Elastic Therapeutic Taping

Athletes wearing red, blue, black, and beige tape. We have all seen it, and by now most people know that it is an elastic therapeutic tape that is used, among other things, to decrease edema, relieve pain and relax or facilitate muscles. It is not often that you find a modality that, when applied to the client, actually benefits the treating therapist. I’m not talking about that “feel good” feeling we get when we can bring relaxation and healing to those bodies in need. I’m talking about the ability of the elastic therapeutic tape to make our jobs easier. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, only 7.8% of massage therapists are practicing for 13-15 years and there is a burn out of 50-88% within the first 3 to 5 years. Why? Largely due to physical demands of the job. When the tape is applied after the massage, (in the words of Dr. Kase, inventor of the taping method) “we send the therapists hands home with the patient.” The benefits of the massage last longer, so when the client returns, the amount of work to be done is less, reducing the stress on the treating therapist.

When poor body mechanics/work postures and/or over use of various muscles result in pain and inflammation, elastic therapeutic taping can provide healing and support directly to the therapist. An example of a very effective taping technique is a Functional Correction for the wrist. This can be used to decrease and/or eliminate the need for a wrist splint. Using a two inch wide piece of tape, cut a strip measuring from the metacarpals to mid forearm , plus two inches . Fold the tape two inches from the end and cut two small holes on the fold. Tear the paper at the area of the holes; remove the paper backing from the two inch piece (this piece will go onto the palm); slide two fingers into the holes until the tape reaches the web space between the fingers. Rub the tape on both the dorsal and volar aspect at the MCPs (knuckles) and the two inch piece in the palm. Move the wrist into as much extension as possible. After removing the paper backing from the remaining tape, stretch the tape using up to 50% the available stretch and adhere the end of the tape to the forearm. There should be a an area where the tape does not touch the skin. Holding onto both ends of the tape, the wrist should be moved into as much forward flexion as possible. Before returning the wrist to neutral, rub the tape to activate the adhesive. An immediate feeling of support will be evident.

Through the year 2022, there is expected to be a 23% increase in employment opportunities for massage therapists. We need to be able to keep working to fill those demands. If something as simple as elastic therapeutic taping can do that, why not give it a try?