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The Benefits and Effects of Kinesiology Taping in Musculoskeletal Conditions

The Benefits and Effects of Kinesiology Taping in Musculoskeletal Conditions

23 January 2025

Kinesiology taping (KT), has gained popularity amongst healthcare professionals and athletes for its potential benefits in managing various musculoskeletal conditions. Colourful, stretchy adhesive tape is applied to the skin in various patterns to help support and stabilize muscles and joints but without restricting their range of motion. This article explores the scientific evidence surrounding the benefits and effects of kinesiology taping.

Pain Reduction

One of the primary benefits of kinesiology taping is its ability to help reduce pain in various musculoskeletal conditions. KT is thought to work by stimulating the sensory receptors in the skin, which can alter pain signals sent to the brain. This sensory feedback may decrease pain perception, offering relief to individuals suffering from conditions such as tendinopathies, sprains, and strains.

Research in the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy (2013) found that KT was beneficial in reducing pain and improving functionality in individuals with conditions like patellofemoral pain syndrome and rotator cuff injuries.

Mostafavifar et al 2015 was a systematic review that reviewed 6 suitable studies. Two studies examined musculoskeletal injuries involving the spine and found that KT ‘significantly improved pain levels and range of motion in patients with acute whiplash-associated disorders of the cervical spine both immediately and 24 hours after injury.’

Two studies examined injuries in the shoulder and whilst the first didn’t find sufficient evidence to indicate that KT decreases pain in young patients with shoulder impingement, the second suggested that KT may provide short-term pain relief for patients with shoulder impingement.

Enhanced Muscle Function and Performance

Kinesiology taping may help improve muscle function, especially in cases of muscle weakness or overuse. The tape is believed to provide proprioceptive feedback to the nervous system, potentially enhancing the body’s awareness of muscle activity and improving coordination.

An RCT study by Zhang et al 2015 based on tennis players reported that KT taping may not be able to modulate strength production but it ‘does have a significant positive effect on reducing muscle fatigue during repeated concentric muscle actions’. They also commented on how the potential beneficial effects of placebo taping on muscle endurance should not be ignored. By improving biomechanics, faster recovery may be facilitated and further injury prevented.

Joint Support and Stability

KT is commonly used to provide support to joints without restricting their full range of motion. The tape works by lifting the skin slightly, creating more space between the skin and underlying tissues. This mechanical lifting action can help reduce swelling and promote circulation, providing joint support and reducing the strain on injured tissues.

For a joint like the shoulder or ankle that has a wide range of movement, the tape’s ability to support and stabilize the joint, whilst still allowing for natural movement, can really help rehabilitation, proprioception and patient confidence.

Reduction of Swelling and oedema

Kinesiology taping is effective in reducing oedema (swelling) in injured areas. As mentioned above, by lifting the skin, KT can help promote improved blood flow and lymphatic drainage, helping to reduce fluid buildup. This is particularly beneficial in the early stages of rehabilitation following an injury. A slightly different taping technique is used for this.

Postural Correction and Alignment

Kinesiology taping is sometimes used as an adjunct to improve postural alignment, particularly in individuals with musculoskeletal imbalances. By strategically placing the tape on areas such as the back, neck, or shoulders, it is believed that the tape can help encourage proper posture and alignment, reducing strain on muscles and joints.

Conclusion

Kinesiology taping is a versatile tool in the management of musculoskeletal conditions, offering benefits ranging from pain relief, improved muscle function and joint stability and movement facilitation. Although more research is needed to fully understand its mechanisms of action, current evidence supports the efficacy of KT in treating a variety of musculoskeletal injuries and conditions, such as sprains, strains, tendinopathies, and chronic pain disorders. It can be very patient specific too.

Physiotherapists, chiropractors, and athletic trainers, continue to integrate kinesiology taping into their treatment protocols to support rehabilitation and enhance recovery outcomes.

Reference List

 

  • Lins, C.A., Souza, A.R., & Gomes, P.R. (2012). The effectiveness of kinesiology taping in the management of pain in musculoskeletal conditions: A systematic review. Journal of Physiotherapy, 58(4), 220-228.
  • Kase, K., Wallis, J., & Kase, T. (2013). Kinesiology Taping Perfect Manual. Kenzo Kase’s Kinesiology Taping Association.
  • Araujo, E.M., & Lima, M.A. (2014). Kinesiology taping for the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries. Journal of Sport Rehabilitation, 23(3), 163-175.
  • Williams, S., & Klavuhn, S. (2015). Kinesiology tape for muscle strength and endurance. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 29(6), 1657-1665.
  • Kase, K., & Hashimoto, T. (2015). The effect of kinesiology taping on joint stability and muscle performance. Sports Medicine, 45(3), 211-220.
  • Mehran Mostafavir, Jess Wertz, James Borchers (2015) Systematic Review of the Effectiveness of Kinesio Taping for Musculoskeletal Injury, clinical focus Pain management Pgs 33-40
  • Shen Zhang, Weijie Fu, Jiahao Pan, Lin Wang , Rui Xia , Yu Liu (2016): Acute effects of Kinesio taping on muscle strength and fatigue in the forearm of tennis players; J Sci Med Sport 459-64
Blue and pink kinesiology tape applied across a shoulder and upper back

Why Pain is so painful

Why Pain is so painful

9 January 2025

Pain. It’s the most common issue we hear in the clinic, and everyone’s experienced it at some point – whether it’s a stubbed toe, a banging headache, or a twisted knee. But what is pain, really? Is it simply a physical reaction to injury, or is there something more going on? The International Association for the Study of Pain defines pain as “an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage” (Wiech, 2016). The words “sensory” and “emotional” tell us that pain is more than just damage to our body; it’s heavily influenced by what we focus on, expect, remember, and feel. In fact, research confirms that these psychological and social factors play a huge role in how intense pain feels (Atlas & Wager, 2018). Consider this example: imagine a man walking his dog in the Australian Outback. He feels a small prick on his leg, then looks down to see he’s been bitten by a snake. His body reacts with a rush of burning pain, just as he’d expected. He receives treatment, recovers, and gets back to his routine. Two years later, while hiking in a similar setting, he feels a prick in his leg again. He immediately recalls that painful memory and responds with the same intensity of pain – only to find out it’s nothing but a thorn.
So, what’s really happening here? Here’s how our mind shapes pain:
  • Attention: Focusing too much on a painful area tends to make it feel worse. When we concentrate on pain, our brain gives it more significance, which increases perceived intensity (Sharpe et al., 2020; Wiech, 2016).

  • Expectations: What we expect to feel can also make pain better or worse. Research has shown that expecting pain to be severe makes us experience it that way. On the flip side, positive expectations can actually lessen the pain we feel (Atlas & Wager, 2018).

  • Past Experiences: Pain memories are powerful. When we experience pain, our brain stores it, priming us to react strongly in similar situations. This response may have evolutionary roots, helping us avoid harm, but it also means our past pain experiences can amplify new, less serious ones (Tracey & Mantyh, 2017).

  • Emotional State: Emotions like anxiety and fear can trigger a more intense pain experience. Negative feelings amplify our pain responses, while more neutral or positive mindsets tend to reduce them (Thompson et al., 2018; Wiech, 2016).
Pain, then, is more than a physical sensation. Our expectations, focus, memories, and emotions each shape how we experience it, giving us some insight into how to manage it effectively.

Reference List

 

  • Atlas, L.Y., & Wager, T.D. (2018). How expectations shape pain. Neuroscience Letters, 693, 24–31.
  • Sharpe, L., Jones, E., Ashton-James, C., et al. (2020). Attention and pain: mechanisms and clinical implications. Journal of Pain, 21(3–4), 233–244.
  • Thompson, K.A., Tran, B., & Geaghan-Breiner, C. (2018). Biopsychosocial factors influencing pain perception. Pain Medicine, 19(6), 1107–1115.
  • Tracey, I., & Mantyh, P.W. (2017). The cerebral signature for pain perception and its modulation. Neuron, 55(3), 377–391.
  • Wiech, K. (2016). Deconstructing the sensation of pain: The influence of cognitive and emotional factors. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 17(2), 83–92.
Anatomical illustration of a head showing the brain and pain
The Importance of Criteria-Based ACL Rehabilitation: A Structured Approach

The Importance of Criteria-Based ACL Rehabilitation: A Structured Approach

18 November 2024

Recovering from an ACL injury can be daunting, but with the right plan, our patients can rebuild strength, regain confidence, and return to the activities they love. A structured, criteria-based approach is essential not just for recovery but for reducing re-injury risk and achieving long-term success.

Here’s the criteria based approach we use to guide our patients:

Acute Phase The focus is on reducing pain (≤3/10 on VAS), managing swelling, and restoring full knee extension. Early progress in these areas is crucial for setting the foundation for later phases. Key methods: neuromuscular stimulation, passive/active extension exercises, and gait re-education drills.

Early Rehabilitation This phase targets movement and endurance. Goals include achieving 120° of knee flexion and improving muscular control with exercises like leg presses and single-leg squats. Building strength here supports long-term stability.

Strength & Control We move into heavier strength training, focusing on 2–4 sets of 8–10 reps at 60–80% of one-rep max. Controlled jumping and landing drills (e.g., sub-maximal bilateral landings) are introduced to prepare for higher-intensity demands.

Advanced Plyometrics Single-leg plyometric training and advanced strength work dominate this phase. We aim for functional goals like an 80% limb symmetry index or 1.5× body weight on leg presses. This phase is about translating strength into power and functional movement.

Return to Sport Here, sports-specific training and multidirectional movements take priority. A safe return to play requires not only physical readiness but psychological confidence, assessed through validated tools and a multidisciplinary team (MDT) approach.

Why This Approach Works:

Recent research highlights the effectiveness of criteria-based protocols:

  • Tailored Programs: Improve outcomes and reduce re-injury rates, ensuring progress at each phase of recovery (Griffin et al., 2020; Hewett et al., 2019).
  • Strength and Neuromuscular Control: Critical for knee stability, reducing risks of compensatory injuries and re-injury (Krebs et al., 2021).
  • Psychological Readiness: Athletes report higher confidence and readiness to return to sport when mental readiness is prioritised (Fitzgerald et al., 2020).

Conclusion:

Recovering from an ACL injury isn’t just about regaining movement it’s about returning stronger and more prepared for the challenges ahead. A criteria-based approach ensures that every phase of rehabilitation has clear goals tailored to each athlete’s unique needs.

References:

  • Fitzgerald, G.K., Paterno, M.V., and Myer, G.D. (2020). Psychological readiness to return to sport after ACL reconstruction: A systematic review. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 50(10), pp. 558–566.
  • Griffin, L.Y., Albohm, M.J., and Arendt, E.A. (2020). Understanding and preventing noncontact anterior cruciate ligament injuries: A review of the literature. Sports Health, 12(3), pp. 240–246.
  • Hewett, T.E., Myer, G.D., and Ford, K.R. (2019). Preventing knee injuries in athletes: An evidence-based approach to training. Clinical Sports Medicine, 38(1), pp. 1–24.
  • Järvinen, T.A.H., Järvinen, T.L.N., and Kalimo, H. (2021). Rehabilitation of the anterior cruciate ligament: A review. Sports Medicine, 51(3), pp. 447–461.
  • Krebs, A., Naal, F.D., and Maffulli, N. (2021). The role of structured rehabilitation in the management of anterior cruciate ligament injury: A systematic review. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 55(12), pp. 684–690

Illustration of a physiotherapist guiding a patient through a step exercise
Western Acupuncture and Dry Needling in the management of Musculoskeletal Conditions

Western Acupuncture and Dry Needling in the management of Musculoskeletal Conditions

5 November 2024

Musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions can significantly impact an individuals’ quality of life i.e. through chronic pain, injury, muscle spasm or tightness. These MSK conditions in turn can then have a significant impact on mental health through anxiety and depression. Depression is four times more prevalent in people who suffer from persistent pain compared to those without (Gov.uk)

A recent analysis of Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2019 data showed that approximately 1.71 billion people globally live with musculoskeletal conditions, including low back pain, neck pain, fractures, other injuries, osteoarthritis, amputation and rheumatoid arthritis (WHO). This will undoubtedly have  a huge impact on mobility, well-being, work attendance and therefore retirement age as well as people’s ability to participate in society.

Western acupuncture is based on modern anatomical and physiological principles rather than those used in traditional Chinese Acupuncture. Single-use, sterile needles are used to stimulate specific points on the body to help alleviate pain and enhance function. Dry needling uses a similar concept and the same needles, but targets myofascial trigger points in order to help relieve tension. Chinese acupuncture which was first documented in China over 3000 years ago is thought to balance the flow of qi (energy) throughout your body, through the release of endorphins (Kirchhof-Glazier D 2014). Both Dry needling and acupuncture help to produce an inflammatory reaction, stimulating your body’s natural ability to heal (BMJ 2009).

Recent studies have provided substantial evidence demonstrating the effectiveness of Western acupuncture and dry needling in managing MSK conditions. A systematic review by Tough et al. (2021) indicates that both therapies significantly reduce pain and improve function in various musculoskeletal disorders. Their findings revealed notable reductions in pain intensity and enhancements in mobility following treatment (Tough et al., 2021).

In a randomized controlled trial, Cummings et al. (2022) examined the effects of dry needling on chronic shoulder pain. The results indicated that participants who received dry needling experienced a significant decrease in pain levels and improved shoulder function compared to a control group not receiving treatment.

The mechanisms underlying the effectiveness of both western acupuncture and dry needling involve the stimulation of the nervous system, which promotes the release of endorphins and other neurotransmitters helping to mitigate pain. This neurophysiological response not only alleviates immediate discomfort but may also facilitate long-term healing through enhanced blood flow to affected areas (Dyer et al., 2023).

Additionally, acupuncture and dry needling can induce muscle relaxation and restore proper movement patterns. This is particularly beneficial for conditions such as myofascial pain syndrome, characterized by tight muscles and trigger points. A study by Lee et al. (2020) demonstrated that patients undergoing dry needling exhibited significantly reduced muscle stiffness and improved range of motion, leading to an enhanced overall quality of life (Lee et al., 2020).

The safety of Western acupuncture and dry needling is another significant advantage. When administered by trained professionals, the risks associated with these treatments are minimal, making them suitable for a wide range of patients. A review by Johnson et al. (2022) reported that adverse effects are generally mild, such as temporary soreness or bruising at the needle sites, with serious complications being rare. It is also reported that  when combined with physiotherapy, chiropractic care, or other modalities, overall treatment outcomes for MSK conditions can be enhanced (Johnson et al., 2022).

In conclusion, Western acupuncture and dry needling present promising benefits for the management of musculoskeletal conditions. With a growing body of evidence supporting their effectiveness and safety, these therapies can be valuable additions to treatment options.

Reference List

 

  • Cummings, T. M., et al. (2022). “Efficacy of dry needling in the management of chronic shoulder pain: A randomized controlled trial.” Journal of Musculoskeletal Pain, 30(2), 89-96.
  • Dyer, D. L., et al. (2023). “The neurophysiological mechanisms of acupuncture: A review of the evidence.” Acupuncture in Medicine, 41(1), 15-22.
  • Johnson, C. D., et al. (2022). “Safety and efficacy of acupuncture and dry needling in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders: A systematic review.” Physical Therapy Reviews, 27(4), 230-240.
  • Lee, J. H., et al. (2020). “Effects of dry needling on muscle stiffness and range of motion: A systematic review.” Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 24(4), 328-335.
  • Tough, E. A., et al. (2021). “The efficacy of acupuncture for musculoskeletal pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis.” European Journal of Pain, 25(7), 1345-1359.
Acupuncture needles being inserted into a patient's leg

Common Padel Injuries and How They Are Treated

Common Padel Injuries and How They Are Treated

10 October 2024

Padel tennis has increased in popularity over the last few years and due to the fast-nature of the sport, it is unsurprising that musculoskeletal injuries are very common. Padel takes place on a small field and surrounded by glass which increases the speed of the game. Padel requires ‘motor anticipation, explosive force, reactive speed (acceleration and deceleration), resistance, flexibility and agility’(Virgolino, 2022). These components of fitness are key for health, wellness and longevity however there is an increased risk of injury if one does not apply appropriate preventative techniques (Virgolino, 2022).

 

Sportsman playing padel game

The most common MSK injuries in senior players include knee sprains, lateral epicondylitis, shoulder pain (20.6%) and lower back pain (27.5%) (Castillo-Lozano, 2017). However, lower back pain is the most prevalent among junior players (Virgolino, 2022). These findings enable practitioners to create preventive strategies and programmes which focus on scapular stability, trunk stability and lower limb strength (Castillo-Lozano, 2017).  Despite the risk of injury, padel provides many benefits, especially to elderly players. There is a variety of research demonstrating the physical advantages (muscular strength, endurance and reaction time) of padel, however literature has shown padel to also provide psychological benefits such as reducing anxiety and stress (Eirale, 2023).

Elbow tendinopathy mostly impacts novice players. This is most likely due to players hitting backhand strokes in wrist flexion, the sudden increase of eccentric loading of forearm extensors and the vibrations impacting the elbow when the ball reaches the racket. Lateral epicondylitis is extremely common due to the repetitive movements and duration of the game (2-4hours). However there have been recent improvements in racket technology which reduce the risk of epicondylitis.  It is also unsurprising that patella tendinopathy often occurs due to repetitive jumping and sudden change in direction. Interestingly, males are 2-4 times more likely to develop patella tendinopathy, whereas females are more likely to experience chondromalacia patellae (Eirale, 2023).

Woman sitting on a gym floor holding her lower back, with the area highlighted in red

Disc-related lower back pain and facet joint syndrome are predominantly the main cause of lower back pain (LBP) in padel. Sward et. al found 50% of their participants suffered with LBP and 1/5 experienced severe symptoms. This is likely due to padel incorporating all ranges of motion in the lumbar spine combined with explosive movements; therefore, it is important to consider trunk stability and lumbar mobility to prevent injury (Eirale, 2023).

Lastly, repetitive movements such as ‘smash’ and ‘bandejas’ cause muscle imbalances in the shoulder, increasing the risk of rotator cuff injuries and scapular instability. Also due to repeated overhead movements, there is a possibility of impingement in the glenoid humeral joint leading to a SLAP lesion. Consequently, rotator cuff strengthening and scapular stability are key to prevent shoulder injuries (Eirale, 2023).

Reference list

Castillo-Lozano, R. (2017). Epidemiology and prevention strategies for the musculoskeletal injuries in the padel-tennis senior players. Science & Sports, 32(3), pp.e101–e106. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scispo.2016.09.009.

Eirale, C. (2023). Aspetar Sports Medicine Journal – INJURIES IN PADEL. [online] Aspetar.com. Available at: https://journal.aspetar.com/en/archive/volume-12-targeted-topic-sports-medicine-in-padel/injuries-in-padel [Accessed 22 Aug. 2024].

Virgolino, M. (2022). Running in Padel. Springer eBooks, pp.179–183. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-65064-6_19.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Why are injuries so common in athletes?

Why are injuries so common in athletes?

25 April 2024

Group of women sprinting on an outdoor athletics track
Photo by Jonathan Chng on Unsplash

Sports injuries are extremely common, with figures estimating that amongst the younger population alone, over 3.5 million children and teens are injured each year as part of organised sports or physical activity. This does not even account for unreported injuries. Given their prevalence, it is important that we understand why injuries are more common amongst athletes and those that regularly participate in sporting activities so that we can prevent and treat these accordingly.

A sports injury can occur as a result of several scenarios, including accidents, impact, insufficient training, improper equipment, lack of conditioning, or poor warming up and stretching, to name a few.
Although joint injuries represent the most common site of damage, accounting for both sprains and strains, any part of your body can get injured during physical activity. When we exercise, a significant number of our muscles and tendons are involved; therefore, the chances of developing an injury are much greater.
Moreover, especially during competitive sporting activities, we tend to stretch our bodies and push ourselves farther than we usually would, resulting in us moving in ways that we often wouldn’t. Although this can be harmless, in some instances, this leaves our muscles and tendons torn, damaged, and in pain.

In athletes, the above factors are exacerbated, with the most common sports injuries amongst this population being:

  1. Strains: A strain is defined as an injury to either a muscle or a tendon that primarily results from overuse, force, or stretching. The severity of the injury depends on the nature of its cause, with strains ranging from a simple overstretching of the muscle or tendon to a partial or complete tear.
  2. Sprains: Alongside strains, sprains represent the most common type of injury across all sports, being especially common amongst athletes. A sprain is characterised by a torn muscle or ligament that results from overuse or excessive force, whether that be a collision, a fall, or other causes.
  3. Knee injuries: Damage to the knee joint is most common in contact sports and is usually caused by a sprain, strain or tendonitis. There are a vast number of different conditions that may result from an injury to the knee, including ACL tears, MCL/LCL ruptures, runner’s knee, IT band syndrome and jumper’s knee, anterior knee pain, and patella-femoral maltracking.
  4. Fractures: The most prevalent fractures seen amongst athletes are fractured wrists, hands, collarbones, and bones in the ankle and feet. The highest rate of fractures is seen in contact sports, such as football and rugby.
  5. Tennis elbow: If you experience persistent pain around the outside of your elbow, you may be suffering from tennis elbow. This injury primarily results from overuse of the forearm due to a repetitive or strenuous activity; however, it may sometimes occur following force to the elbow.
  6. Plantar fasciitis: Do you have pain in the bottom of your foot? Or around your heel and arch? This may be plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain and arises following inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot, connecting the heel bone to the toes. This injury is most common in endurance athletes, such as runners
  7. Back injuries: It is estimated that 80% of UK adults experience back pain at some point during their lives. Back pain is most common in athletes that participate in sports that have frequent hypertension of the lumbar spine, including gymnastics and football. The primary issue with back injuries is that athletes can cause strain to other parts of their bodies if they change their techniques to reduce the pain experienced.
  8. Concussion: Injuries to the head and neck represent the most frequent catastrophic sports injury, with concussion being the most common athletic head injury. In the UK, an estimated 8.5% of all concussion-related hospital admissions are of sporting origin.
At Opus, we treat a range of sports injuries with our novel techniques, including elbow, hand and wrist sports injuries, shoulder injuries, foot and ankle damage, knee injuries, shin splints and stress fractures, hip sports injuries, neck and back pain, and sprains and strains. Contact us today to discuss your needs and how we can assist you on your journey.