KT Tape Pro doesn’t stop working. Not even when you do. It is engineered to perform in the harshest environments. It has the tenacity to last for an entire week, through multiple runs, daily showers, in humidity, cold, or in the pool. It features a patented SecondSkin adhesive that will go as long as you do, and—no offense—probably longer. But how does it perform in water?

Dr. Narson, a 2-term past president of the Florida Chiropractic Associations’s Council on Sports Injuries, Physical Fitness & Rehabilitation and Chiropractic Sports Physician of the Year in 1999-2000, recently tested KT Tape Pro in the pool. Here is his report:

So, we’ve all seen the Olympic beach volleyball players wearing that funky looking colorful tape on their shoulders and knees. You’ve probably seen it at local triathlons, marathons and other sporting events as well.

There are several companies out there but one in particular is making a special synthetic tape with a waterproof adhesive. KT Tape’s KT Tape Pro has the same elasticity as the original tape but puts it on a more tough synthetic material and keeps it in place with a heat sensitive waterproof adhesive.

Many athletes use this tape to help in the correction of postural dysfunction, to aid the healing of an injury or to give a particular motion some extra assistance (physically and proprioceptively). The problem has always been, when the athlete starts sweating, the tape begins to lose its stickiness and peel off. So, I put this to the test.

I had the KT Tape applied to my shoulder on Saturday. The any hair was shaved and the skin was cleaned with rubbing alcohol. The tape was applied to help stabilize my right scapula (which is winged) and help assist the deltoids in abduction because they’ve really been working overtime in dealing with the winged scapula.

Anyway, since I had the tape put on, I had taken several showers, ran a 5k, went on a rowing machine (aka: Erg) and rowed 10,000 meters, took a long hot bath after rowing and then, on the 4th day, did a 1-mile swim test.  As you can see from the video below, the tape held up very well. So if you are in the market for some good kinesiology tape, you can’t beat the KT Tape Pro. It comes in rolls of pre-cut 10″ strips and in a variety of really cool colors & black. For clinicians, it comes in a large uncut clinic roll that allows you to cut the lengths you need.  KT Tape also has a cool desktop display dispensor for your office.

Check out the video of my 1-mile swim test. As I write this, I’ve also done another 10k run and showered twice more. It’s still sticking and still has retained its resiliency and function.

1-Mile Swim Test of KT Tape Pro

KT Tape Applied Saturday

After…

4 Showers
1 Hot Shower
Running a 5K
Rowing 10,000 meters on an Erg 
Swimming 1.4 miles &
another shower when I got home…
The KT Tape is still on, holding well and still has its original resilience.  The Swim was Tuesday.

So if you’re looking for some extra support for your posture or need to correct some performance dysfunction or simply want to give your muscle and tendons some assistance through a particular movement – then KT Tape Pro is for you. It’s a great quality product, reasonably priced and best of all, it looks really cool too!

On their web site you’ll even find instructional videos for applying the tape for basic problems. Anything more complex and you’ll want to consult with someone like me.

‘Nuff Said.

Dr. T

Dr. Narson is a 2-term past president of the Florida Chiropractic Association’s Council on Sports Injuries, Physical Fitness & Rehabilitation and was honored as the recipient of the coveted Chiropractic Sports Physician of the Year Award in 1999-2000. He practices in Miami Beach, Florida at the Miami Beach Family & Sports Chiropractic Center; A Facility for Natural Sports Medicine.

Check out Todd Narson on Facebook

Original Post

Turf Toe Defined -by David J. Micca, DPM, FACFAS, CWS, FCCWS

Turf toe is the term used in sports medicine circles to describe a jamming or impaction injury of the great toe joint (1st metatarsophalangeal joint). Another, more appropriate name for this condition is hallux limitus.

Historically, the term “turf toe” developed due to an increased incidence of 1st MPJ soft tissue injuries in football players wearing flexible cleats allowing hyperextension at the 1st MPJ and jamming of the joint while playing on artificial turf.

Turf toe injuries account for more missed practice and training than ankle sprains, despite occurring less often

Turf toe can be both acutely and chronically disabling if not treated appropriately. In fact, approximately 50% of all patients with hallux limitus (turf toe) have persistent symptoms which include hallux rigidus (severe degenerative joint disease with loss of range of motion of the 1st MPJ), hallux valgus (bunion deformity), chronic capsulitis and/or extensor tendinitis.

Turf toe caused by a direct injury to the joint may or may not obvious initially. The onset of direct injury to the joint may be abrupt, but also may be insidious becoming increasingly more painful as the training progresses.

Turf toe pain will subside with rest only to recur with increased activity

It’s not unusual to see symptoms of turf toe resolve in the off-season only to recur with renewed exercise. This condition is not just associated with sports or training injuries to the 1st MPJ. Some sedentary patients have a biomechanical abnormality which results in jamming of the 1st MPJ with every step. After several years, degenerative changes occur causing a hallux limitus or rigidus.

Many factors have been implicated in the increased incidence of turf toe

These reasons include:

• Direct physical injury to the great toe joint (turf toe) – injury to the articular cartilage or subchondral bone. These injuries may be due impaction injuries or hyperextension/flexion of the first MPJ.
• Functional hallux limitus – biomechanical function that results in metatarsus primus elevatus (congenital elevation of the 1st metatarsal) and subsequent repetitive jamming of the first MPJ.
• Structural hallux limitus – limited range of motion caused by a congenitally long first metatarsal.
• Other conditions – synovitis, crystal deposition diseases such as gout, systemic arthritis, external physical influences such as Dupytren’s contracture, etc. which damage the joint.
• Other structural or biomechanical abnormalities such as: a congenitally flat metatarsal head, hypermobility of the 1st ray/medial column, increased ankle dorsiflexion, flat feet (pes planus).

It’s important to understand that the terms turf toe and hallux limitus are similar but aren’t synonymous. The fundamental difference between the two terms is the patient population that they affect. Turf toe is a term used in athletic circles that refers to an injury of the great toe joint. On the other hand, hallux limitus, refers to a broader, ‘non-athletic’ patient population and need to include all the above listed causes of hallux limitus.

Turf toe is graded in severity ranging from grade 1 through grade 4 depending on the severity of the condition.

Biomechanics of Turf Toe

Normal function of the great toe joint (1st metatarsal phalangeal joint) requires that the 1st metatarsal bone plantarflex (move down) to allow the proximal phalanx to ride up (dorsiflex). This hinge action needs to take place with each step. If the normal range of motion is limited in any way, jamming of the joint will occur and hallux limitus will ensue. There are two known biomechanical factors that contribute to the formation of hallux limitus.

Those factors include:

• A long 1st metatarsal – the relative length of the 1st and second metatarsals is very important in understanding the onset of hallux limitus.
• An elevated 1st metatarsal (metatarsus primus elevatus)- as previously described, plantarflexion of the 1st metatarsal is required for the hallux to ride up onto the 1st metatarsal head. With an elevated 1st metatarsal, the hinge motion is limited and jamming occurs.
• Direct injury to the joint - Impaction injury or hyperextension injury to the great toe joint is often called turf toe. These injuries affect the normal biomechanics of the joint in a number of ways. Turf toe injuries can result in bone contusions, damage to the cartilage surface or interposition of soft tissue or loose bodies within the joint.

Symptoms of Turf Toe

Symptoms include pain with the onset of activity. Swelling and stiffness of the great toe joint increases with activity. Bruising may occur following the initial injury but is not commonly seen as turf toe progresses.

There may be radiating pain if that extends from the 1st MPJ dorsally (top of foot) towards the ankle. This is usually due to a chronic extensor tendinitis/capsulitis. Transfer of the weight to the lateral side of the foot to aid in propulsion and limit 1st MPJ dorsiflexion. Chronic pain to the outside and ball of the foot may ensue as a result of this compensation.

Treatment of Turf Toe

Most turf toe injuries are treated non-surgically. If surgery is performed for this condition it is usually after years of repetitive jamming and destruction of the joint requiring joint replacement surgery. Prevention by addressing the biomechanical influences for turf toe is the key to treating this condition pallitively.

An initial assessment to rule out fractures or dislocations is made. Once ruled out, treatment is geared at protecting the soft tissues and allowing for functional rehabilitation.

1. RICE protocol: Rest and restricted motion at the 1st MPJ. Rigid soled shoes to limit hyperextension during propulsion. Ice during the first 48 hours of injury. Compressive dressing and elevation
2. NSAIDs as an adjunctive therapy to reduce inflammation of the joint
3. Taping of the hallux with a crossing loop over the top of the proximal phalanx to splint the first MPJ and protect the soft tissues while restricting hyperextension
4. Physical therapy modalities such as whirlpool and ultrasound with cold compression to improve motion by actively reducing edema and prevent scarring.
5. Functional orthotic control, more specifically a kinetic wedge orthotic which plantarflexes the 1st ray allowing less jamming at the MPJ
6. HA padding which preloads the hallux also allowing the 1st metatarsal to drop

Is KT Tape an effective treatment?

KT Tape helps to treat turf toe by providing therapeutic stability and support while maintaining a healthy range of motion. It may take up to 4 weeks for the condition to completely subside, but with KT Tape and the following guidelines, you will certainly reduce the amount of time necessary to return to normal activity levels. If symptoms do not subside at all within 12 hours, consider an X-ray to check for fractures.

KT Tape: Turf Toe

BICEP

Here’s a brand new video fro bicep strains. KT Tape can help relieve the pain in the bicep by relaxing a damaged muscle, increasing blood flow to reduce inflammation, or relieving pressure off of the area. However, pain at the bicep can range from a minor issue to a severe problem. If you are uncertain, see a medical professional.

TENNIS ELBOW

This video is an update for our tennis elbow application. KT Tape helps to treat tennis elbow by increasing circulation to a relatively nonvascular area. KT Tape also decreases pressure and creates fascial manipulations to immediately reduce pain. To minimize healing time, one should also perform light progressive stretching of the forearm muscles, ice after activity, implement massage, and focus on core movements rather than overuse of the extremities. NSAIDs may also be taken to reduce pain and any inflammation that may be present. Once symptoms have subsided, implementation of a strength training program targeted at the shoulders, back, and core will help to reduce strain on the forearm. Technique improvement during sport or occupation will also greatly reduce the occurrence of tennis elbow.

THUMB

Here’s another new KT Tape video for thumb pain. KT Tape has been shown to provide support during motion of the thumb and wrist, and has markedly reduced pain in many subjects. KT Tape also increases circulation to reduce inflammation and speed the healing process.

We have many more new applications to come so check back tomorrow for more. For a full list of new applications see check here. Leave a comment and let us know what you think? Thx!

AC JOINT

First, is an updated version of our ac joint pain video. AC Joint injuries can be very painful and take a long time to heal. For most separations or injuries to the AC Joint, this KT Tape application will drastically reduce pain, provide needed support, and speed the healing process.

SHIN SPLINTS

This video is an update for our anterior shin splints application. This application can be used for a variety of ankle issues including ankle sprains, stretched ligaments, inflamed tendons, or general ankle weakness. The added support will give you the confidence and support during the rehabilitation phase of an injury as well as the stability and pain relief during activity.

WRIST

This application is a brand new one for wrist pain. KT Tape is appropriate for Grade I and II sprains, and Grade III sprains after seeking medical attention. KT Tape provides stability through proprioceptive feedback and mechanical support. Additionally, KT Tape is very comfortable and allows for slight healthy range of motion in order to speed the healing process. Other treatments include rest, ice, NSAIDs, and in very severe cases surgery. It is very important to get an accurate diagnosis is moderate to severe cases in order to avoid complications in the future.

We have many more new applications to come so check back tomorrow for more. For a full list of new applications see check here. Leave a comment and let us know what you think? Thx!

HIP FLEXOR

First, is an updated version of our hip flexor video. KT Tape helps to relax and support the muscles that make up the hip flexor group so that the healing process can begin. Using KT Tape will help to increase circulation as well as send positive signals to the muscles affected. Additional treatment entails resting, icing, light stretching, and eventually balance and strength training.

ANKLE STABILITY

This video is an update for our ankle sprain application. This application can be used for a variety of ankle issues including ankle sprains, stretched ligaments, inflamed tendons, or general ankle weakness. The added support will give you the confidence and support during the rehabilitation phase of an injury as well as the stability and pain relief during activity.

TURF TOE

This application is a brand new one for turf toe. KT Tape helps to treat turf toe by providing therapeutic stability and support while maintaining a healthy range of motion. It may take up to 4 weeks for the condition to completely subside, but with KT Tape and the following guidelines, you will certainly reduce the amount of time necessary to return to normal activity levels. If symptoms do not subside at all within 12 hours, consider an X-ray to check for fractures.

We have many more new applications to come so check back tomorrow for more. For a full list of new applications see check here. Leave a comment and let us know what you think? Thx!

The second video is an update for our gluteus pain application. Using KT Tape will help to relieve pressure from the area by providing support, increase blood flow, and stimulate the proper reactions from muscles to alleviate symptoms. These functions help to reduce pain and prevent compensation injuries — injuries that arise from abnormal movement due to existing pain. Rest, massage, and strength training have also been shown to reverse the atrophic effects of sitting too long or inactivity and pressure. And though gluteus issues can be a real pain in the butt, KT Tape can help to relieve the pain and get you moving again.

The third video is for thumb pain. KT Tape has been shown to provide support during motion of the thumb and wrist, and has markedly reduced pain in many subjects. KT Tape also increases circulation to reduce inflammation and speed the healing process. Corticosteroid injections are thought to be successful, but do need to be weighed against the negative side-effects of increased degenerative effects. Surgery has been well accepted and successful in almost all cases, but conservative therapies are highly preferred prior to making this leap. Ice after activity, rest, and avoidance of activities that incite pain are all important steps to avoid surgery. A focus on proper lifting mechanics will also help to avoid these symptoms in the future.

We have many more new applications to come so check back tomorrow for more. Leave a comment and let us know what you think? Thx!

The second video is for lower back pain and is an updated version of our SI Joint application. If you’ve ever tried the the SI Joint app and liked it then you’ll love this one. We’ve added an extra strip of tape to this application which provides greater relief of pressure and pain, greater proprioceptive support, and increases circulation to promote the healing process. Relief is generally felt immediately and allows the body to return to a healthy posture and normal function.

The third video is for arch pain which is an improved version of the plantar fasciitis application. We basically beefed up the application to provide extra strength support. Using KT Tape for this condition has shown tremendous results in alleviating pain and promoting the healing process. KT Tape provides comfortable and conformable support for the arch serving to relax the foot and reduce inflammation. Reduced activity, stretching the calves, massage therapy, weight loss in overweight individuals, foam rolling, ice, and NSAIDs can all serve to help alleviate symptoms and treat plantar fasciitis. Stretch the calves and plantar fascia before going to bed and before getting out of bed.

We’ll continue posting new applications daily and all of the applications will be available on the instructions page soon. Leave a comment and let us know what you think? Thx!

We’ll be posting new apps daily on the blog so check back for more. Leave a comment and let us know what you think? Thx!