Author Topic: Kinesiology Tape for shoulder - useful or just snake oil?  (Read 4101 times)

leecea

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Kinesiology Tape for shoulder - useful or just snake oil?
« on: June 19, 2016, 08:52:36 AM »
Googling doesn't find much proven support for the effectiveness of Kinesiology Tape, but athletes seem to like it.  Also, seems like you are supposed to keep it on for a while after the activity (one article mentioned at least 24 hrs).  Anyone tried it on a dodgy shoulder? 

nalu-sup

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Re: Kinesiology Tape for shoulder - useful or just snake oil?
« Reply #1 on: June 19, 2016, 01:06:54 PM »
My wife swears by it. She often has one thing or another taped up, including her shoulder for SUP surfing.
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TN_SUP

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Re: Kinesiology Tape for shoulder - useful or just snake oil?
« Reply #2 on: June 19, 2016, 02:26:46 PM »
Then there's the HOW to tape a shoulder. Thinking the pre made X shape tape on the back of the shoulders may work. I bought some but haven't figured it out. Will ask shoulder doc this week.
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TeachSB

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Re: Kinesiology Tape for shoulder - useful or just snake oil?
« Reply #3 on: June 19, 2016, 03:35:56 PM »
It's snake oil, but the thing about placebos is they work!  So you might see a benefit. I have taped occasionally and had a little benefit. That said, find the root of the problem and solve it. Don't just rely on tape.
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leecea

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Re: Kinesiology Tape for shoulder - useful or just snake oil?
« Reply #4 on: June 19, 2016, 04:39:02 PM »
Quote
...find the root of the problem and solve it. Don't just rely on tape.

Yes, I am going to do everything else I can too - I just wondered if that should be on the list, but maybe not. 

Night Wing

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Re: Kinesiology Tape for shoulder - useful or just snake oil?
« Reply #5 on: June 19, 2016, 06:21:30 PM »
I think it is "snake oil" too.
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pdxmike

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Re: Kinesiology Tape for shoulder - useful or just snake oil?
« Reply #6 on: June 19, 2016, 06:35:25 PM »
I know several triathletes that use it.  But I think the main reason is so people will see it and ask, "What's that tape on your calf/arm/thigh?"  Then they can say it's to help with an injury caused because they were training for or competed in a triathlon, because they do triathlons.  That's probably why it comes in bright, eye-catching colors.  It's like when my friend in high school jammed his finger on a basketball rim trying to dunk, and left the bandage on for weeks after it healed.

Ichabod Spoonbill

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Re: Kinesiology Tape for shoulder - useful or just snake oil?
« Reply #7 on: June 19, 2016, 07:12:22 PM »
My wife used it after a shoulder injury. She said it helped a lot. I got pretty good at taping her shoulder blade.


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TeachSB

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Re: Kinesiology Tape for shoulder - useful or just snake oil?
« Reply #8 on: June 19, 2016, 08:22:23 PM »
You should try it for sure! However, why not just use regular athletic tape?  It's the same except it isn't pre-cut, it's cheaper, and (if you're like me) it doesn't cause your skin to blister.
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leecea

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Re: Kinesiology Tape for shoulder - useful or just snake oil?
« Reply #9 on: June 19, 2016, 08:40:58 PM »
I thought the point was that it stretched? 

Unfortunately I'm laid up with a foot injury at the moment anyway, but I'll keep looking into it for when I can get back out.

hefwiezen16

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Re: Kinesiology Tape for shoulder - useful or just snake oil?
« Reply #10 on: June 22, 2016, 03:03:19 AM »
I've got a suspected torn labrum.  The tape works for me.

moonsup

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Re: Kinesiology Tape for shoulder - useful or just snake oil?
« Reply #11 on: June 22, 2016, 06:28:40 AM »
I'm almost always in a state of shoulder overuse. I 've found it certainly aids in recovery as much as post workout icing, electric stimultion, etc... I'll leave it on for a few days or as soon as it start to get stuck on my sleeves. Its easy to apply. You might meed to shave up a little.  I'm partial to the KT brand. It seems to stick the best. KT has a bunch of "how to apply" videos on youtube which simplifies the process.

SlatchJim

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Re: Kinesiology Tape for shoulder - useful or just snake oil?
« Reply #12 on: June 22, 2016, 07:57:33 AM »

 


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