Pain Reduction Taping for Horses using Kinesiology Tapes
Introduction: What is Kinesiology Taping?
Kinesiology taping is a process of applying thin strips of elastic tape to help with acute and chronic joint pain and provide support to muscles.
The tapes are applied using various techniques in order to provide support for the muscles, joints, ligaments, and tendons. Apart from that, they are also used as a supportive measure to prevent injuries.
Kinesiology taping is widely used in rehabilitation centres, hospitals, physiotherapy and veterinary clinics as well as in sports arenas. Our tapes are specifically engineered for horses and non fury animals.
What are the Benefits of Kinesiology Tape and How long will it last?
Kinesiology tapes are made from flexible elastic material that has elasticity and can be used to support muscles and joints. The tapes may help to reduce pain, swelling, and aid in restoring range of motion.
Kinesiology tape are usually applied directly over muscles and joints to provide support for them as they heal following an injury. The tape has been designed to limit the development of scar tissue and provide a supportive environment for the muscles and joints during healing. It is also used for horses to help improve their performance as well as for preventing injuries.
The application typically can last 1-7 days. The longevity of the tape depends on how accurately it is applied and the application for which it is used. The tapes are also waterproof.
Can Kinesiology Tape Help Improve Horse Range of Motion?
Anecdotal evidence suggests that the use of Kinesiology Tape can improve the horse’s movements. It is used to provide support and stability to muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
Recently, we saw a horse in the Jockey Club who was fitted with kinesiology tape for chronic back pain. The veterinarian hypothesized that the tape would help relieve pressure on the horses back which would then result in an improved range of motion and better movement.
How to apply Kinesiology Taping on a Horse
- Thoroughly clean the affected and surrounding area and remove all lotions, oils, sweat and debris from the animal using alcohol wipes.
- If the animal has a long coat trim and remove excess hair or fur to prevent pain when removing the tape.
- Dry the area thoroughly before applying tape.
- Measure the length of the affected area.
- Cut the tape to the desired length and round the edges for better adherence and to prevent it from getting caught on the horse’s blankets.
- Use a pre-cut tape or use a Teflon coated scissors and cut a piece of tape as per the measurement in step 4.
- Twist and tear the paper backing of the tape an inch or two only from one end. Avoid touching the sticky under side with your fingers. Hold on to the remaining part of the paper backing and read the illustrated, step by step Instructions on how to apply the tape for a particular body part in our website. Zoom in to read fine print. The same Instructions are also enclosed in our box.
- Do not over stretch the tape as this can cause itching and skin irritation.
- Immediately after applying the tape use moderate pressure and rub the surface of the tape 3 - 4 times to activate the heat sensitive glue. Never use a hair dryer for this purpose.
- If properly applied the support tape can be left on the affected area for 3 - 5 days. Certain applications may require the tape to be removed after a specified time.
- The tape is water proof.
- Do not to startle the animal when applying the kinesio tape. After application of the tape walk the horse for about 30 minutes prior to engaging in any strenuous activities.
- Horse taping for inflammation and swelling must be changed daily until swelling abates.
- Energy Meridian horse taping should be removed after 1 - 3 hours.
Different styles of cutting kinesiology tapes for horses:
I-Strips - cut the length desired and round off corners. Commonly used for pain reduction, mechanical joint support.
X-Strips - cut 2 strips of tape the same way as I-strip and round off all corners. Layer one strip on top of the other in the desired X fashion.
Y-strips - leave a 1 inch base at the bottom uncut. Cut the rest of the strip down the middle lengthwise in half. Round off all corners. These are commonly used for joint support and stability.
Fan strips - cut narrow (less than 0.5cm wide) strips lengthwise leaving a 1 inch base uncut at the bottom. Carefully fan out and apply to the affected area. Fan strips are used to improve the flow of built up fluids.
Conclusion: A Summary of the Benefits of Kinesiology Taping for Horses
Kinesiology taping is a technique for aiding muscle and joint rehabilitation. It may be used in conjunction with other therapies to relieve pressure and allow stretching to help ease the discomfort in horses. It may help with inflammation, soreness, muscle spasms, nerve pain, and other biomechanical issues.
It is usually applied in a specific pattern across the body of the horse. The tape has several different taping techniques depending on where it's applied on the body of the horse and the reason for the application.
For more information follow the following link where we look at Kinesiology for horses in more depth.
https://www.ttbtapes.com/pages/kinesiology-tapes-for-horses-animals