Kinesiology Taping For Low Back Pain

A study summarising five other studies reported Kinesio taping is not a substitute for traditional physical therapy or exercise. However, it may be most effective when used in addition.

This study summarised the results of a number of controlled trials to investigate the effects of kinesiology taping on chronic low back pain. The study in the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies was publised in 2016 by Nicole L. Nelson, MSH, LMT.

Five studies involving 306 subjects were included. Moderate evidence suggests kinesiology taping, either on its own, or in conjunction with another treatment, is no more effective than conventional physical therapy and exercise.

There is insufficient evidence to prove kinesiology taping performs better than sham taping in improving pain and disability. However, some evidence suggests that kinesiolgy taping is more effective than sham taping for improving range of motion and perceived effect in the short term. Very limited evidence indicates that kinesiology taping is more effective than conventional physical therapy in improving anticipatory postural control of the transversus abdominus muscles (one of the core postural muscles).

The study concluded that Kinesio taping is not a substitute for traditional physical therapy or exercise. However, it may be most effective when used as an adjunctive therapy, possibly by improving ROM, muscular endurance and motor control.

Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies was publised in 2016 by Nicole L. Nelson, MSH, LMT

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