Kinesiology Taping: An Overview

You may have noticed the growth of professional athletes wearing Kinesiology taping at sporting events to reduce the risk of injury, support an existing injury and even reduce the pain of those injuries. Despite this sports orientated usage the benefits of taping cover a wide array of conditions depending on the areas and techniques applied:

• Assisting pain relief in sore or injured muscles
• The reduction of swelling and inflammation
• Posture control to help reduce the impact of 'learned behaviours'
• Encourage the normal behaviour of muscle groups
• To support the rehabilitation of new and chronic injuries

Several conditions in the lower limb stand out as clear candidates for improvement via the use of 'rock taping' including Plantar Fasciitis, Achilles Tendonitis and general knee pain. Injuries such as ankle sprains causing swelling can be significantly improved with Kinesiology taping. So whether you are a professional sports person or somebody with a chronic injury that will not completely heal, these modern taping techniques can help.

Kinesiology taping is different from conventional taping which is non-elastic to provide rigid support and reduce motion, instead Kinesiology tape has unique elastic properties allowing support, providing safe movement and can be worn for much longer periods of time.

What is Rocktape?

Rocktape is a leading brand in Kinesiology taping and it's unique unidirectional stretch pattern won't reduce your range of motion, promoting safe movement not restriction. There is a variety of tape brands, but the most widely known and our brand of choice is Rocktape; Our Podiatrists have completed their Kinesiology qualification courses to become certified ‘Rock Docs’.

Kinesiology Taping: The Appointment

A consultation appointment for Kinesiology taping takes around 30 minutes and we'd ask you to attend in loose trousers or shorts. A full history will be taken of your current pain or condition and a treatment plan agreed.

We find Kinesiology taping works particularly well as a complimentary treatment, as whilst this may help to solve short term concerns, ultimately diagnosing the root of the initial problem may involve alternative treatment such as the use of orthotics in footwear. This is something that will be explored in more detail during your appointment.

The tape itself is comfortable and waterproof, allowing you to continue your daily routine as normal. It is typically worn for around 5 days before being changed according to your progress and the taping technique may be adjusted as your condition improves.

Kinesiology Taping: Book an Appointment

If you'd like to book a Kinesiology Taping appointment with Walk Right Podiatry just get in touch. Our location on Drake Street in Rochdale means we're easily accessible from the whole of the Greater Manchester area.  We can usually offer appointments within 24-48 hours and we'll always try to accommodate emergency appointments where possible.