Jessica Fortune, SPT
What Is RockTape?
RockTape is a type of kinesiology tape that serves various purposes. When using RockTape for physical therapy, if it is applied with the correct technique and tension, RockTape claims that the decompression of tissues can serve 3 main purposes:
1. Fluid effect: Improve blood and lymphatic flow in the targeted area
This means that when applied appropriately, RockTape can help to reduce inflammation and bruising, which oftentimes speeds up the healing process. It can also help to decrease muscle fatigue by drawing more blood and oxygen to the area.
2. Mechanical effect: Improve the movement between tissue layers
One mechanical benefit of RockTape is that it allows for functional support to anatomical structures while still allowing for full range of motion. By altering the direction and stretch of which the tape is applied, you can inhibit or stimulate certain muscles. This can help to support or re-educate weak zones like in patellofemoral stress syndrome, IT band friction syndrome, achilles tendonitis, and much more.
3. Neurological effect: Improves perception of pain and body awareness
RockTape assists in decreasing pain by providing alternate stimulation to the nerves that get information from the skin. By specifically applying tape to a painful joint or muscle, it can help to distract the brain from pain signals (similar to when you rub your shin after hitting it off the corner of your coffee table). Additionally, RockTape can affect body awareness and improve poor posture. The stretch of the tape on appropriate structures can serve as a reminder to it’s individual that can eventually become a habit.
RockTape can stretch to up to 180% of its original length in order to provide the above effects, and can be worn for up to 5 days, even while swimming or in the shower. Although RockTape is just one brand of kinesiology tape, it is what the Physical Therapists at Capital Area PT use to supplement their treatment plans.
Combining Treatment & RockTape for Physical Therapy
RockTape should be used in conjunction with physical therapy, rather than as the sole treatment. Although it can offer many benefits, research suggests that its effects are best exerted along with regular exercise and subsequent manual therapy. While the tape may supply some short term healing effects and/or decrease pain, a physical therapist can educate you on how to keep your body and movement system healthy long term using different exercises, correcting movement and form, and providing individualized patient care.
Limited research is available on the efficacy of kinesiology tape and it is not recommended for everyone. Ask your PT if RockTape would benefit you.
Contact Capital Area PT at 518-289-5242 for more information on how RockTape kinesiology tape may be part of an overall treatment approach utilizing different types of therapeutic taping techniques.
