Kinesio tape-What are those strips of tape all the athletes are wearing?

Those black strips on players' bodies?

It's Kinesio tape -- the latest cure for aches and pains


By: Chris Forsberg

Kinesio tape in NYCThe strips of black tape peeking out from the uniforms of Celtics stars Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen look more decorative than medical. But if you haven't been introduced to Kinesio tape before, get used to seeing it around professional sports.

"I actually have it on my back," said Celtics coach Doc Rivers. "I don't know what the hell it does, but it makes me feel better. It's not just the tape, they put it on certain muscles. … Maybe it's mental. Just like this [magnetic bracelet] here. A lot of teams are doing it. … I know Kevin loves it; J.R. [Giddens] does it."

Kinesio, also known as elastic therapeutic tape, was invented by a Japanese chiropractor. The tape is typically made from cotton strips with an acrylic adhesive. When applied, it is supposed to simulate the quality of human skin.

The tape gained mainstream attention at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Summer Games, where American beach volleyball standout Kerri Walsh wore it on her right shoulder while competing after rotator cuff surgery.

Some wondered if Walsh was covering up a tattoo or adding some sort of flare to the typically bland volleyball uniforms. Turns out she was utilizing some of the 50,000 rolls of tape donated by Kinesio USA.

The tape also received national attention during the 2009 NCAA tournament when UConn's Hasheem Thabeet wore it on his left shoulder.

The tape is gaining support from the medical community, including the Celtics' training staff.

"[Head trainer] Eddie [Lacerte] would say it's not [mental], and Eddie's not a voodoo guy," said Rivers. "Eddie had to take a class for it this summer. Half the trainers in the league took the same class. It's amazing what it does."

But, as Rivers is fond of noting, "Doc" is just his nickname. Don't ask him to explain the tape or how it works.

"It stretches the -- I don't know what the hell it does," Rivers said with a smile. "I just use it because my back has been hurting."
Kinesio tape in NYC Dr. Steven Shoshany Certified kinesio taping practioner
www.drshoshany.com
The NYC marathon is coming up,Lance armstrong used it for shin splints.
This stuff works great!!

Graston technique for plantar fasciitis

Plantar fascitiis as seen on NYC Eyewitness News
This post has nothing to do with spinal decompression or back pain, but I wanted to post it here.
We have had such tremendous success with plantar fascitiis in our NYC practice,

NEW YORK (WABC) -- There is a way to get rid of pain without surgery or medication. The technique uses steel tools to loosen tissue, and it's been very successful.
Seven's On call with Dr. Jay Adlersberg.

It's a technique that has been patented and is used only by trained chiropractors and sports trainers. It involves specific tools, and it's a method that can relive some painful conditions. "I woke up one morning and could not put my foot down," she said.
She had plantar fasciitis, painful swelling of the tissue under the heel.
Sharon got no relief from anti-inflammatory injections.
"It just came back again," she said.
However, she did get relief from a treatment called the Graston Technique. Physical therapist Jamie Howard became a believer after nothing helped a nagging muscle injury.
"It was the only thing that would work out the tightness in my leg," she said.
When muscles, tendons or ligaments are injured, they can heal haphazardly, with random scar tissue forming. The area can be tight and painful.
The Graston Technique breaks up those fibers and smoothes the tissue underneath. Even though the stainless steel tools look more like torture devices, Howard says they are essential in finding and loosening scar tissue.
"You can feel things you just can't with your hands," she said.
There are different tools for different body parts.
There is one for the back or neck. There is another for carpal tunnel syndrome and trigger finger, or tendonitis of the thumb. The Graston Technique has become a staple for professional sports trainers. The Philadephia Flyers, Sixers and Eagles use it extensively.
Dr. Richard Goldberg, a rehabilitation specialist, has seen good results with his patients.
"I don't think there's much of a downside to the Graston Technique," he said.
Patients usually receive two treatments per week, for four to six weeks. On average, improvement comes after the third or fourth treatment. The technique developers say it's successful 60 to 90 percent of the time.
www.livingwellnewyork.com
We utulize the Graston technique in conjunction with Kinesio taping and cold laser therapy in our NYC practice. To learn more about our NYC practice visit us online www.livingwellnewyork.com