Clinic News

Therapeutic Kinesiology taping is a special taping method that is non-restrictive and allows for full range of motion during an activity. What makes this tape special is that it is one hundred percent cotton, waterproof, elastic-like and the same thickness as skin. This type of taping has been used quite often in sports, but it can also be very beneficial to non-athletic individuals suffering anything from achy, tired muscles to chronic swelling. Depending on the application of the tape, it can help improve a variety of issues that a client may dealing with.

When the tape is applied for relaxation, it will increase circulation and decrease congestion of the tissues in the area it is applied to. With the sensation on the skin, it changes the interpretation of pain and therefore has a calming effect on the muscles. This type of application can be done for spasms, chronically tight muscles, or cramps.

When the application of tape is done for weak muscles, the tape aids in the contraction of a muscle while also helping to prevent injury at the end of joint range. It may help reduce muscle fatigue as it aids in the motion the muscle is responsible for. This type of application can be done for tendonitis or chronically injured muscles.

As a Therapist, I am continually trying to find different techniques that may be helpful, as well as, non-invasive and not painful for my client. The recent training I have taken on how to properly and effectively tape an individual in order to decrease pain, inflammation, and muscle tightness as well as how to support joints and muscles throughout an activity, will hopefully benefit individual clients throughout their day-to-day living between massage treatments. If you feel that Therapeutic Kinesiology taping might benefit you, ask about it at your next massage therapy treatment.

As spring is quickly turning into summer this year, lots of people have been enjoying the outdoors and have been working hard on their lawns and gardens. Gardening may seem like a silly cause for sore muscles, but when it’s been months since you’ve weeded your flower bed, it’s nothing to shake your head at or dismiss. Saving your body from pain is just as important when planting flowers as it is when you are running or cycling so, when your muscles aren’t used to the work you are putting on them, injury and strain can easily happen.

This spring has been incredibly hot and most individuals are more inclined to head outdoors into the sun than they would be during cool or rainy weather. Just remember that when you garden, you are likely to spend more time outside than you probably should in extreme heat. Keep a water bottle handy to stay hydrated, wear a hat, and apply sunscreen several times during your work. It is also important to remind yourself to take breaks to avoid heat exhaustion.

Posture is also important, even when you’re digging holes. If possible, don’t kneel for long periods of time; kneeling puts a huge amount of strain on the low back and legs. When you prepare any flowers before putting them into your garden, do everything you need to do in a standing position. If you do need to kneel, don’t have your toes flat on the ground; this can cause tightness and spasms in your calves. Lastly, when lifting anything heavy, lift with your legs, not your low back so as not to put extra strain on the low back.

I hope everyone is enjoying the sunshine we’ve been having. Enjoy the rest of the springtime this year and remember to book a massage to keep those muscles in check since we are all more active in warmer weather and our muscles need the extra attention.