Tricep

Watch this video to learn important basics for successful tape application.

This article will make a distinction between tricep muscle pain/weakness and tricep tendonitis, and explain when tricep taping may be helpful for supporting the area. The tricep pain application is for tricep muscle pain and weakness. For the tricep tendonitis application, please visit the KT Tape website and forum.

• Tricep Muscles Pain/Weakness – Pain and weakness refers to an injury of the triceps muscles and/or the nerves that innervate these muscles causing pain in the muscle belly and/or weakness of the muscle resulting in flexor dominance. This condition is explained more fully in this article and is different from tricep tendonitis, which affects the tendon rather than the tricep muscle.
• Tricep Tendonitis – This condition is the inflammation of the triceps tendon that connects the tricep muscles to the back of the elbow, which is why many individuals use KT Tape for tricep tendonitis as part of their recovery plan. Pain is felt just above the back of the elbow and is generally caused by repeated strain or attempting to press too much weight, excessively forceful throwing motions, or falling on an outstretched arm (may be concurrently diagnosed with tricep muscle pain/weakness). This pain pattern is similar to forms of elbow tendonitis often seen in athletes. You can also find a helpful KT Tape method for easing tricep tension in our aromatherapy triceps support guide.

The triceps brachii muscle, Latin for “three-headed muscle”, is the large group of muscles on the back of the arm that is responsible for extension (straightening) of the arm. Each head of the muscle originates in a different location, but each of these inserts into the back of the elbow via the triceps tendon. For our purposes in this article, we will refer to all three triceps muscles as the “triceps”. In cases where irritation develops at the tendon, tricep tendonitis taping may help reduce load on the area. Most often tricep injuries occur in males over the age of 25 who are involved in activities that require lifting or pushing heavy weight, or repetitive arm motions in sport or occupation, increasing the risk of tricep pain and overuse symptoms in the triceps brachii.

Tricep pain and weakness can be caused by muscle tears, pinched nerves, ligament or tendon damage, attempting to lift or push too much weight, or landing on an outstretched arm – among others. Weight training, throwing sports, and contact sports exhibit the highest incidence of tricep injuries due to the excessive strain put on the muscle and its tendon. Athletes dealing with these issues sometimes explore KT Tape for tricep pain to help manage symptoms during activity. These repetitive stresses place strain on the tricep muscle and may progress toward early tricep tendonitis if not managed properly.

Symptoms include loss of mobility in the joint, pain at the back of the elbow and arm, and possible swelling. These signs can overlap with early tendonitis or general tricep pain, especially in individuals who overload the muscle. The best way to avoid these injuries is to warm up properly and not progress to heavier weight too rapidly. Injuries due to trauma are mostly unavoidable, and can be treated conservatively in most cases. Those experiencing irritation at the tendon might also explore how to apply KT Tape for tricep tendonitis for additional support during recovery.

KT Tape can provide support, reduce pain, and reduce swelling for many injuries*.  It is commonly used in tricep taping applications to reduce stress on the area during movement or activity. Rest, ice after activity, light progressive stretching, and massage, as well as NSAIDs can help speed the healing process as well.

• General Elbow
• Golfer's Elbow
• Tennis Elbow
• Finger Jam
• Thumb
• Bicep
• Wrists

For additional resources, please visit the KT Tape Forum.

*NOT CLINICALLY PROVEN FOR ALL INJURIES