Any physical therapist involved with assessing, treating and rehabilitating sports related injuries, or even patients that present with back and neck pain, will need to have the skill of taping.

Kinesiology taping is definitely the current buzzword in the field of sports medicine. This brightly coloured tape is now a very common sight at all major sporting events throughout the world and is even seen at some recreational activities. Therefore, therapists need to master the techniques. They are relatively simple to learn and once applied in a specific way can improve the performance of an athlete as well as reducing any pain and swelling.

Sports Massage Therapy Black Country educates clients towards having a better understanding of both why and when to apply the method of kinesiology taping. It outlines how to effectively treat over 50 of the most common sports related injuries, with the application of scientifically proven kinesiology taping methods (KTMs), and includes treatment guidelines for specific areas of the body that a patient/athlete might present with at a physical therapy clinic, e.g. lower back, sacroiliac joint (SIJ) and cervical spine (neck).

Comparison of Kinesiology Tape vs Conventional Athletic Tape

Most types of athletic tape have very little or no stretch; however, kinesiology tape is very elastic and can be stretched longitudinally up to 120–180% of its original size. In addition, the thickness of kinesiology tape and its elasticity are similar to that of human skin. When non-elastic athletic tape is applied to an injury, the rigidity of the tape can cause a restriction or it can even prevent movement of the taped area. This is desirable for severe injuries where immobilisation is necessary to prevent further damage. Most injuries, however, do not require full immobilisation and this is where the flexibility of kinesiology tape comes into its own. KTM can therefore provide support to injured muscles and joints, while still allowing a safe and pain-free ROM, unlike conventional taping. This enables patients and athletes to continue training or competing while they recover from lower-back and neck pain, as well as minor to moderate sports related injuries.

When conventional athletic tape is applied there is the possibility that circulation can be compromised, plus the issue of removing the tape after every sporting event. Kinesiology tape, on the other hand, can be worn for many days, providing support and therapeutic benefits ‘24/7’. In addition, this tape does not cause problems to the underlying tissues or restriction to the associated joint(s). Another benefit is that once kinesiology tape is removed it does not tend to leave any glue- like residue compared to conventional athletic strapping and taping products.

How to Choose the Right Type of Kinesiology Tape

I have tried and tested many varieties of Kinesiology tape and the top brands tested better than the easily available, cheaper options. My team and I are based at the sports injury clinic for the University of Oxford and, therefore, have been able to try most of the top brands on both elite athletes and non- athletic patients alike. All the better quality Kinesiology taping products tested well, with some variations among stretch, tape feel, adhesive quality, etc. Maybe try a few and find your own preference.

I like the phrase used by the Kinesiology taping product company Rocktape (who I consider to be one of the leaders in the field). They mention in their literature that there are essentially two types of tape: ‘cheap and good tape’. Rocktape highly recommend avoiding cheap tape on patients as it often peels and frays much faster than high-quality tape. Reports of skin reactions are also more frequent with cheap tape. As Rocktape suggests, I would personally avoid the cheaper and less known or tested products.

How Does Kinesiology Taping Work?

Any type of injury or trauma to the body will set off the body’s natural protective mechanism known as the inflammatory response .The main identifiable signs of this response are: pain, swelling, heat and redness as well as restriction to the ROM.Kinesiology taping has been clinically shown to help with the natural response to inflammation as it targets different receptors within the somatosensory system. Correct application of KTMs helps alleviate pain and encourages the facilitation of lymphatic drainage by microscopically lifting the skin. This lifting effect helps create distortions in the skin, thus increasing interstitial space and allowing a decrease in the inflammatory process for affected areas.

As shown with the underlying nerve endings, lymphatic vessels and blood vessels are in a state of ‘compression’ due to an injury. Any type of injury will cause an inflammation, as explained earlier, and this natural process will produce some form of swelling, e.g. one common type of swelling is a haematoma, and subsequent pressure will build up within the tissue. This naturally occurring process, with the increased pressure that is building up within the soft tissues, will start to irritate the nociceptors (pain receptors) and pain will be perceived. As I often quote during my Kinesiology taping sessions “swelling causes pressure and pressure causes pain” to reduce the pain we have to reduce the pressure, and this is where specific Kinesiology taping procedures can be utilised to assist in the reduction of the pressure that has built up within the soft tissues’. Other treatment methods can also be used at the same time as Kinesiology taping, e.g. ice packs and non- steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Black Country Sports Massage specialises in Myofascial therapy the buzzword in sports therapy, in which has benefited not only sports professionals. Also people within your everyday society, helping to alleviate a whole multitude of postural problems and mental health problems.

Myofascial therapy relieves soft tissue restrictions that cause pain. Some causes of chronic myofascial pain or lower back pain are easier to diagnose than others: trauma (such as a car accident or fall), cumulative posture misalignment or mechanical deficits, a compressed nerve from a herniated disc or inflammatory conditions.

When pain is caused by myofascial tightness within the fascial system (the web of connective tissue that spreads throughout the body and surrounds every muscle, bone, nerve blood vessel, and organ to the cellular level) the diagnosis is more difficult, as fascia restrictions do not show up on MRI scans or X-rays. Yet, those restrictions can play a significant role in creating pain and malfunction in the structure of the spine, extremities and organs.

What is Myofascial Therapy?

Myofascial Therapy (also known as myofascial release therapy or myofascial trigger point therapy) is a type of safe, low load stretch that releases tightness and pain throughout the body caused by myofascial pain syndrome, which describes chronic muscle pain that is worse in certain areas known as trigger points. This article provides an overview of the treatment technique, including:

• What the myofascial system consists of
• Conditions and symptoms myofascial therapy can treat
• A description of the treatment and who typically provides it
• Results and outcomes of a course of myofascial therapy

What is Fascia?

Fascia is a three-dimensional web that permeates the whole body. The best way to envision the expanse of the fascial system is to think of it as a layer of connective tissue (similar to a tendon or ligament) that starts with the top layer directly below the skin, and extends to two deeper layers.

When the fascia is in its normal healthy state it is a relaxed and supple web – like the weave in a loose-knit sweater. When it is restricted, it is more rigid and less pliable, and can create pulls, tensions, and pressure as great as 2,000 pounds per square inch. The fascia is a continuous system, running from the bottom of the feet through the top of the head and has three layers:

•  Superficial fascia, which lies directly below the skin. It stores fat and water, allows nerves to run through it, and allows muscle to move the skin.
• Deep fascia, which surrounds and infuses with muscle, bone, nerves, and blood vessels to the cellular level.
• Deepest fascia, which sits within the dura of cranial sacral system.

Fascia restrictions can occur within any or all of the layers.

Benefits of Myofascial Release Massage therapy

Myofascial release can have the following benefits

• Reduce pain
• Release knots/trigger points
• Improve movement and flexibility
• Improve muscle function
• Enhance circulation by breaking up the tight areas where blood flow may become restricted
• Reduce exercise-related soreness

Myofascial Therapy Prices

£35 for 30 mins
£50 for 60 mins

What is pregnancy massage?

Pregnancy massage is a gentle and soothing massage designed to maintain the wellbeing of mother and child. Whilst pregnancy massage is very similar to traditional massage, the techniques adapted in pregnancy massage are softer and focus on relaxing the expectant mother, easing aches and pains, and relieving discomfort.

Pregnancy massage releases muscular tension of the upper back, shoulders, lower back and hips; it can help with varicose veins developing and sluggish bowel movement; it can encourage the release of oxytocin, a pain reducing hormone that provides pain relief during labour and birth.

Benefits of pregnancy massage can include

• Stimulating circulation
• Relief from joint pain and aching muscles
• A feeling of rejuvenation and boosting energy
• Reduction in stress and anxiety
• An increase in feel-good hormones
• Better sleep patterns
• Improved cardiovascular health

Is it safe to have a pregnancy massage?

Pregnancy massage is not suitable for all expectant mothers, and you must consult with your midwife before considering treatment. Your midwife might recommend the best type of pregnancy massage and a therapist suitable for your specific needs, indeed midwives and GPs may conduct background checks to ensure the therapist is trained, certified and licensed.

Massage and other therapies used during pregnancy must be a complementary therapy and are not an alternative to maternity care by health care professionals.

Unless massage is specified by a healthcare professional, pregnancy massage should not be used if the mother to be has been diagnosed with, or has a history of high-risk pregnancy, deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. Due to a greater natural risk of miscarriage during the first trimester of pregnancy massage is contraindicated in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.

Pregnancy massage is not suitable for women who are experiencing cramping, bleeding or abdominal or pelvic pain.

What to expect during a pregnancy massage?

Safety and comfort are crucial in a pregnancy massage treatment, therefore you may be asked a few questions about the type of massage you prefer. Generally, the most comfortable position for an expectant mother during a pregnancy massage is lying on one side.

Pregnancy Massage Prices

30 mins maintenance – £35
60 mins relaxing – £60
90 mins soft tissue (Including stretching) – £80
Pregnancy KT taping – £30

Organic essential oils can be used and applied in a safe manner during our sessions.