Equi-taping in action
By Dr. Bev Gordon
Elastic kinesiology tape (EKT) has been popular in human athletics for many years, but its popularity has been markedly on the rise since the 2012 Summer Olympics where many Olympians were seen wearing the tape during their competitions. Its proven success has led forward-thinking equine professionals to consider its use in equine health care and training programs, where they are witnessing firsthand its clinical benefits.
What Is It?
Equi-Taping™ is the modality named for using elastic kinesiology tape on horses. As with human athletes, elastic kinesiology tape can be is used to enhance training outcomes and improve potential performance of equine athletes. EKT differs from traditional athletic tape in that its success is based upon its unique properties of stretch and recoil to effect function of the musculoskeletal and vascular systems of the body. The tape has no medication on it, and adheres by a medical grade non-latex adhesive. It is interesting to note that its clinical success is based upon how the tape is applied, i.e., the amount of stretch used and the pattern and direction for laying down the tape determine the physiological effects achieved.
Equi-taping Benefits
Some of the benefits derived from Equi-Taping include:
• Decreasing pain and inflammation
• Decrease recovery time
• Support joints and assist muscles during activity
• Increase circulation of blood and lymph
• Relax tight hypertonic muscles.
EKT is unique and differs from traditional athletic tape in that it does not restrict movement and does not compress tissue. The tape supports joints and muscles while allowing full range of motion, and acts to decompress tissue, which in turn decreases pressure on pain receptors and allows for an increase in circulating blood and lymph flow. The application and theory of elastic kinesiology taping for use on horses is based upon our current knowledge and clinical proven success in the human field.
Additionally, effects of the tape are based upon its interaction with the skin, its ability to stretch and recoil, and particularly its decompressive nature which increases circulation to working muscles. This is a key factor regarding its use in training programs. Simply stated, muscles in training need oxygen (along with other components made available in the circulating blood) to produce the energy necessary for work. In the absence of oxygen, the working capacity of the muscles decreases, and the body builds up by-products which are toxic to muscles. These end products of anaerobic muscle activity are responsible for muscle fatigue, as well as soreness after exertion. Increasing blood flow to working muscles increases the available oxygen necessary for work, thereby increasing muscle work capacity. Increased circulation also plays a major role in removal of these toxins and speeding recovery time.
Equi-taping
Use In Training Programs
The tape’s unique property of stretch and recoil aids muscles in contraction during work and helps decrease early fatigue. Furthermore, the tape can support joints and assist them in returning to neutral position. One of the major benefits of using the tape during training is its ability to support a joint while allowing for full range of motion, thereby assisting joint movement rather than restricting it. Examples of common athletic training applications include assisting gluteal, back or neck muscles in horses who are training for competition, use in warm-up in preparation for competition, and use as support on ankle joint and lower leg tendons/ligaments to prevent unsoundness. Taping can be beneficial to horses of all disciplines.
Including the use of Equi-Taping in equine athletic training programs can encourage greater working capacity of the muscles, and offer support to joints, ligaments, and tendons, which in turn can improve the effects of training. EKT can be used preventatively to help horses train harder, recover more quickly, and prevent injury. Pictured in this photo is an example of an Equi-Taping application for Gluteal Medius/Hind End Muscle Assist.
Common reasons for including Equi-tape in athletic training programs might include:
• Assist hard working, over-used or weaker muscles in training
• Use for horses moving up a level in training, or returning to training after rest to decrease soreness and speed recovery times (i.e., hind end or back muscles)
• Support joints/ligaments/and tendons through their full range of motion (i.e., ankle joint)
• Prevent future injury, especially on tissue previously injured (i.e., suspensory ligament or DDF)
Summary
Equi-Taping is growing in popularity as it is proving to be an effective modality when included in equine training programs. As with most modalities, the success of its use is directly related to proper assessment, application and technique. While trainers and horse owners can easily learn to use the tape in their training programs, it is highly recommended that lay people consult certified Equi-Taping™ practitioners to determine the best taping application for their horse.
For more information on Equi-Taping, visit www.Equi-tape.com.
