I am excited to see more
and more SLP’s becoming Kinesio Taping® practitioners!
In 2013 I was asked to
provide dysphagia therapy to a 13-year old boy with a medical diagnosis of
Cerebral Palsy. He enjoyed eating, but required many modifications, i.e., mechanically
soft diet supplemented with honey thick liquids, for safety. He received
hydration and supplemental feedings through a G-tube. He was recommended not to have thin water for oral hydration or sampling. He was a wonderful candidate
for NMES (neuromuscular electrical stimulation) however, NMES was judged to be of
limited benefit. He presented with global low tone and postural malalignments
as secondary effects associated with his medical diagnosis. In essence, this
level of therapy could improve areas above the neck, but very little below the
neck. And everything below the neck matters! Swallowing is described as a “pressure
driven system”. Think of a sink and water trying to get down. You need an
interplay of positive and negative pressure to quickly project something forward
and to forcefully suction it down. In this person’s case, both pressure systems
(above and below the neck) appeared to be functioning ineffectively and inefficiently.
At that same
time, I had an SLP colleague and friend who informed me how Kinesio® Tape had helped her planter
fasciitis during a recent race. After some research on the coursework, I felt
there was something to be gained with learning more about the Kinesio Taping®
Method.
This was the first time participating in an
interdisciplinary seminar series where I was not the clinical expert. This
course educated me on whole body anatomy. I learned the Kinesio Taping® Method orthopedic/musculoskeletal
perspective. Although professionally my focus is more neuromusculoskeletal, I
was able to apply the clinical concepts and taping applications to his specific
needs.
I used a combination of Kinesio Tape® applications and NMES for a period
of six (6) weeks. He received a follow-up modified barium swallow study. I was present and anxious to hear the results! The study
cleared him for an upgraded change in textures of solids and liquids. His words
to me were, “Now I can drink out of a juice box just like everyone else”. On the way out, he took a sip from a water fountain. I
literally cried all the way home!!!
Well, so much has changed for me these last five (5)
years as a Kinesio Taping® Practitioner. I have learned the intricate relationship
between the physiologic
systems of “skin”, “nervous system”, “fascia”, and “circulation”. I have learned skin to be “the outer brain”. I have learned
manual techniques using tape cuts, placement strategies, and use of tension to
encourage improvement of underlying factors that affect neuromusculoskeletal
conditions associated with dysphagia and “the periphery”. In 2014 I became a Certified Kinesio Taping® Instructor and currently teach the standardize Kinesio Taping®
curriculum to interdisciplinary participants.
(Click here for a list of
upcoming Kinesio Taping® seminars that I will be instructing: http://sseminars.logopediaspeechtherapy.com/)
(Me
with the incredible Dr. Kenzo Kase, mentor and inventor of the Kinesio
Taping® Method)
It may sound a bit odd for an SLP to instruct to
professionals more versed in orthopedic areas, however, it has been a refreshing
experience! Although clinicians specialize in different areas and practice under
separate constructs, collectively we were all parents, siblings, friends, and
family members with a person affected by a neurological condition. I am happy to provide a
different perspective and use of Kinesio Tape® that is relevant and applicable to the head/neck and peripheral regions! (See list below for literature and references on using elastic therapeutic tape for head/neck regions)
I look forward to sharing more of my experiences using Kinesio
Tape® in future
blogs!
Best, J
Disclaimers: Information presented in this blog
is designed to promote ideas and stimulate discussion. The goal of this blog is
to provide a safe and friendly place to share stories or experiences, build an
understanding of various teaching and treatment styles, and to network with
each other. The author(s) of this blog do not dispense medical advice nor
prescribe the use of information as a form of treatment for medical problems
with or without the advice of a physician. Clinicians are recommended to
receive proper training and certification as governed by their professional
association. The intent of the author(s) is only to offer information of a
general nature. The author(s) assume no responsibility for your actions,
assessment, nor interpretations. No one associated with this blog will have
liability for loss, damage, or injury resulting from the use of any information
found on this or any page of this site.
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