation with a specialist. Since the procedure is used as a rehabilitation and supportive measure, do not apply tapes to open wounds and fractures!
In conclusion, I can say that taping can be an effective method to relieve pain, improve blood circulation and accelerate recovery in various muscle and joint injuries only with the right approach. If this technique is used correctly in complex therapy, a good effect can be achieved.