Kinesiology Tape and its Impact on the Nervous System

We have discussed in various videos and articles about the impact kinesiology tape can have when treating low back pain (LBP).  We have also said time and again, that the use of kinesiology tape is best fortified when combined with complimentary modalities such as massage, chiropractic and physical therapy.

A trusted voice in the world of soft tissue manipulation is Whitney Lowe, founder of The Academy of Clinical Massage.  For decades now he has pushed for the importance of proper evaluation of a complaint prior to laying a single hand on a patient.  He has also been adamant about following changes in science and research and adapting our protocols accordingly.  In his latest post; The Hidden Nervous System, he discusses some of the more uncommon nerves that can have a significant impact on ones low back pain.  Understanding that there is more to know about the nerves in the lower back than the commonly discussed sciatic nerve and the femoral nerve, we should also be aware of other branches of nerves in the lumbar region that exit both ventral and dorsal to the nerve trunk.  The impact of these sensory and motor nerve can play a much more significant role in LBP than one may assume.  Some of these more superficial nerve fibers can also become entrapped in area such as the thick thoracolumbar fascia and create pain patterns that are often overlooked and left untreated.  Understanding more about these nerves can not only alter your approach to care, but may also lead to faster outcomes when properly evaluated.  Take a few moments to read his article on these ‘hidden nerves’.

Once you have treated these pain complaints with some of your hands on work such as myofascial release or perhaps some long gliding strokes, you can use kinesiology tape to prolong the impact of your work by applying it in a manner that is similar to the intent of your work. The tape will in turn create both mechanical and sensory input to the area, allowing your patient to feel the extended benefit of your work.

To give you an idea about what I mean, consider this.  In your evaluation and treatment, you concluded that the patient may have some superficial nerves entrapped in the dense thoracolumbar facia.  Some myofacial release work done with some long gentle holds to the thoracolumbar facia in a proximal to distal fashion was helpful in relieving some discomfort.  Extend the impact of this work by using the tape to continue to keep the superficial facia on a gentle stretch.  If you have taken our eCourse, or have some experience with kinesiology tape, you will be able to quickly determine the appropriate amount of tape tension as well as tissue stretch you need to allow for this application to be beneficial.