Your physical and/or occupational therapist may use therapeutic taping (Kinesio Tape) as a supplement to your child's therapy as a means of promoting better alignment of your child's body so that he or she can move/function better or more easily. You may be used to seeing Kinesio Tape used with athletes in various sporting events, but Kinesio Tape is also beneficial for some young children to help supplement their therapy plans. It can be used for a variety of reasons, such as aligning a child's body in a proper position, cuing your child's muscles to maintain a better position or serving as a reminder to your child to maintain optimal positioning. It can also provide your child with more body awareness to a specific area and reduce pain and inflammation. It can be used on a child's neck, back, shoulders, knees, arms/hands (info from TEIS workshop).

Kinesio Tape has 140% elasticity matching that of the skin, giving non-restricted support that allows muscles to perform a full range of motion, easily and comfortably. A 4+ day wearing period avoids the hassle of applying and removing tape every few hours. The Kinesio Taping Method structurally lifts the skin and allows the flow of body fluids under the application area, reducing edema, inflammation, and discomfort. Kinesio Tape has a 100% high grade cotton patented design that enhances comfort and channels out air, sweat, and water to enhance skin breathing. Kinesio Tape is also durable and latex free. (info from http://www.kinesiotape.ca/).

Discuss with your child's therapist the specific reasons why they are suggesting Kinesio Tape be tried as part of the therapy process. Remember that results do not occur immediately, and it may take several months of regular tape wearing to see changes or improvements in your child. How long your child will need to use the tape will depend on how your child's body responds. Not all children will benefit from or show improvement by using Kinesio Tape. Since the use of this tape is relatively new with pediatric populations, ongoing research is taking place. A 2006 study in the American Journal of Occupational Therapy found a statistical significance with improvement from pre to post-taping for improvement in upper extremity control in pediatric patients in a rehabilitation setting. However, they cautioned that more research must be completed to judge if the effects of taping are lasting once taping is stopped.

You Tube video featuring therapeutic taping.

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