From: [log in to unmask]
Date: Mon, 19 Jan 2004 23:03:17 EST
Subject: Re: kinesiotaping and EBP
To: [log in to unmask], [log in to unmask], [log in to unmask]

Billi,
Thanks for the info. I would like to make a few statements, but did not have Frank's direct e-mail to respond, so please forward.
First of all this tape is not at all like other tapes (elastic or not) on the market, though there are several "copy-cat" tapes starting to come up in Japan. The tape is 10 to 12 dollars a roll, if you try KMS Medical or Kinex...I have found the best prices.

I can give you testimonial after testimonial and receive several weekely from athletic trainers, therapists and families concerning many changes (strength, function, pain and inflammation improvement).

I strongly recommend that Frank take a course. He is basing his opinion of the lack of "hard evidence". Actually, there is an annual international research symposium in japan, and these studies can be purchased from the Kinesiotaping association. I will be the first to admit that many are not well done, as in Japan, many practitioners have minimal medical knowledge (i.e. Judo instructors), but there are several excellent studies (ie proprioception in knee and ankle, balance responses, decreased inflammation).

Tha tape is expensive, but stays on up to 6 days, unlike standard orthopedic tape. i have kept leukotape on this long, with a hypofix underwrap...at 9 to 11 dollars each for a roll. I have also tried most elastic tapes on the market and you are comparing apples to oranges and only touching the tip of the iceburg as far as understanding the properties of kinesio tape....do you have a day or two to spend...I PROMISE, it would be well worth it.

About 42 professional baseball teams are using the tape, as well as several basketball and football teams and of course world class gymnasts and volleyball players.
The tape as well as the technique are important. You CAN just use the tape as an elastic assist or support. The ORIGIN to INSERTION rule has more to do with application techniques, the position the joint is placed in, and tension on parts of the tape as applied. You can definitely "relax" an upper trapezius and facilitate a rhomboid with specific techniques.
I realize you doubt the properties, but feel you are writing Kinesio(R) tape off without knowing the whole story.
THE TAPE WORKS...I have videos and am in the process of establishing a research study. Audrey Yasukawa, OTR/L from Rehab INstitute of Chicago, will be presenting a study on functional changes with and without tape (pre, immediately after, and 3 days after) in japan and also possibly at the American Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine.

Find a practioner and learn to use the tape correctly, and then make an informed decision. I don't think you will regret it.

Trish Martin, PT
PMartinPT @aol.com