Services Provided at OSMC

K-Taping

K-Taping can support a wide range of therapies and represents an effective tool for Athletic Therapy CAT(C), Physiotherapy RPT, Massage Therapy RMT and Osteopathy D.O.M.P. Over the last twelve years K-Taping (based on the German K-Taping Academy) has established itself in nearly 40 countries and has become a standard component of many therapies treatment protocols.

K-Taping is not a passing trend in the field of rehabilitation medicine, but instead has rightfully achieved a solid international standing in the field on the basis of the K-Taping Academy’s years of hard work and professional research.

Difference between K-Taping and Classic Taping (non- elastic)

Classic tape is used to stabilize or immobilize joints, the application techniques using elastic stretch K-Taping cannot be carried out by classic tape. K-Tapes follow the pathway of a muscle or nerve and can be freely applied to any part of the body. K-Tape does not limit the person’s freedom of movement. Lymphatic applications, which improve the lymph circulation and blood flow, are also included in the K-Taping application options.

K-Taping application simultaneously facilitates the reduction of edema, improves lymph and blood circulation, and contributes through proprioception, to the normalization of muscle functions and the support of ligaments and tendons. The result is a rapid reduction of pain and improvement in the joint and muscle function.

If the space between the skin and muscle is compromised because of muscle inflammation, there is reduced drainage of lymph. The lymph system is disrupted. The compression and restricted of lymph stimulate the pain receptors in the skin leading to localize pain. If the skin in the affected area is stretched prior to the application of K-Tape, the skin together with the tape, forms wave-like convolutions retuning to the resting state. This lifting of the skin allows the spaces between the skin and subcutaneous tissue to increase. The lymph can drain from the spaces into the lymphatic system easily and reduce the pressure on the pain receptors. This reinforces the bodies self-healing effects. This wave movement within the skin influences the mechanoreceptors and in turn leads to pain attenuation.

Basic Functions and Effects of K-Taping

     1) Improvement of muscle function
     2) Elimination of circulatory impairments
     3) Pain reduction
     4) Support of joint function

Muscle Function

Overloading a muscle structure can cause ruptures in the muscle connective tissue. The fluid gathering by muscular tearing in the interstitial spaces causes increased pressure and constant stimulation of pain sensors. The consequences are pain, stiffness, swelling and increased muscle tonus. K-taping can provide tonus to a muscle which presents weak (hypotonus) or decrease spasms to musculature which is hypertonus (tight muscles) depending on which direction the 10% tension is applied to the K-Tape.

Elimination of Circulatory Impairment

Inflammation is often the body’s reaction to tissue damage. Along with fluids in the injured area, inflammation can lead to swelling and an increase in pressure between the skin and musculature. The lymph flow is disrupted or stagnates. K-Taping application can lift the skin in this area and increase the space. This effect can decrease the pressure and improve the lymph circulation.

Pain Reduction

Nociceptors are free nerve ending found in the dermis, partially penetrating the epidermis. They are fairly distributed evenly over the body and are of crucial importance for the skin’s function as a protective layer of the body. Nociceptors transmit signals via myelinated A-fibres and unmyelinated C-fibres in response to pain. The adhesion of the K-Tape to the skin, and the resulting mechanical displacement caused by the body movement leads to stimulation of the mechanoreceptors in the skin. The stimulation of the mechanoreceptors have the ability to inhibit the relaying of the nociceptors.

Support of Joint Function

Capsular ligaments and musculature are involved in the control of joint movement. The mobility of the joint depends upon the type of joint and the surrounding structures (muscles, ligaments and capsule). The joint function can be supported by K-Taping applications influencing the muscle tone imbalances. A better sense of movement can be attained by stimulating proprioception to the joint. Improvement of joint function leads to improved pain response.

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