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What is Kinesiology Tape used for? In a sports therapy setting, kinesiology tape is used alongside other treatment modalities to assist in patient recovery. It lifts the skin and underlying tissues, which allows for lymphatic drainage and a faster healing process. The fact that the tape is applied and is then 'working' 24/7 for the duration that it is applied, is a major advantage as it continues a treatment long after a sports therapy appointment is over. So as you can imagine, it has great possibilities for swelling (Oedema) and such haematoma and impact or trauma injuries in sport (or life!).
How does it work in the context of swelling? The lymphatic system is commonly referred to as the bodies 'drainage' system and is responsible for removing excess fluid from around the body and directing it back to the cardiovascular system via the lymph nodes which act as filters, then allowing the cleaned lymph fluid back to the bloodstream. If this system is compromised or overloaded (because of a traumatic impact to the body for example), then fluid can accumulate in a localised area which causes swelling. "Swelling causes pressure & pressure causes pain." - John Gibbons By being in place over the affected area the k-tape microscopically lifts the skin to allow the fluid to move more freely, allowing more blood to flow to the injured area which accelerates recovery and repair, and allows more lymph fluid to drain from the area reducing swelling and inflammation. Other treatment methods can also be used at the same time as kinesiology taping, e.g. ice packs and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Kinesiology Taping is available as a Specialist treatment at Flow Sports Therapy By David Watson BSc. (Hons), Dip BmP
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Muscle Energy Techniques (MET's) are a type of manual therapy technique, originally associated with Osteopathy which is used to lengthen, strengthen and increase the range of movement (ROM) of muscles. It works by the therapist resisting the contraction of a specific, isolated muscle by the patient (typically for 10 seconds and using 20% effort), and then this is repeated after a short rest, typically with three repetitions. So what is the theory behind this treatment? MET's are based on reciprocal inhibition, which means that if a muscle is contracting, the opposite muscle in the joint is relaxing. Therefore, the contracting muscle being resisted by the therapist is linked with an opposing muscle that at this same time is being stretched. Therefore, muscles can be stretched to their full potential and 'normalise' a new range of motion that is difficult or impossible to achieve by stretching alone. Through repetition the body then adapts to this new movement range.  How can it benefit Sports Therapy clients? Many injuries are caused by muscle imbalances with some muscles being prone to shortening and tightening and others prone to lengthening and weakening. Using targeted MET's (alongside prescribed exercise and soft tissue treatment) is a great way to restore balance to the body and achieve more normal function, decreasing the chance overload on specific muscles. Depending on the context and the variation of MET employed, the objectives of MET's can include: ■ Restoring normal tone in hypertonic muscles ■ Strengthening weak muscles ■ Preparing muscles for subsequent stretching ■ Increasing joint mobility ■ Boosting local circulation ■ Improving musculoskeletal function By David Watson BSc. (Hons), Dip BmP
Sports Therapy is an aspect of healthcare that is specifically concerned with the prevention of injury and the rehabilitation of the patient back to optimum levels of functional, occupational and sports specific fitness, regardless of age and ability. It utilises the principles of sport and exercise science incorporating physiological and pathological processes to prepare the participant for training, competition and where applicable, work. What is a Sports Therapist? A Sports Therapist is a qualified professional who has the knowledge, skills and ability to:
What are the most common treatment methods used by a Sports Therapist?
How can Sports Therapy help me? Sports Therapy can be for everyone! It is a HANDS ON therapy, unlike some others, and is holistic in that it is not focussed on only one part of the body (the spine, for example), or one specific treatment modality (mobilisation, for example). Therefore it looks at and treats both the immediate problem (pain) and long term cause of the problem (often disfunction), using a number of types of treatments By David Watson BSc. (Hons), Dip BmP
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