Taping

Question 1

What are the 2 overall types of tape

Answer 1

• Rigid (McConnell)
• Elastic (KT)

Question 2

What is the proposed use of KT tape

Answer 2

• Target the skin to assist with edema reduction
• Lift the dermis & epidermis promotes lymphatic flow
• Effects the fascia (high number of sensory receptors)

Question 3

How does taping work

Answer 3

• Summary: mechanics forces alter the sensory receptors
• Rigid McConnell taping: evidence for pain reduction only but no evidence for changes in muscle activity or biomechanical effects

Question 4

What are the steps in the McConnell Tailored Taping

Answer 4

• Test: establish knee pain baseline with a functional test – e.g. squat?
• Clean the skin (remove any oils etc. that cause the tape to release)
• Assess the patella position for tilt, glide or spin
• Pre-tape (white e.g. Mefix) skill protectant (loosely) anchor strip and effect strip; Flex knee 3x to pre-stretch
• Apply rigid tape, take up the slack b/c effects; Flex knee 3x
• Post-Test – does pain reduce by 50%?
• No pain reduction – add more tape…
• Teach the patient to self-tape

Question 5

Describe taping patient education

Answer 5

• OK to leave tape on as long as possible, even shower
• Change at least every 2-3 days…proprioceptive
• Allergy to adhesives?
• Skin irritation?
• Tape remover packs or baby oil

Question 6

Describe Hoffa’s test for fat pad irritation

Answer 6

• Glide the patella distally
• Passive and active knee extension
• Pain = POS test (no stats)

Question 7

What is the fat pad taping sequence

Answer 7

• Proximal to tip the distal patella out of the fat pad
• Medial and Lateral tape strips
• Add more layers if needed to reduce pain