Taping (Farncine or anyone with info)

[Cara]

We were suggested to start taping to decrease winging (Sorry I am dog tired and can't remeber the term starts with a K) They said to consult our local therapist, well long story but we are between PT's and when we do get going agian it looks like we are going from 2 times a week down to once a month if we are lucky. Francine, I was thinking there was a spot on your site that had some info about it, but can't seem to find it tonight. Also anyone else out there that is doing it, is it working? How hard is it to do? How often are you doing it? Thaks!

[francine]

http://www.injurednewborn.com/maia/splints.html

there is a picture of one sweety showing her tapes and there is the link to the kinesiotaping site

good luck...

francine

ps - I had read on here in posts that milk of magnesia put on the skin first helps the skin from getting too ripped up by the tape.

[Jallie]

Cara, My daughter's OT and I just recently attended a workshop at TCH and the second day was a hands on session, including taping protocol. There are a couple of ladies that put on specific workshops just for taping and I am racking my brain to remember their names. I am sure the OT's at TCH would have their information. Also there are a lot of different types of tape to use. We first used one here, by a local PT (for adults) and tape removal was horrible. The tape used at the workshop was pretty awesome. I put it on me and it was lifting right off, but did pull on Emily a little on her chest area (we are going to try the milk of magnisia next). We used the taping technique for her winging and shoulder area and then also on her fingers, thumb and wrist for extenstion. I was really impressed with the improved range she got from her hand. I will be talking to her OT today or tomorrow and I can find out the names of the tape we have been using or I am sure TCH would also have that info. My advise is when looking for a PT or OT to do taping on your child, search for someone with pediatric experience. Our first experience with a PT dealing with adults was horrible. Best of Luck.

Julie Wolfgram

[Lisa D]

We started with kinesio taping on my daughter to help get her movement going, but for stabilizing the scapula for the winging problem we use Leuko tape. This tape is very different in its purpose than Kinesio tape. My simple understanding is that Kinesio tape helps guide the muscles into place and is meant to move and be flexible. Leuko tape does not move, and holds whatever it is taped to in the same exact place, allowing the muscles that support the scapula to start strengthing so that they can hold the scapula in place on their own. The OT applies the Leuko tape once a week, and she's been showing me how to do it so that I can do it one other time during the week. I've only done it on my own about 3 times - and it is really hard to get the hang of. You apply it once you've stablized the scapula in the proper position. I have a tough time keeping my daughter still enough to stabilize the scapula and then actually apply the very sticky tape - which usually sticks to itself at least once while I'm trying to apply it.

I'm the one that's been using milk of magnesia before we apply the tape - and it really works wonders!

Good luck

[Lisa D]

Oops, I forgot to add that we've seen a tremendous improvement in the winging since we started using the Leuko tape.

[admin]

Lisa,

I have been using Kenesio taping for my son's scapular winging, haven't seen major improvement.

What is Leoko Tape? Where will I get it?

Trouble is therapist in our area do not know anything about this.

Jenny

[Lisa D]

I'll ask the OT where she gets the tape next Wednesday and will send another reply then. If you don't hear from me by Friday, I've most likely forgotten to post so feel free to email me a reminder.

[Primrose]

It is my understanding that ridged taping is better for winging. Kineseo tape is very strecthy and flexable and used more to increase range. We used Kineseo taping on Atticus for a few months and saw a very noticeable improvement in his range and function. He did not however have much problem with winging. If winging is your primary concern, I would suggest the therapist check out ridged taping instead of kineseo. I assume it the Lu what they said tape. I have a horrible memory these days.
Pam

[admin]

I found information on the Leuko tape on the website.
Will discuss this with our OT. My son has really bad scapular winging problem, it makes his shoulder dropped down some.

Thanks all for the information.

Jenny

[admin]

hi, I'm an OT, but I also have my own baby w/ BPI. I recently went to a kinesiotaping course - I haven't tried it for winging yet but they did teach us a technique for that. You can put the tape on full stretch to make it act like a rigid tape or you can leave some flex in the tape for assisting muscles, etc. Try going to the website francine mentioned - www.kinesiotaping.com - they have a list of instructors and also keep a database of certified practitioners, maybe you can e-mail them to find someone in your area.

Once you get started, have your therapist show you and take pictures to remember the location of the tape. They said that the tape usually loses its elasticity after 3-4 days, but some people have left it on for 2 wks (can bathe and pat dry), so its something you can leave on for awhile and not have to redo every day - depending on how often therapy sessions are, you could let the therapist do the retaping when you see them.