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| NeuroMusculare Taping |
| Taping NeuroMuscular (TNM) |
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| History of NeuroMusculare Taping (Medical Taping Concept) TNM |
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| The technique based on the body's own natural healing process. This taping concept is based on the activation of the body's neurological and circulatory systems. This concept has a foundation in the science of kinesiology. |
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| The technique was originally introduced in the late 1990´s from Japan to Europe and the United States in various sports was established. |
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| As with any novel technique, there has been a major evolution in the development of neuromuscular taping with a focus on professional use only in the areas of rehabilitation, post-operative care and in post-stroke recovery. The European focus on the technical exchange of neuromuscular applications between qualified healthcare professionals (physiotherapists, medical doctors and practitioners of Chinese medicine) is a distinctive difference between techniques taught in Japan and Korea. |
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| Some of the principal European practitioners responsible for these advances in neuromuscular technique are René Claassen in Belgium and Holland, Harry Pijnappel in Germany, Josya Sijmonsma in Holland, David Blow in Italy and Marc van Zuilen in Spain. |
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| Neuromuscular Taping is based on a decompression taping technique which facilitates natural neurofisiological processes. The TNM technique has been seen to be extremely effective in riahabilitation and TNM training courses are currently offered in the following areas: |
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# Sport
# Fisiotherapy
# Neurological
# Linfatics
# Occupational Therapy
# Medical
# Traumatology
# Acupuncture
# Podologia |
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| The underlying mechanisms of action of neuromuscular taping |
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| Muscles are not only responsible for governing the movements of the body but also control of both blood circulation and lymphatic function which in turn impact body temperature, pain etc. Therefore, the failure of the muscles to function properly induces various kinds of symptoms. |
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| Consequently, given the importance of the muscle function, if properly supported with neuromuscular taping, the muscles can activate the body's own healing process. This concept is not novel when one considers the substantial impact of acupuncture on meridian points, which can be compared to "trigger points” in physiotherapy. |
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| How are muscles generally damaged? |
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| Muscles constantly compressed (contracted) and decompressed (extended) within a normal range. However, when muscles "over-extend” and "over-contract”, such as weight-lifting and excessive amount of weight, muscles cannot recover and became inflamed. |
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| When a muscle is inflamed, swollen or stiff due to fatigue, the space between the skin and muscle is "compressed”, resulting in constriction to the flow of lymphatic fluid. This "compression” also applies pressure to the pain receptors beneath the skin, which in turn communicates "discomfort signals” to the brain. This type of pain is known as myalgia, or muscular pain. |
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Difference between neuromuscular taping
and conventional sports taping |
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| Conventional athletic tape, is designed to restrict the movement of effected muscles and joints. For this purpose, several layers of tape must be rolled around and/or over the afflicted area, applying significant pressure; resulting in the obstruction of the flow of bodily fluids. |
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| This is also the reason athletic tape is generally applied immediately before the sports activity, and removed immediately after the activity is finished. |
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| On the other hand,, neuromuscular tape is based on a different philosophy that aims to give free range of motion in order to allow the body's muscular system to heal itself bio-mechanically by allowing for the enhanced flow of both blood circulation and lymphatic flow. |
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| To ensure that the muscles have free range of motion, elastic tapes with an elasticity of 30-40% over its original length are recommended for neuromuscular tape. This specific elasticity also will not allow an over stretch of the muscles themselves. |
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| Four Major Functions of Neruomuscular Taping |
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| 1.- Supports Muscle Function: |
Improves muscle contraction in weakened muscles;
Reduces muscle fatigue;
Reduces over-extension and over-contraction of muscle;
Reduces muscle cramping;
Increases ROM (Range of Motion);
Relives pain.
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| 2.- Removes Congestion to the Flow of Body Fluids: |
Improves blood and lymphatic circulation;
Reduces excess heat and chemical substances in tissue;
Reduces inflammation;
Reduces abnormal feeling and pain in skin and muscles. |
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| 3. - Activates Endogenous Analgestic Systems: |
Possibly activates spinal inhibitory system;
Possibly activates descending inhibitory system. |
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| 4.- Corrects Joint Problems: |
Adjusts misalignment caused by spasm and shortened muscle;
Normalizes muscle tone and abnormality of fascia in joints;
Improves ROM;
Relives pain. |
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| How to Apply Neuromuscular Tape |
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| The elasticity of CureTape for this technique is between to 130-140% of its original length. |
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| Key issues: |
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| a) It is extremely important to estimate the difference between a 25% stretch versus a 50% stretch in the tape (based on a 140% elastic tape), since this slight difference can determine effective treatment of a patient. |
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| b) An important point to remember is that for a damaged muscle, the neuromuscular tape is applied UNSTRETCHED. In this case, we stretch the skin of the affected area before application of the tape. This is done by stretching the muscles and joints in the affected area. After application, the taped skin will form convolution when the skin and muscles contract back to their normal position. When the skin is lifted by this technique, the flow of blood and lymphatic fluid beneath the skin improves. |
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| c) On the other hand, if joints or ligaments are injured, the tape should be STRETCHED before application to the skin. The damaged joints or ligaments are incapable of functioning normally and rely on stretched tape for correction. It is also important to note that while depending on the injury, tape is either stretched or not stretched, this does not mean that the actual application technique will change. |
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| Taped area forms convolutions, then it increases the space between the skin and muscles, and promotes the flow of lymphatic fluid. |
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| Specific Tape Designs and their Applications |
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Neuromuscular tape can be cut and applied in many ways. Follows are three key manners:
a) as a single strip (I),
b) as an "X”
c) as an "Y”
The choice is based on the shape and size of the targeted muscle(s). |
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| Characteristics of Neuro Muscular Tape |
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| While there are a variety of neuro muscular tapes there are three key characteristics: |
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1) There should be no alcohol in the adhesive which could cause skin irritation.
2) The adhesive should be water-proof to allow for extended use (3 to 4 days) and still maintain daily routine ie. Bath and shower.
3) The pattern of the tape should be structured in a manner to allow for both blood circulation and lymphatic flow. |
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For additional information regarding training courses please contact:
Pure Health Ltd (Tel:+44-1582-485-209) |
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