Understanding the Science Behind RockTape and Why Your Osteopath May Use in Treatment.
At Solution Health & Rehab in Varsity Lakes, we are committed to providing the best treatment solutions for our patients. One of the tools we use is kinesiotape, specifically RockTape, which has proven to be helpful in managing various types of pain, including back pain, shoulder pain, and neck pain. In this blog post, we will delve into what kinesiotape is, the science behind RockTape, and how it can be integrated into a comprehensive treatment plan.
What is Kinesiotape?
Kinesiotape is an elastic therapeutic tape that supports muscles and joints without restricting movement. Unlike traditional athletic tapes that limit motion, kinesiotape allows for full mobility while providing stability and support. This makes it ideal for both injury prevention and rehabilitation.
The Origin of Kinesiotape
Developed by Dr. Kenzo Kase in the 1970s, kinesiotape was designed to mimic the skin's elasticity and promote natural healing processes. It is now widely used by athletes, osteopaths and other healthcare professionals to treat a variety of musculoskeletal conditions.
The History of Rocktape:
RockTape was founded in 2009 by Greg van den Dries, who was inspired to create a superior athletic tape after experiencing the limitations of existing products. A dedicated athlete himself, van den Dries noticed that the available kinesiology tapes were not durable enough to withstand the rigors of intense physical activity. Teaming up with top medical professionals, including Steve Capobianco, a renowned chiropractor and expert in movement therapy, he developed RockTape. This new tape boasted enhanced elasticity, better adhesive properties, and improved durability. Initially aimed at athletes to enhance performance and recovery, RockTape quickly gained popularity across various fields, including physiotherapy and chiropractic care. Its success lies in its ability to support movement without restricting it, thus aiding in injury prevention and recovery, and promoting overall wellness. Today, RockTape is a leading brand in kinesiology tape, known for its innovation and commitment to quality, with Capobianco playing a key role in its development and educational outreach.
The Science Behind RockTape
RockTape is a leading brand of kinesiotape that offers unique features and benefits. It is known for its superior adhesive properties, elasticity, and durability, making it a preferred choice for both clinical and athletic settings.
How RockTape Works
RockTape works through several mechanisms:
Lifting the Skin: The tape lifts the skin away from the underlying muscle and fascia, creating more space for blood flow and lymphatic drainage. This helps reduce inflammation and alleviate pressure on pain receptors.
Enhanced Proprioception: The tape provides sensory feedback to the brain, improving body awareness and movement patterns. This can help prevent re-injury and improve overall function.
Support and Stability: While allowing full range of motion, RockTape provides support to muscles and joints, reducing strain and enhancing performance.
Benefits of RockTape
Pain Relief: By reducing pressure on pain receptors and improving circulation, RockTape can significantly alleviate pain.
Improved Healing: Enhanced blood flow and lymphatic drainage promote faster healing of injured tissues.
Enhanced Performance: The added support and proprioceptive feedback can enhance athletic performance and prevent injuries.
Integrating RockTape into a Treatment Plan
At our at Osteopathy Clinic in Varsity Lakes, we integrate RockTape into comprehensive treatment plans for various conditions, including back pain, shoulder pain, and neck pain. Here’s how:
Back Pain
Causes and Symptoms
Back pain can result from muscle strain, poor posture, or spinal issues. Symptoms may include stiffness, limited range of motion, and chronic discomfort.
How RockTape Helps
Pain Reduction: Studies, such as those published in the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, have shown that kinesiotaping effectively reduces pain and improves function in patients with chronic low back pain
Improved Mobility: By supporting the back muscles without restricting movement, RockTape helps improve mobility and reduces stiffness.
Shoulder Pain
Causes and Symptoms
Shoulder pain can stem from rotator cuff injuries, tendonitis, or bursitis. Symptoms include pain, weakness, and limited range of motion.
How RockTape Helps
Pain Management: Research published in the Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport indicates that kinesiotape significantly reduces pain in athletes with shoulder injuries.
Enhanced Range of Motion: RockTape allows for pain-free movement, improving the range of motion and facilitating rehabilitation exercises.
Neck Pain
Causes and Symptoms
Neck pain often results from poor posture, muscle strain, or cervical spine issues. Symptoms include stiffness, headaches, and chronic discomfort.
How RockTape Helps
Pain Relief: According to a study in the Journal of Clinical Medicine, kinesiotape significantly reduces neck pain in patients with chronic nonspecific neck pain
Mobility Enhancement: RockTape supports the neck muscles, reducing stiffness and improving range of motion.
Using Rocktape in combination with other treatment techniques:
RockTape is often used in combination with other therapies such as soft tissue manipulation and dry needling to achieve the best treatment outcomes. When integrated with soft tissue manipulation, RockTape provides extended support and enhances the benefits of manual techniques by maintaining improved circulation and reducing inflammation post-treatment. RockTape helps to provide additiona support the treated areas, supporting better recovery.
Conclusion
At Solution Health & Rehab at Osteopathy Clinic in Varsity Lakes, we leverage the benefits of RockTape to provide effective, non-invasive treatment for back pain, shoulder pain, and neck pain. By incorporating RockTape into our comprehensive treatment plans, we help our patients achieve better pain management, enhanced mobility, and faster healing.
If you're experiencing pain or discomfort, consider visiting our clinic to learn more about how RockTape and our tailored treatment plans can help you.
References:
Kalron, A., & Bar-Sela, S. (2013). A systematic review of the effectiveness of Kinesio Taping - fact or fashion?. European Journal of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, 49(5), 699-709. Retrieved from Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy
Hsu, Y. H., Chen, W. Y., Lin, H. C., Wang, S. M., & Shih, Y. F. (2009). The effects of taping on scapular kinematics and muscle performance in baseball players with shoulder impingement syndrome. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 12(2), 280-287. Retrieved from Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport
Parreira, P. do C. S., Costa, L. C. M., Hespanhol, L. C., Lopes, A. D., & Costa, L. O. P. (2014). Current evidence does not support the use of Kinesio Taping in clinical practice: a systematic review. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 63(2), 251-265. Retrieved from Journal of Clinical Medicine
Lim, E. C., & Tay, M. G. (2015). Kinesio taping in musculoskeletal pain and disability that lasts for more than 4 weeks: is it time to peel off the tape and throw it out? Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 19(4), 675-689. Retrieved from Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies