Kinesiology Tape Tips for Chronic Pain & Joint Instability

I did not really know much about kinesiology tape until a couple of years ago. I was introduced to it as a means of managing pain and instability. Being the born skeptic that I am, I could not imagine tape would be that helpful, but was also willing to try. I could not believe how much it helped! There is no evidence supporting tape for treating pain or injuries. There is little information on why it works. The best I have been able to understand is that tape provides direct stimulus to the skin, which aids in cuing proper muscle use, and provides proprioceptive feedback. Regardless of the science, or lack thereof, tape remains in my tool box of options for managing pain.

Although tape works well for me, I did encounter drawbacks. These presented in the form of my known sensitive skin that tends to react to many adhesives. Through trial and error, we discovered that my skin tolerates RockTape brand tape better than KT tape brand. I am not trying to promote one brand over another, simply sharing what I have found in my experience. Once RockTape seemed to work well, I saw no need to keep trying other brands. Additionally, Cavilon skin barrier film (as wipes, swabs, etc.), helps protect my skin if we apply that first, allow it to dry, then apply tape over the top. The tape still adheres well, but the skin has a layer of protection between it and tape adhesive.

I soon found that kinesiology tape stays on well, even through showers, working out, and swimming. Because I am a swimmer, my favorite tape has been RockTape H2O as it stays on even better in water. Before my shoulder surgery, my shoulder was taped most of the time. I have gone as long as a week before removing it. However, my skin was not happy. The allergist who manages MCAS (mast cell activation syndrome), suggested a maximum of three days of tape, then give my skin a full day to breathe before being taped again. He also prescribed a steroid ointment to help calm tape induced rashes. This has helped keep reactions minimal and manageable. 

I learned that Cavilon makes a lotion as well, that the lotion costs less, but also that it is easier to have issues with tape sticking as well with the lotion than the film. I also learned that tape works very well for a total sunblock over surgery scars to protect them from sun exposure. I used to use waterproof bandages, but tape is easier, and with healed incision scars, it does not matter if waterproof or not.

More recently, we have experimented some with leukotape. This tape lacks the stretch that kinesiology tape has. It is also a harsher tape, and needs to be placed over the top of another tape, called cover roll. It did not take me long to realize that this taping technique worked well because of how firm the support was, as well as my skin tolerating cover roll better than any of the other tapes!

My latest discovery is something called Thrive Tape. I was introduced to this first in a Facebook support group for EDS (Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome). I then received an email about it from the Ehlers Danlos Society. My curiosity was piqued, but I was skeptical as usual. I knew tape worked, but why was this tape so special? They advertised using far infrared technology in kinesiology tape. I have asked about this, still do not fully understand. The best explanation thus far, is there is a chemical reaction with skin. I was also told it was designed with fragile EDS skin and reactive MCAS skin in mind! I had the opportunity to actually try Thrive tape for myself when I attended an EDS conference. Understatement--I am really impressed! Even knowing that kinesiology tape helped, I was not prepared for how much this tape helps. We applied it without any barrier film or lotion. My skin never got itchy under the tape as it does with other tapes. When I finally removed the tape after 5 days, yes pushing limits to give a test, my skin was fine! It was not red and irritated! That five days included showers, working out, a couple of swimming days. It stuck as well, or better, than other tapes, was easier on my skin, and was more effective. I definitely noticed when I removed the tape. Oh my. Sometimes there is gradual improvement with tape, but more noticeable and rapid return of pain after removal of tape. Additionally, this tape has instructions for taping for different issues, but also states that if unable to tape properly, simply place tape over painful areas. I have tried taping myself some, and am not as capable of taping correctly, but the tape is still helping! I have been following a three days on, one day break pattern with Thrive tape since the conference, as I received a free roll of tape. I use. I am officially sold on its worth. The next challenge, is balancing its cost, as it does cost more. 

For those interested in taping, I found it helpful for physical therapist or chiropractor to tape me. We started with only very small area, and only left a day or two at most. As we learned what my skin would, and would not, tolerate, we tried other areas. There are videos and instructions on taping. However, my providers used variations specific to me. Some areas of my body I can tape myself--knees, for example. Others, I cannot, or not very well. My shoulder is impossible to do myself. Taping my own back is possible, but challenging, as it is difficult to get tape truly in most effective placement. 

Again, these are only my experiences. I am not receiving anything from any of the companies mentioned. I am not trying to promote one brand over another, simply sharing what works for me and my skin and body. The point of sharing that different brands affect me differently, is that if one brand does not work, it is worth trying another. I have heard others who do better with KT tape than with RockTape. It is individual. I am sharing what I have found helpful over the past couple of years. 

More Links
RockTape
RockTape H2O
KT Tape
Cavilon swabs
Cavilon wipes
Cavilon lotion
Leukotape
Cover roll
Thrive Tape
Copyright © 2019 by Chronic Wholeness. All rights reserved.

Tips for Swimming with an Ostomy

I normally try to write posts in an order of sorts, but right now, am choosing to right on what it is easiest. For now, this is practical tips from real life, rather than in-depth information on conditions.

I wrote about unplanned, emergency surgery, but no details regarding what those surgeries actually were. This blog is anonymous on purpose to allow me to write about topics that can be uncomfortable to talk about. However, even with anonymity, I find it hard to write about some things. The first GI surgery was repairing complete rectal prolapse thanks to tissue laxity from Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. I am planning to write more about this in the future. The second surgery was addressing bowel perforation, and cleaning things up, resulted in a temporary colostomy to allow my GI tract to rest and heal. It was a rough recovery in ICU as I was already malnourished from first GI surgery complications—difficulty advancing ability to eat. I also do not like surprises. I like to know what I am in for. I research things, plan ahead the best I can. I go into every procedure hoping for the best but preparing for the worst. However, no one, myself, surgeon, etc. saw this scenario coming. I work to accept what life throws at me. But, I am struggling to accept the colostomy. I did not ask for it, I do not want it, it is one more set of tasks I have to take care of. But, it saved my life. I am choosing to be grateful for it, am choosing to accept it for now, but most likely will be reversing it once recovered enough to be able.

One of my major concerns when I discovered I had a colostomy, was how it would affect swimming, pool therapy. I asked the ostomy nurse and my surgeon about this while still in the ICU, even though I knew I was nowhere near being able to consider getting into a pool. I couldn’t walk very far and was slow, was not allowed out of bed without aid because of IVs and other lines. But, swimming was so important, that it was a burning question. Both assured me swimming is very doable and surgeon told me stories of various athletes with ostomies.

Being new to the colostomy, afraid of leaks or issues, I was really nervous with first attempt once surgeon cleared me for pool about a month post op. Because I was still weak, deconditioned from lengthy hospital stay, malnutrition after surgeries, first pool trip was short and sweet. I taped the wafer down with kinesiology tape as that was what I had on hand, knew from taping joints that kinesiology tape stays on in the pool. I also wore a mild compression tank top to help hold appliance securely in place, then regular swimsuit over top, except so swollen still through abdomen, I wore an older, sort of stretched out suit. Things went well. Appliance stayed put, tape stayed on, no issues. As I slowly got stronger, pool sessions slowly got longer. I also experimented with other things. Online support groups are amazing! I asked for advice from others with ostomies who swam. I was given numerous ideas of things to try. Ostomy nurse suggested contacting companies, asking about free samples to try before ordering something that might end up not working. I did so. I tried barrier extenders and learned that when exposed to water, these swell, get gummy, sticky, messy, and allow water to reach wafer. They also pull up the wafer when removing the gooey strips. I used Hy Tape, which sounded amazing. It is waterproof, designed for sensitive skin, is latex-free, etc. That was my most disappointing experiment as it was the one I most expected to help. The tape did not stay stuck, allowed water under wafer, etc. I am only 12 weeks post op, so only been swimming several weeks, but have already figured out that the appliance stays in place fine without any additional strategies. Tape is not needed, tank top not needed, belt not needed, special swim suit not needed. I do my normal appliance routine, wear my regular one piece swimsuit that I have used for years (keep replacing as they wear out with the same thing). If I am nearing change day for the appliance, then I will sometimes tape it down with kinesiology tape and/or wear the simple little belt that clips onto the ostomy bag. I am back up to 2-hour sessions at a time in the pool with a mix of lap swimming, pool walking, and physical therapy exercises in the pool. All going well. As I become aware of other possible aids, I may try them, but for now, I have a system that works for me. I am so grateful to be back to swimming, even with an ostomy. When I was assured in ICU that swimming was possible, I envisioned it being a huge ordeal, taking months to be able to get to that point. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that no, or very little, additional steps need to be taken to be able to be in the pool with an ostomy. I was also grateful to discover the time frame was based on recovery from surgery, incision closure, similar to other surgeries. The ostomy itself had no bearing. My body thrives in water, so being able to be back in the pool has aided recovery and rehab from surgeries. This is one more hurdle behind me on the road to recovery.  

Copyright © 2019 by Chronic Wholeness. All rights reserved.