Treatment for neck pain: Kinesio Taping.

I have found that one of the best treatments for neck pain is through the application of Kinesio Tape. Kinesio tape, when used in conjunction with other treatments, significantly reduces the pain caused by strains, sprains, muscle spasms and pinched nerves. Many chiropractors and physical therapists are utilizing Kinesio Tape in their practices after much exposure was given to Kinesio Tape during the Beijing Olympics. The growing interest in non-surgical treatments by much of the population is also contributing to the increased use of Kinesio tape for neck pain and other ailments. 

Kinesio Tape is a woven cloth fabric with an adhesive backing. Think of an ace bandage with glue on one side but not as stretchy. It is usually several inches wide and comes in a variety of colors ( they don't affect anything except the tapes visibility). 

Kinesio tape does several things:

• It takes the tension off muscles, tendons and ligaments. This allows these structures to take a break and also alters the signals to the brain , causing it to reduce the nerve output which tenses the muscles while reducing the nerve input that triggers pain.
• Because the Kinesio Tape has an elastic quality, the tissue under the application is free to move around which promotes circulation of the blood and lymphatic fluid. This allows for a cleaning out of debris and much needed oxygenation.
• Depending on its application, it can either relax or to work harder. For example in my hub about neck pain and computer use I point out that often the pect muscles become shortened and the rhomboids become stretched. In that case the rhomboids would need to be facilitated ( activated) while the pects would require relaxation.

Typically an application of Kinesio Tape remains for three days. After it is removed it can either be reapplied or left off for a rest period depending on the providers objective. In my office I often leave it off for a few days simply to give the body a chance to catch up to changes that have taken place in the structures. In acute cases I may reapply the Kinesio Tape on the same visit if there is persistent swelling or spasm.

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Once the Kinesio Tape is applied, the patient should avoid getting it wet or working up a sweat for at least an hour. After the adhesive sets in, showering or exercising shouldn't be a problem. Frequently the ends of the tape start to curl and need to be trimmed.

I highly recommend against applying the tape yourself. Laying the tape down incorrectly or applying too much tension can cause additional discomfort. Obviously trying to put tape on the back of your neck with no assistance would be close to impossible, but even having an untrained person attaching the tape may yield unwanted results. The provider should be familiar with both Kinesio tape methods and the muscular skeletal system but I wouldn't insist that he/she be Kinesio Tape certified. There are several books available on the subject that, in my opinion, are sufficient enough to provide the practitioner with the information they need. 

Kinesio Tape is the original maker of the tape and the pioneer of the technique. It is now sold under the name Kinesio Tex. As with any successful product, plenty of competition has come forth. Physio Text, KT Tape and others but I have only used the original. I would suggest using non stick scissors unless you use KT Tape which can be torn by hand.