Kinesiology Taping: Lumbar Spine and Trunk

Commonly Asked Questions: Lumbar Spine and Trunk Kinesiology Taping

• Benefits of kinesiology tape for the lumbar spine and trunk (Summary or Systematic Research Review): Healthy participants receiving an application of kinesiology tape to the lumbar spine and/or anterior trunk may exhibit improvements in muscle endurance and delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). Individuals exhibiting lumbopelvic hip complex dysfunction (including low back pain) may exhibit less improvement following kinesiology taping when compared to manual therapy or exercise. However, the addition of kinesiology tape to manual therapy and/or exercise may result in significant improvements in short and long-term outcomes for mechanical detection threshold, pain pressure threshold, range of motion (ROM), muscle endurance, posture, quality of life scores, and function. Note that kinesiology tape (with tension) may be particularly effective for reducing acute pain intensity.
• How to use kinesiology tape: The Brookbush Institute recommends using kinesiology tape to reinforce optimal alignment and/or activation techniques with the intent of improving carry-over from session to session. Additionally, some taping methods may be effective for reducing acute pain intensity.
• How it works: It is hypothesized that kinesiology tape improves mechanical detection threshold which may aid in maintaining more optimal alignment. For example, for an individual with low back pain and symptoms exacerbated by flexion, kinesiology tape over lumbar extensors may reduce the instances of lumbar flexion and potentially aid in maintaining a more optimal lumbar lordosis. Further, kinesiology tape may alter afferentation by providing a continuous sensory input that competes with the sensation of pain, reducing both pain and kinesiophobia.
• Who should not use the tape? Individuals with sensitive skin or known sensitivities/allergies to adhesives (e.g., the adhesive used on band-aids) should not use kinesiology tape. It should also not be used over open wounds.
• Removing the tape: The adhesive on kinesiology tape is strong and can damage the skin if removed carelessly. Do not rip the tape off. Instead, brace the skin and remove the tape in the direction of hair growth. Even in areas with "no hair," there is generally a direction of peach fuzz or hair follicles. Use the opposite hand to pull the skin taut in the opposite direction you are pulling the tape.
• Duration of Effect (How long should you leave the tape on?): Kinesiology tape is recommended to reinforce positions acquired through improved mobility and muscle recruitment and typically has an effect for 48 to 72 hours. While it should not be used as a stand-alone intervention, we have observed substantial improvements in carryover, particularly when the patient is participating in 2 or more sessions per week.
• Can you apply the tape yourself? With some coaching from an experienced practitioner, some applications of kinesiology tape can be self-administered, such as taping around the feet, ankles, and knees. However, it is almost impossible to apply kinesiology tape effectively to areas on the back of the shoulders, the scapula, the lower back, or the neck. For example, the two taping techniques in this course could not be effectively self-administered.
• Tape Selection: Not all kinesiology tapes are created equal. High-quality tape should have a waterproof adhesive that lasts while minimizing skin irritation, and the fabric should be durable and elastic enough to maintain its effect for 48-72 hours. Although a specific brand does not sponsor us, we have consistently found Rocktape to be a reliable choice for our patients, which include a significant number of athletes and advanced exercisers. Of course, brands like KT Tape, Kinesiotape, and Kinesio Tex are popular and preferred by many professionals.
• Who should include kinesiology tape in their practice? The techniques in this course are recommended for all clinical human movement professionals (physical therapists, physical therapy assistants, athletic trainers, massage therapists, chiropractors, occupational therapists, etc.) who intend to develop an evidence-based , systematic, integrated , patient-centered, and outcome-driven approach.

Techniques Covered in this Course:

• Lumbar Spine (Decompression): Kinesiology Tape
• Core (Diaphragm, Glutes, and Low Back Decompression) Kinesiology Tape

Topics Covered in this Course

• Evidence-based Summary Statement and Recommendations
• Signs of Correlated Dysfunction
• Sample Routine
• Systematic Research Review Summary (with Audio Voice-over)
• Systematic Research review (with Audio Voice-over
• Techniques with Video and Written Instruction
• Bibliography

This Course Includes:

• Summary Statement
• Summary of Research Findings
• Study Guide
• Sample Routine
• Videos and Written Instructions on Techniques
• Practice Exam
• CEC-approved Final Exam
• AI Tutor