Q: Will taping make my body create a false stability?”
A: This is the most common concern I hear.
When considering a treatment plan for patients, I’m constantly considering short and long term outcomes.
For example, if someone is in chronic pain because of instability, and I think taping can help, the priority is to lessen the pain response at all costs.
Pain is damaging to the body as a whole. It causes nervous system sensitization and becomes the all-encompassing focus of a person’s life.
A short term “false stability” like taping, is a worthwhile potential side effect. I say “potential” side effect, because the likelihood that taping would cause long term damage is minimal. In most cases, stability can be fixed through exercises once the pain is diminished.
Taping can fortify and protect joints. It acts as support for ligaments and tendons. When we offer this extra support and stability through taping, the brains can relax, and therefore, lessen its pain response stimuli.
When I was working with hockey athletes, I would not be in clinic without taping as a tool in my toolbox. I’ve seen short and long term benefits.
If someone has a chronic ligament tear, for example, they will likely need long term taping strategies. Muscles can help stabilize a joint, but if a ligament is damaged, the body is going to need extra support. This is where taping is crucial.
To summarize, in my professional opinion – taping can be an extremely useful tool, with very minimal long term risk.
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For more info on how Athletic Taping, Acupuncture, and Osteopathy can benefit your health, you can book a free consult with Monica Ander in Nelson, BC by clicking here
Osteopathy and Acupuncture by Monica Ander in Nelson BC 