By Kate Slater
Kinesio UK
We’re now getting used to seeing high profile footballers and athletes sporting brightly-coloured Kinesio Taping (UK office, Quorum Business Park, North Tyneside) on their injuries, but did you know that it’s also highly effective in relieving muscular aches and pains during pregnancy?
Last year, Jennie Franks (27) from East Boldon in South Tyneside was 24 weeks pregnant with her second son Harry (now three months old) and could barely walk or sleep with sciatica and pain in her back, pelvis and legs. Although she was referred to an NHS physiotherapist, there was a waiting list of some weeks and Jennie decided she needed help more quickly. She visited physiotherapist Angela Petrocchi at Swissphysio, Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Clinic in Tynemouth, who suggested using Kinesio Taping on the affected areas. Jennie admits she and her husband Steve were highly sceptical: “We wondered how on earth some strips of coloured tape could make any difference, but I was in so much pain I was willing to try anything,” she says.
Certified Kinesio Taping Instructor and Practitioner Angela applied Kinesio Taping in a way that would support Jennie’s pelvis, abdomen and legs.
“I couldn’t believe how much relief it gave me,” says Jennie. “Steve says the difference in me shuffling into the clinic and then walking out again was amazing.”
Because Kinesio Taping is fully waterproof, Jennie could wear it for about five days before having to re-apply it. It was so effective that she eventually bought a roll herself and Angela taught Steve how to apply it on Jennie in the most effective way to relieve her pain.
Jennie gave birth to her little boy, Harry, four weeks early on 25 August this year. He was 7lbs 4ozs but the consultant said he would have been an 11llb baby had the pregnancy gone to term. Harry is doing well, smiling and keeping his big brother and the rest of the family amused.
Angela Petrocchi says: “I treat around four to five pregnant women per week who have aches and pains in their back, neck, pelvis, pubic area, legs and even feet and wrist (carpal tunnel problems are common during pregnancy) and in nearly every case Kinesio Taping works very well.”
“Kinesio Tape is paradoxically gentle, yet strong, and depending on the way it is applied, it creates a lifting effect on skin that improves circulation, relieves pain and supports muscles and joints. It is latex-free, has the durability to remain effective for four or five days and you can shower, bathe, exercise and get a good night’s sleep whilst wearing it. I see scores of patients a year with a variety of injuries and carry out a number of different treatments including massage, acupuncture, and holistic therapies. I combine Kinesio Tape with almost all of these treatments and find it speeds up recovery time dramatically and gives immediate pain relief. Patients also love it.”
Due to popular demand, Kinesio Taping is now available in handy pre-cut packs at Boots stores throughout the UK for £5.99. You can choose from convenient pre-cut packs for lower back, neck, shoulder, knee, wrist or foot in all your favourite colours.