KT Tape
Mon, September 16, 2019 I often experience shoulder pain caused by arthritis, recently I aggravated this further, straining the joint by lifting a heavy box. Immediately after the injury the shoulder was so sore it was difficult to raise my arm to any extent, and even shaving and brushing my teeth was quite painful.
I decided to try something different and use some kinesiology tape. I had seen this used in cycling and other sports. The brand I used was KT Tape. It came in handy pre-cut pieces, 2 inches wide and 10 inches long. (5cm. x 25.5 cm.)
I applied it as shown in the video above. The tape is elastic and adhesive, the idea is to apply two inches of the tape to the skin, unstretched. Stretch the center portion by the recommended amount, then apply the last two inches again unstretched.
This not only applies light pressure to the injured area, but it allows the wearer to continue with normal activities. Unlike a sling or bandage that simply immobilizes the joint. I do know that applying pressure to an injured area will help to ease the pain, even simple hand pressure.
After applying the KT Tape, I took a couple of Aleve and applied ice twice a day. I tried not to aggravate the injury but lifting anything heavy or doing anything too strenuous. Apart from that I went about my usual daily activities.
I left the tape on three days and it withstood a daily shower, and probably could have stayed on longer, but I decided to replace it with a fresh dressing. The tape did allow normal movement and eased the pain a little.
After reading other articles, and comments from readers, some are skeptical that kinesiology tape does anything. As I see it, left alone a body will heal its own injuries, but why not apply ice to help it along, and why not use something like KT Tape to make the injury more comfortable as it mends? It is working for me.
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Reader Comments (4)
Marcia, my wife of 56 years has had problems sleeping so she has started using CBD Oil not sure about this but time will tell. I due to the many falls that I have taken on my bike, have a cracked shoulder blade and both clavicles separated, but I have found that riding on has helped in true British spirit, but I will try the tape and let you know how it helps me
Dave, three years ago I was involved in a bicycle versus car boat trailer accident and put me in the hospital for five days. The usual, broken clavicle, ribs (8) and numerous lacerations in abraided skin. I was actually very lucky to come out of it nothing more substantial. Six months of rehab later when I ride my road bike more than a few hours I was getting a real sore shoulder my right side on the back. It was OK if I rode my mountain bike. Someone turned me onto KT tape and I went to the website and tried it from the center of my back over the top my shoulder and a V shape, What a game changer. I went from having extreme pain after a few hours to having nearly no pain at all with just the application of the tape when I needed it. I know buy it in the 70 foot roll.
My son is a physio, he reckons that there is little peer supported research that clearly explains why kinesiology tape works. Is it because it lifts the skin 'up' at the injury location which promotes blood flow and healing? Is it psychological?
Either way, it seems to work.
Great Post! This article offers a well-rounded view of kinesio tape, I've used k-tape for various injuries, it can definitely help. I also appreciate the mention of Hampton Adams tape. Their tape is made with skin-friendly materials, which makes a big difference if you have sensitive skin. However, It's helpful and informative article.