Muscle Taping

What is it?

It’s the application of self-adhesive tapes made of cotton, which is well tolerated by skin. This cotton is made of high quality and coated with an acrylic adhesive on the side that is applied to the horse. The tape is water repellant and can stay applied up to 7 days and a horse can sweat right through it!

How did it start?

A Japanese chiropractor, Dr. Kenzo Kase was the first one who experimented with elastic tape. It is called Kinesiology Taping because his methods are based on the principles of applied Kinesiology. The bright colors of the tape were eye catching to the general public when the Japanese volleyball players wore it at the 2000 Sydney Olympic games. After that it became more popular in the United States when the cycling team used it.

How does it work?

The tape does not restrict natural movement. It helps to protect any injured tissues while relaxing tight and tense muscles, limiting the pain in movement. The less pain that is felt, the more movement that is possible. Restricted movement or no movement at all can result in rigid and stiff muscles. Horses can still continue their daily schedules such as being ridden or worked when muscle tape is applied. The muscle tape stimulates nerve endings under the skin known as receptors. The skin is the largest organ and made up of several layers, with nerve endings on the border of each layer. These receptors detect any stimuli, like dangers that can damage tissue, cause pain or temperature changes, movements and touch. Touch is so powerful! It can help to reduce emotional and physical problems. The tape on the skin has an immediate effect on these skin receptors. Movement is registered. This is why pressure and pull is important when it comes to applying the tape and it’s benefits. If the horse is uncomfortable, the tape has not been applied properly.

When to tape?

Taping is useful where there is a problem, dysfunction or tissue damage. Healthy tissues do not need taping! I will let you know if I think an area could benefit from muscle taping during a session.

Benefits:

• Protection: by limiting movement to protect damaged tissue by reducing pain and preventing further injury
• Correction: can change the position of bony structures to activate muscles & improve movement patterns & quanitiy

• Reduces muscle imbalances within the joints
• Relaxes tight muscles allowing more flexibility
• Helps reduce swelling, inflammation, bruising & can aid in drainage and the flushing out of toxins along the lymph system
• Helps stabilize joints
• Improves range of motion
• Speeds up healing
• Supportive during rehabilitation therapy
• Prevents injury
• Supports regeneration
• Decreases muscle spasms
• Increases circulation
• Supports tendons and ligaments
• Can be used in conjunction with massage and chiropractic

Price:

One area of taping is included in a massage session. Additional areas vary by the amount of tape and adhesive to be used as well as the time for application.