Types of tapping in physio and its use
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Not this like k tape rigid n all
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The library doesn't have a dedicated taping chapter, but between the web results and my knowledge I can give you a thorough answer now.
Types of Taping in Physiotherapy
Therapeutic taping falls into two broad categories - rigid/non-elastic tapes and elastic tapes - each with distinct subtypes, mechanisms, and uses.
1. Rigid Taping (Non-Elastic)
A. Athletic / Strapping Tape (White Rigid Tape)
- Material: Non-stretch cotton/zinc oxide tape
- Mechanism: Mechanically restricts joint movement by limiting range of motion
- Uses:
- Ankle sprain prevention and management
- Wrist, thumb, and finger support in sports
- Acute ligament injuries to prevent further damage
- Applied pre-activity, removed after
B. McConnell Taping
- Developed by: Jenny McConnell (1986)
- Material: Leukotape (very rigid) over Fixomull/Cover-Roll (protective base layer)
- Mechanism: Corrects bony and soft tissue malalignment via strong mechanical pull on skin
- Uses:
- Patellofemoral pain syndrome - realigns the patella medially (most common use)
- Shoulder instability - corrects humeral head position
- Lumbar pain - corrects spinal posture
- Fat pad syndrome of the knee
C. Low-Dye Taping
- Type: Rigid strapping
- Mechanism: Supports the medial longitudinal arch and restricts subtalar pronation
- Uses:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Overpronation / flat foot
- Heel pain
- Tibialis posterior dysfunction
2. Elastic Taping
A. Kinesiology Tape (K-Tape / Kinesio Tape)
- Developed by: Dr. Kenzo Kase (1970s)
- Material: Cotton/nylon elastic tape, ~140% stretch, mimics skin elasticity
- Mechanism:
- Lifts skin microscopically → increases space in subcutaneous tissue
- Improves lymphatic and blood flow
- Stimulates mechanoreceptors → modulates pain (gate control theory)
- Enhances proprioception and neuromuscular control
- Cut shapes and their uses:
| Cut Shape | Description | Use |
|---|---|---|
| I-strip | Single straight strip | Muscle facilitation/inhibition, general support |
| Y-strip | Split at one end | Surrounds a muscle belly |
| X-strip | Split at both ends | Crosses a joint, provides stability |
| Fan/Web cut | Multiple thin tails | Lymphoedema, swelling reduction |
| Donut/O hole | Hole in center | Local swelling (e.g. bruise, hematoma) |
- Common clinical uses:
- Shoulder impingement, rotator cuff strain
- Tennis/golfer's elbow
- Lower back pain
- Knee pain, patella tracking
- Ankle sprain recovery
- Lymphoedema and post-surgical swelling
- Muscle facilitation in neurological patients (e.g. stroke, drop foot)
B. Mulligan Taping (Mobilisation with Movement - MWM Tape)
- Material: Can use rigid or kinesiology tape
- Mechanism: Sustains the corrected joint glide position achieved during Mulligan MWM technique
- Uses:
- Lateral epicondylalgia (tennis elbow)
- Cervical and thoracic dysfunction
- Ankle, wrist, shoulder joint glide corrections
C. Dynamic Taping
- Brand example: DynaTape
- Material: Highly elastic (multi-directional stretch), thicker than K-tape
- Mechanism: Acts like a bungee cord - loads eccentrically, assists/resists movement, reduces muscle effort
- Uses:
- Offloading tendons (Achilles, patella tendon)
- Post-surgical rehabilitation
- Movement retraining where muscle weakness exists
- Reducing fatigue in overloaded structures
3. Comparison at a Glance
| Feature | Rigid Tape | Kinesiology Tape | Dynamic Tape |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elasticity | None | ~140% stretch | Very high (multi-directional) |
| Duration | Hours (pre/post activity) | 3-5 days | Days |
| Primary goal | Joint restriction/support | Pain, lymph, proprioception | Movement assistance/resistance |
| Skin base needed? | Yes (with Leukotape) | No | No |
| Used with water? | No | Yes (water-resistant) | Yes |
Key Clinical Applications Summary
| Condition | Recommended Tape |
|---|---|
| Ankle sprain (acute) | Rigid strapping |
| Patellofemoral pain | McConnell (Leukotape) |
| Plantar fasciitis | Low-Dye rigid OR K-tape |
| Shoulder impingement | K-tape / McConnell |
| Lymphoedema/swelling | K-tape (fan cut) |
| Tennis elbow | Mulligan tape |
| Tendinopathy offload | Dynamic tape |
| Stroke rehab (muscle facilitation) | K-tape |
| Post-op swelling | K-tape (fan cut) |
A note on evidence: Rigid taping (especially McConnell for PFPS and Low-Dye for plantar fasciitis) has reasonably strong biomechanical evidence. K-tape evidence shows benefit for pain and proprioception but is often comparable to sham taping in high-quality RCTs, so it is best used as an adjunct to exercise rather than a standalone treatment. As reviewed in the International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, most clinicians use K-tape primarily for post-injury pain management and muscle activation cues.
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