Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany -- In recent years, sports enthusiasts have probably noticed professional athletes supporting their muscles and joints with kinesiology therapeutic tape.
Now, the tape's benefits are being adopted by the 52nd Medical Operations Squadron physical therapy clinic to help Airmen recover from injuries faster.
Staff Sgt. Daniel Dunwald, 52nd MDOS physical therapy technician and certified kinesio tape practitioner, used the recent medical group training day to teach others the benefits of using the tape.
“The capabilities of kinesio tape are endless,” Dunwald said. “You can use it to lengthen or shorten a muscle, provide ligament and tendon support, reduce swelling, and the list goes on.”
Kinesio taping is a procedure intended to decrease pain and inflammation, stimulate blood and lymph circulation, aid postural correction, enhance athletic performance and prevent musculoskeletal injuries. According to Dunwald, Kinesio taping is designed to promote natural healing through stimulation of the circulatory and neurological systems by “lifting” the skin from the muscle.
“The lifting effect allows space to be created, allowing fluids to move in the direction you want them to go,” he said. “This reduces swelling or bruising.”
Applying the tape might seem simple, but properly placing the tape is what makes it so useful.
“Training is very important because the tape is only highly effective when applied correctly,” he said.
Dunwald gets to see the results of using the tape day-in and day-out.
“On average, I use it on 3-5 patients a day,” he said. “I like it because it yields great results while still allowing patients to move freely.”
For more information, contact your primary care manager to get a referral to receive physical therapy.