Over the past year, Rick and I have spent a significant amount of time trying to stream line the information we are delivering in a manner that is both informative as well as memorable. However, over the past several months, as we review the incredible submissions that are being submitted to us from our certification course, we have seen a tendency for specialists to continue to use some terms either incorrectly or not at all. Now, this may not seem like a big deal to you on a one to one basis, but as we strive to spread the message about kinesiology taping being a universal modality in rehabilitation circles, we are determined to keep the messaging clear.
Several months back, we updated the [Methods of application] terms. Originally, we whittled down the endless terms that described the only two ways we are actually applying the tape. We settled at first on the terms of [Directional] and [Compression]. After continued research and fine tuning, we saw that these terms are actually just as misleading as the others we were staring you all away from. Our overall goal with our system is to create a universally accepted system that makes it as simple as possible for our Specialist to apply as well as to explain to a patient. This goes a long way in encouraging them to be able to provide some self-care applications with the tape using your guidance.
The updates, that were made to everyone’s on-line course, incorporate a name change that cleans this all up.
Directional Method –> Anchor Method:
When applying tape to the skin, laying down an end first, is known as the ANCHOR METHOD. This is because this first piece of tape is also known as our ANCHOR. In an ANCHOR METHOD application, we know that the recoil of the tape always returns in the direction of its ANCHOR. Hence, ANCHOR METHOD.
The term ‘directional’ implies that the direction of recoil matters. Science has yet to prove that the direction of tape recoil does matter. Yes! Anecdotally, I can say that 90% of the time I use the tape in this manner, the direction of recoil has mattered. However, that is NOT science. That is practical evidence. Never confuse the two.
Compression Method –> Zone Method:
When applying this method of application, the first piece of tape that contacts the skin is the THERAPEUTIC ZONE. Hence the use of the term ZONE Method. This means that once the ZONE is stretched to its desired tension (25%-50%), we lay it down on the skin. We then lay down our ends with no tension.
Using the term “compression” implied that there was a compressive force being applied to the skin. Again, the science has yet to prove this. If anything, there is more of a tensile shearing force. Again, we must follow the science as well and not confuse things with terms such as this.
It is so important to be using these new terms correctly. It will not only allow for easier comprehension of the methods of applications but will further our ability as a whole to create language that rehab professionals can rally around and make kinesiology taping something that is done uniformly.
Take a look again at the video that explains these updates.
