How to apply back muscle taping: benefits and patterns

Osteochondrosis is considered the main cause of back pain. Every 4 people over 35 years of age and every 9 pensioners suffer from its manifestations. Kinesio taping will help relieve pain and stiffness of movement.

This is a technique of applying elastic adhesive tapes on a woven basis to the body according to specially designed patterns. You will feel relief after the first procedure. Without leaving home, reduce the severity of pain and experience freedom of movement.

The essence of the kinesiological taping method

Kinesio taping for back pain involves gluing special tapes to the problem area of ​​the body, providing adequate support and fixation of the joints. At the same time, elastic tapes act in several directions at once:

• Improve microcirculation in tissues;
• Relaxes overstrained muscles;
• Strengthens the muscle corset.

The application of kinesio tapes allows you to relieve pain and speed up rehabilitation for injuries and pathologies of the back, dislocations, bruises, and shooting. Taping the spine of the back muscles not only relieves pain, but also helps eliminate the causes and promotes the regeneration of damaged joints of the spinal column. These procedures are recommended for athletes to maintain shape during the training process and for people suffering from diseases of the musculoskeletal system, with sprains of muscles and ligaments caused by various reasons. Back taping is performed for intervertebral hernia. The procedure also helps relieve pain in pathologies such as lumbar osteochondrosis and arthrosis.

Improving blood flow helps normalize tissue nutrition, accelerates the removal of toxins, and relieves inflammation. Correctly applied kinesio tape provides fixation like an orthosis, which allows you to protect the spine from possible damage and additionally support it during increased loads.

Benefits of the procedure

The mechanism of operation of kinesio tape is based on the relationship: the skin is connected to the muscles through a layer of fatty tissue. Therefore, after gluing, the elastic tape acts on the entire area, right down to the joints. It has beneficial effects:

• Fixes joints in the desired position.
• Relieves stress from muscles.
• Reduces inflammation and pain.
• Restores lymph and blood circulation.
• Speeds up metabolism.
• Forms correct posture.

By the way. Even a bodybuilder's body contains fat: from 8 to 12%.

Indications and contraindications for the use of tapes

Kinesio taping of the spine is recommended for professional athletes, patients who have suffered various injuries, elderly people and children with poor posture. The most common disease of the spine is osteochondrosis. The disease can cause complications such as:

• intervertebral hernias,

• spondylosis;
• radiculitis;
• various spinal deformities (kyphosis, scoliosis in children, etc.).

Taping the lumbar region and lower back allows you to get rid of pain and maintain the natural mobility of joints and muscles. Inflammation is relieved, lymph circulation improves, muscles relax, their support and restoration are ensured.

Depending on the location of the problem area, taping is performed:

• thoracic region,
• cervical region,
• lumbar region,
• sacral section.

Back taping is also carried out:

• with protrusion;
• bladder weakness;
• after resection of the prostate (to prevent urinary incontinence);
• back taping for pain between the shoulder blades;
• for correcting posture with spinal curvatures as part of manual therapy, etc.

It is prohibited to perform the procedure for applying kinesio tape in the following cases:

• Fractures;
• Pre-stroke or pre-infarction conditions;
• Presence of cancer;
• Allergic reactions to elastic patches;
• Damage to the skin (wounds, abrasions, inflammation, rash);
• Acute infectious diseases;
• Increased body temperature;
• Severe forms of mental and neurological diseases;

The postural muscle taping procedure is carried out with caution if there are problems such as:

• Cardiac ischemia;
• Benign formations in the spine;
• Acute muscle injuries;
• In the early postoperative period after surgical intervention in joint tissues;
• Disorders of the cardiovascular system and kidneys, accompanied by edema.

Osteochondrosis of the spine in the thoracic region

Pain in this area is well known to many people who experience heavy physical activity at work. Such manifestations may indicate pathological changes in the vertebrae and intervertebral discs in the thoracic region. According to statistics, the majority of cases are people who spend a lot of time at the computer, as well as vehicle drivers.

Here are the symptoms that may indicate this disease.

1. Feeling of numbness in the chest.
2. Increased pain with deep inhalation or exhalation.
3. Pain in the ribs.
4. Weakness in the legs.

The appearance of such symptoms may indicate osteochondrosis in the chest. To confirm or refute the diagnosis, the patient is prescribed diagnostics and treatment.

Basic rules for choosing tapes

When choosing tapes, it is important to consider the purpose of its use. Several options for elastic patches are available:

• Standard. Provides medium tension. Used as a preventive and therapeutic agent in the rehabilitation period after back injuries;
• Reinforced. They have a denser structure and provide the necessary level of fixation to create a normal physiological position of the spine in case of osteochondrosis in the initial stages of treatment;
• Designer ones. They have different colors and can be complemented with prints.

Tapes are implemented in the following options:

• Rolls. Provide the most economical use. They are in demand in professional sports, pediatrics and surgery;
• Cut into strips of different shapes. Convenient and easy to use;
• Kits for specific body parts. Ideal for independent use.

According to the degree of tension, tapes are divided into:

• K-tapes (140%);
• R-tapes (190%).

When choosing tapes, it is important to pay attention to the following parameters:

• Manufacturer. Tapes produced in Japan and Korea are considered to be of the highest quality. Products of decent quality will ensure the ability to wear applications for 3-5 days;
• Width. To apply tapes to the latissimus dorsi muscle, it is recommended to use tapes with a width of 5 cm, 7.5 cm and 10 cm;
• Material of manufacture. It is optimal to use cotton products for medicinal purposes. In professional sports, nylon bands are the most popular;
• Quality of adhesive composition. Good glue guarantees reliable adhesion of the tape to the skin, resistance to moisture and friction. The composition of the glue must be hypoallergenic and have an acrylic base.

Contraindications

Taping for osteochondrosis has a small number of contraindications. Kinesiology patches are not recommended for use if:

• elevated temperature;
• malignant and benign tumors;
• thrombosis;
• diabetes mellitus (kinesio taping can lead to a strong modified insulin requirement);
• reflux disease, etc.

Also, kinesiology taping is not safe to use for any acute illness that is not fully diagnosed. These patches are not sterile and should not be used on damaged areas of the skin. Applying tape to an open wound is also contraindicated. In addition, taping the neck for osteochondrosis is dangerous in case of kidney disease.

The effectiveness of back taping for pain

Professional back taping for pain in the lower back or under the scapula with progressive osteochondrosis can significantly slow down the development of the disease and eliminate most of the symptoms. Treatment of a sore back is performed by applying tapes in the shape of the letter H. To relieve pain in the tailbone area, tapes are applied in a fan shape.

The effectiveness of back taping:

• Relieves pain;

• Improves posture;
• Reduces the risk of injury and complications;
• Helps get rid of stoop;
• Provides normal physiological position of the back in case of scoliosis;
• Restoration of blood supply to internal organs;
• Provides a massage effect on the skin.

When is taping allowed?

Sports medicine is full of cases where it would be useful to apply tape to the back. Here is the list:

• scoliosis;
• intervertebral hernia;
• kyphosis;
• osteoporosis;
• headache;
• hematoma;
• gonarthrosis;
• muscle hypotension;
• dorsalgia;
• coxarthrosis;
• sciatica;
• radiculitis;
• osteochondrosis.

Stickers are used after major operations when surgeons involve the spine or limbs. The bands help you recover faster and resume training.

Taping various areas of the back

Depending on the location of the disease and pain syndrome, different schemes for applying special tapes are used.

Taping of the sacral region

The procedure is carried out as follows:

• The skin of the sacral spine is prepared - cleaned and dried;
• 4 strips 18-20 cm long are cut. The ends of the patches are rounded;
• The patient assumes a vertical position with a slight bend forward;
• The tapes are applied without tension. The center of the tape is located in the diseased area;
• One tape is applied in a vertical position along the muscle responsible for extension of the spine, the second - perpendicular to the first. We get an X-shaped applique;
• The third patch is fixed diagonally with a 45° offset. The fourth one is applied in the same way. It turns out to be a “star”, which is rubbed with your hands to activate the glue.

Taping of the lumbar spine

The lumbar zone consists of 5 vertebrae interspersed with intervertebral discs having a cartilaginous structure. The main task of the intervertebral disc is to absorb friction and protect cerebrospinal fluid. Nerves run from the spinal cord to the muscles, providing sensation and the ability to perform movements. The task of the muscles is to support and stabilize the spinal column. Lumbar pain most often occurs in the muscles. Taping of the lumbar back is performed at a wide pace (10 cm).

If horizontal back pain occurs, the following taping technique is used:

• The patient is tilted backward. The patch is fixed slightly below the linen line. 2 strips are fastened on the sides over the middle part of the back without tension;
• The decompression tape is applied across the area of ​​pain with medium tension (50-70%). The ends are fixed without tension;

If pain occurs in the lumbar region along the spinal column:

• The patient bends down. The tape is glued just below the underwear. Stabilizing tapes are applied to the sides of the spine with minimal tension;
• The man unbends. The tape should resemble a light accordion. This back taping scheme is used for chronic and acute pain.

If pain occurs in the sacroiliac region, tapes are applied as follows:

• The patient bends over. A decompression tape is placed across the painful area;
• The tension in the middle part of the tape is 50-75%, the ends are fixed without tension.

Taping of the thoracic spine

The tapes are fixed to the thoracic spine in the form of the letter X. Tapes 35 cm long are pre-cut and incisions are made in the middle. The central part of the tape is fixed to the spine, the edges are pulled towards the area of ​​the shoulder blades. Taping can be done in a sitting position. The patch is fixed at the scapular area (along the medial edge) - from 4 to 12 vertebrae. The procedure will improve your posture, relieve pain and improve your quality of life.

Taping of the cervical spine

It is possible to apply applications in two ways.

First option:

• The patient sits down, leans in the direction opposite to where the tape is fixed;
• The lateral section of the V-shaped tape is glued directly to the mastoid process;
• The medial one is fixed 2 cm from the first segment;
• The base of the tape is attached in the area of ​​the third thoracic vertebra.

Second option:

• The central part of the tape is placed in the mastoid region;
• The edges of the tapes are directed to the first and seventh vertebrae.

Methods for gluing tape

The creators of the kinesio method have developed 3 main methods of applying tape. The choice depends on the symptoms of the injury and its complexity.

There are two methods for tensioning the patch. During the first step, the tape itself is stretched to the desired extent. The second involves stretching the skin. To do this, the athlete must take a suitable position. In the case of the back, this is a grip of the opposite shoulder blades with your palms.

The procedure is carried out in 4 stages:

1. Preparation. Cut the patch to the required size. Round the edges.
2. Fit. Take the tape with two fingers 2-3 centimeters from the ends (anchors).
3. Tension. Stretch the skin in the desired area or the kinesio tape itself.
4. Activation. Rub the strip 10-15 times until the glue sets.

This is a general algorithm. But there is a nuance. Athletes often use tapes of two form factors: I-shaped and Y-shaped. There are other options. For each type there are separate gluing instructions.

Form I

The application of the tape is easy to handle. It is enough to measure the length that covers the injured muscle, then cut off the strip. At the next stage, you need to peel off the patch from the paper base, not reaching 3-4 centimeters from the final anchor.

Next, you need to press the sticky edge to the skin, stretch the back tape, secure it and slowly smooth it out. Wrinkles should not be allowed to form.

All that remains is to release the last edge from the paper and fix it without tension. After rubbing the patch, it will begin to act.

Type Y

The tape differs from the previous one in the cutting method. One of its anchors is cut in half and spread in different directions. The base is applied to the beginning of the muscle. The muscle is stretched and the second end of the patch is attached to it along the fibers along the edges.

The final step will be rubbing the tape to activate the glue.

Option H

Everything is simple here. The method is sometimes used for the lumbar region. Take two tapes and glue them on both sides of the spine in parallel. The third tape is applied perpendicularly. If the pain is severe, add a fourth and a fifth to the third patch.

As a result, the muscles are unloaded and recovery is faster, since there is no traumatic factor.

Scheme X

In some cases, the X-shaped tape pattern is the only option to reduce pain and post-traumatic syndrome. The central part of the elastic bandage is left untouched, and the edges are cut into two parts longitudinally.

The center is applied to the projection of the problem area, and the “rays” are installed along the outer perimeter of the muscles. Usually near the shoulder blades along the border with the rhomboid muscle.

Star

The asterisk option is popular for the sacrum area. The taping scheme is primitive. Apply the patch vertically to the affected area. The second is placed horizontally on top of the first. The remaining ribbons fill the space between the ends of the resulting cross.

Preparation for the procedure and gluing technique

Before applying the tapes, prepare the skin. The skin is cleansed, degreased, and dried. You can wipe the taped area with an alcohol wipe. Before applying the tapes, the muscles should be relaxed. The application method is selected taking into account the location of the source of pain. To perform applications correctly, you should undergo online training in taping and master the basic techniques for applying kinesio tapes. In this case, the muscles and joints of the spine will be securely fixed and protected, while stiffness of movements will be eliminated. After completing the procedure, the tapes should be thoroughly rubbed with your palms to activate the adhesive composition.

Methods of therapy for osteochondrosis

In medical practice, measures have been developed to help eliminate the symptoms of the disease. It is best to use them in combination, which helps to effectively relieve pain. The goal of treatment is to stop the inflammatory process, relieve muscle spasms, restore the functionality of the spinal cord roots, and improve blood circulation.

The main methods of therapy are medications: chondroprotectors, muscle relaxants, B vitamins and others. In addition, physiotherapy, balneotherapy, exercise therapy and back massage, acupuncture and other procedures to help recover can be prescribed.

Technique for correct tape removal

To remove tapes painlessly, just follow these simple recommendations:

• Soak the tapes with a special product or cosmetic oil. This will deactivate the adhesive base and eliminate the risk of injury to the skin;

• After applying the product, you should wait a few minutes, and then begin to carefully roll the patches into rolls, without sudden movements;
• Removal of tapes should be carried out in the direction of hair growth at a slight angle.

After removing the application, a cosmetic cream is applied to the skin.

How to apply tape correctly?

Kinesio tapes vary in shape, purpose, and width. They can be rolled, therapeutic, frame.

The skin is prepared for the procedure in advance. To do this, all hairs are removed (shaved) and the surface of the skin is degreased with an alcohol solution.

If there is pronounced hair, a dry method is used for shaving to minimize the possibility of skin infection. Sometimes tape pads are used, which increase the life of the tape and reduce the effect of acrylic glue on the skin.

The maximum period for applying an elastic band is 5 days. After this period, it loses its effectiveness, loses its qualities and it becomes difficult to remove it. If it is necessary to continue treatment, the tape is removed, a break is taken for two days and the tape is reapplied. Only a doctor can determine the exact period.

To make tape removal easier, a special glue-dissolving liquid is used. The tapes are cut using medical scissors for bandages or using special tape cutters.

Taping can be used for a variety of purposes. The longest periods are set to maintain joints. The tape can be used for up to 10 days with a break. To relieve swelling or muscle spasms, the taping time ranges from a day to five. For muscle stimulation, elastic strips are applied a day or three before exercise, for injury prevention - an hour before physical activity.

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What is known about taping

Taping is classified as a physiotherapeutic technique. And to date, there have been few serious studies confirming its effectiveness.

1. According to one study, after applying tape to the lumbar area, the range of motion increases. It proves a significant increase in the flexibility of the lumbar area by applying “Y” pattern tape.
2. The second medical scientific paper provides evidence of short-term pain reduction plus an increase in range of motion, but it is not about the lower back, but about the cervical area. In addition, the studied patients with whiplash injury showed this result.
3. There is evidence of a decrease in chronic lumbar pain and a decrease in the degree of disability after using tape.
4. Also, some authors note an increase in the endurance of the back muscles.

Taping is used to relieve pain from injuries and diseases of the spine.

In other studies, in which an attempt is made to determine the effect of the technique in three areas: reducing pain, expanding the range of motion, and reducing swelling, no clear positive results were obtained, and the main conclusion is that the technique is promising, but is subject to further careful study.

Improving blood circulation and lymph movement under the influence of kinesio tape

However, patients are ready to try any methods to relieve lower back pain. Taping is officially registered as a method of restorative medicine (for the first time in Belarus among all CIS countries). More and more centers are opening where spinal and joint pain is treated with kinesio tapes, and patients go to them, leaving positive reviews about the effect of the technique.

Kinesio taping of the lower back

In any case, the use of the technique in complex treatment of the lumbar and other areas reduces the period of pain relief, which makes it possible to begin gymnastics earlier, which helps restore the spine.

By the way. Kinesio taping was invented in Japan in 1973. The name of the doctor who proposed the technique is Kenzo Kase. The treatment is carried out using elastic bands, developed using a special technology, which are glued to the back.

The most attractive thing about this method is the absence of side effects. At the same time, the list of contraindications for the procedure looks quite impressive.

Kinesio tapes are completely safe and hypoallergenic