Clean Run - December 2020 - 27

By talking to a veterinary health professional, you can easily add this colorful and easy to use
modality into any recovery or sports maintenance program.

In addition to its use in the
recovery of injuries like strains
and sprains, Kinesiology tape
is also indicated for post-operative care. It is helpful around
the incision sites, scars, bruises,
and ongoing support for joints
during exercise and recovery.
The tape is cut into various patterns that are used to support
muscles and joints, reduce pain,
stimulate proprioception, or
increase lymphatic blood flow
depending on the application
and precise amount of stretch
for the specific purpose. One
taping application may employ
no stretch at all where another
requires it.
Four common types of tape
strips used include the " I " strip,
the " X " strip, the " Y " strip, and
the fan strip. Y, X, and I strips
are used in support taping,
pain reduction taping, and
proprioception taping. The fan
strip, however, is used only for
reducing inflammation and improving circulation. There are some contraindications to
using Kinesiology tape, though. For example, if your pet
has an infection, open wounds, cancer, advanced kidney
disease, congestive heart failure, or deep vein thrombosis, you should not use Kinesiology tape. Kinesiology tape
may be used to assist with fractures, surgical wounds, and
neurological conditions; however, it should be used with
great caution.
Every application has a specific purpose, and a veterinarian should always be consulted before use. Some examples of typical tape applications follow.
Pain reduction taping: This taping should be used on
dogs experiencing pain due to soft tissue injury. They have
a manual effect on the skin and surrounding tissues that
help to decrease pain and inflammation. Usually, these
taping consists of at least two pieces of tape. They can be
applied for shoulder, neck, back, and hind end pain.

Inflammation reduction taping: Inflammation reduction
taping improves blood flow and
circulation of lymphatic fluid.
Two tape pieces are cut into
a fan shape with a minimum
of three strips extending from
the base. These pieces of tape
are then crisscrossed into a fan
shape. This inflammation reduction taping should be reapplied
every 24 hours until the swelling has improved. The finger
productions are also applied
with no stretch. This is a common taping use postoperatively
for contusions and swelling
from injury.
Support taping: Support taping protocols usually involve
a 50% stretch to the tape to
provide mechanical support
to the area. They often include
multiple pieces of tape and
can be used for knee support,
back support, and hind end
muscle support.
Proprioception taping: If a dog has no known conditions
but you would like to improve body awareness, then proprioception taping is a great option. This protocol can be
helpful for athletes in decreasing chances of injury during
training and performance. Proprioception taping involves
multiple strips of tape cut into the " Y " pattern and " I " pattern. The tape extends down the neck, over the back, hind
end as well over the front side of each limb.
The most common taping applications used for dogs in
sports include techniques for joint and muscle support
and proprioception. Veterinary professionals and rehabilitative therapists are now offering Kinesiology tape
applications. Some various applications and uses can
be incredibly beneficial to animals in sports. I have only
named a few.
By talking to a veterinary health professional, you can
easily add this colorful and easy to use modality into any
recovery or sports maintenance program. D

Lisa Vettoretti RVT CCMT is an RVT in Cambridge, Ontario, Canada. She is certified in Canine Massage and Kinesiology Taping. Lisa has two dogs and lives near
Guelph, Ontario. Throughout her career as an RVT, She has been enjoying learning methods in hands-on rehab and wellness modalities.
December 20 | Clean Run

Clean Run - December 2020

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