Movement is life! That is what I tell all my patients. We need to move to live and to rehabilitate after injuries. Another way to put it is use it or lose it. How we do that movement can vary from person to person but move we must!
Recently I had the pleasure of moving in one of my favorite ways. I was able to go on some nice long hikes on what are considered “moderate trails”. My husband and I went to Sedona Arizona, Page Arizona, and Zion National Park in Utah. The hiking was fabulous, not to mention the beautiful scenery of the red Navajo Sandstone rock and mountain formations.
Walking and hiking is an excellent way to get in exercise while taking in the scenery whether it is the awesome looking mountains or just the flowers and grass planted by your neighbors as you walk a route from your home and back.
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I had recently injured my supraspinatus muscle. That is the muscle in your shoulder that is responsible for lifting you arm up and is part of your rotator cuff. It was no big deal I thought and knew it would heal. After my first big hike along a pretty rocky trail and bouncing my arm along that night I realized it might not have been the best thing for it.
I sure was not going to stop moving but what to do to help support it while hiking with making it immobile? That was the question. As the doctor I had the perfect answer. KT tape. Yes that lovely brightly colored tape you see athletes wear especially when watching the Olympic athletes.
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KT tape or Kinesio Tape was invented by a Japanese chiropractor Kenzo Kase, D. C. Kinesio tape is based on the body’s own natural healing process and works through the activation of the neurological and circulatory systems and stems from the science of kinesiology or the movement of body and muscle in rehabilitation.
There are four major functions of KT tape. It supports muscle, it removes congestion to the flow of body fluids, it activates the endogenous analgesic system (removes pain) and corrects joint problems.
Learning to apply KT tape is done through certification programs and Chiropractic, Naturopractic and Naprapathic medical schools. Lucky for me I learned the art and science of it in school and am well versed in the proper way to apply the tape for the best effect.
In my travel first aid kit is a roll of KT tape. (You do have a travel first aid kit when traveling, right?) I took out my tape and properly applied the tape. The next hike was a pleasure, I never noticed my sore muscle, nor did I notice it that night after hiking as I had done on earlier hikes. This time I was scrambling over rocks and rough terrain with no problems.
I kept my arm taped for all my hikes and it allowed me complete range of motion unlike athletic or other binding type of tapes. It gave the muscle support where needed, helped it from getting inflamed and kept my pain sensations completely away.
KT tape can be used for just about every muscle and joint in the body. I am well versed in applying it and have seen great results using it for many of my patients. I do many tapings of knees, backs, shoulders, elbows, carpal tunnel and much more.
The tape can last for 4-6 days and you can shower and swim with it. Once it starts to peel off, you replace it. Most people average 3-4 days per taping. It is hypoallergenic and a cotton material with an adhesive backing on it.
My patients love the KT tape. It helps support the muscles and gives them documented pain relief. It is easy for me to apply and last several days. It is a great tool and I can both personally and professionally endorse it. Got a nagging injury or problem that you think KT tape might help? Give me a call and I would be happy to apply some for you today!
Any questions please contact me
