Bandages are one of a physiotherapist’s many tools. Maybe you’ve seen colored stripes taped to an athlete’s shoulders, knees or back. But wraps aren’t just for athletes. According to Gerry Ross , physical therapist at CBI Health – Georgetown , “Bandages are fantastic for helping people get back to exercising. But also to help them return to work in comfort. They can help a farmer sitting in his tractor as much as a clerk standing all day. see now instagram»
Types of adhesive bandages: athletic and kinesiology
A physical therapist may use different types of tapes and application techniques depending on the injury, says Ross. “Athletic wraps are thin, sticky and quite stiff. They serve to limit movement. To protect a recently bruised joint, the tape must fit into a tight space, such as under equipment or in a shoe. »
“Kinesiology tape, on the other hand, is very elastic. It helps people become aware of the way they move, without hindering their movement. »
What are the benefits of therapeutic adhesive bandages?
According to Mr. Ross, these bandages primarily serve three purposes.
- “Compression of a joint relieves inflammation. »
- Restrict the movement of a joint. “The tape can limit the range of motion of a joint. This facilitates healing and prevents further injury. »
- Become aware of the posture. “Sometimes, by dint of staying in the same posture for a long time, we forget it. For example, people who work at computers tend to arch their backs. As this curve sets in gradually, it may take weeks or months before you feel pain. We can also believe that a bent posture is normal. But actually, it’s not good for our spine or the tissues around it. An adhesive bandage can help you notice that you are losing your good posture. »
- Ross says we move the bandages as we heal.
What parts of the body can benefit from a bandage?
According to Mr. Ross, bandages are applied to many parts of the body: back, calves, knees, elbows, wrists, etc. At his clinic, he mainly uses it for the spine, shoulders and shoulder blades.
“About 75% of my patients come to me for something other than sports injuries,” he reports. “The common thread that I notice is that they don’t move enough in general. When we don’t move enough, our muscles can’t play their role well. We need to activate our muscles for our joints and our body to work well. »
- Ross notes that adhesive bandages are a temporary solution to help people build healthy habits. “Suppose I work sitting at a desk most of the day. I would probably feel the ribbons pulling around 2 p.m. I would know then that even without ribbons, I have to get up and move around that time. »
He maintains that this awareness can help people find other strategies to move more on a daily basis. For example, putting their glass of water ten paces away and going out for a walk at dinner time.
“As a physiotherapist, I want to help people understand their bodies better. To better understand the importance of staying active. Everyone can improve their health and well-being with a fitness program. »
Need a physiotherapist near you? With Lumino Health , request an appointment today.
Written in collaboration with Gerry Ross, physiotherapist.
