Kinesio Taping: How to Tape the Knee

Up next in our kinesio tape video series is the knee. 

Knee pain is a common complaint that affects people of all ages. The pain can stem from a variety of injuries such as runner’s knee or patella tendonitis, jumper’s knee, patella tracking, arthritis, meniscus tears, plica, patellofemoral pain, and general instability.

These injuries can arise from an infinite number of causes. Muscle imbalances, poor running form, misaligned hips or poor posture, poor nutrition, overtraining, compensation for another injury, hyperextension, arthritis, and blunt trauma to ligaments are just a few of the most common causes of knee pain. Common effective treatments among all of these conditions include increasing circulation, providing support, reducing pressure, and maintaining range of motion.

Kinesio tape serves all of these purposes without the downsides of bracing or wrapping. Common injuries can all be best addressed by using this taping application.

With this technique you will get support, pain relief, and normal body mechanics without restricting motion or circulation like other treatments.

If you missed our brief overview of taping, we recommend watching it first in order to grasp the basics and make sure you have the right tools.

We've got awesome pink or black VSWI x Rocktape tape here at the office for $20 a roll, so book an appointment or stop by and pick up a roll and we'd be happy to answer any questions you may have. 

Up next: Hamstring Taping
Last time: Calf Taping

Kinesio Taping: How to tape the calf

Up next in our kinesio tape video series is the calf. 

Calf pain is a common occurrence in sports that involve running, jumping, and landing. The calf is made of three major muscles: the two gastrocnemius muscles (medial and lateral), and the soleus muscle which all attach to the Achilles tendon. 

Calf injuries can occur to both muscle and tendon structures. They are commonly caused by excessive forces during explosive contraction, eccentric control loading or when your calf muscles fatigue.

Calf pain can be alleviated by using kinesio tape (correctly, of course). Dr. Aaron gives a demonstration on how to properly tape your own calf.

If you missed our brief overview of taping, we recommend watching it first in order to grasp the basics and make sure you have the right tools.

Up next: Knee Taping
Last time: Foot Taping

Video Series: Kinesio Taping & How to Tape the Foot

We're excited to launch the first of several how-to videos. While we plan to cover a range of topics, our first series will be focused on the art of kinesio taping. We are huge fans of Rocktape, however any kinesio tape will work. It's important that you truly understand how to apply the tape correctly as to not cause complications. Once you grasp the basics, it's just a matter of applying them in the right capacity.

We're gonna start at the bottom of the body and work our way up. Up first, Dr. Aaron demonstrates how to properly tape a foot for plantar fasciitis, dropped arches, achilles sprains strains, heel spurs, or any foot disability. 

We've got awesome pink or black VSWI x Rocktape tape here at the office for $20 a roll, so stop by and pick up a roll and we'd be happy to answer any questions you may have. 

Up next: Calf Taping

Please feel free to comment below and let us know if there's any topic you'd like us to cover in our videos.

Importance of a Strong Core & our Plank Routine

Many of us equate core strength with a flat tummy or six-pack abs. While those may be motivating goals, there are so many more benefits that come from improving core strength than simply how your midsection looks -- including improved posture, better balance, reduced back pain and easier breathing. 

So, where is your core, exactly? If you pointed to your belly button, you’re partially right. Many people think the core consists only of the abdominals, but the core also includes your pelvic muscles, mid and lower back muscles, and even your hip muscles. All of these muscles work together to support your spine and skull.

We created a plank routine and we strive to do it every morning at the gym. We do between 6-9 minutes continuously, though you can always start with 1-2 minutes and work your way up. We prefer to do our planks on the Power Plate which creates a bit more instability and therefore we work a little harder. 

If you're an athlete of any kind, a strong core can only enhance your ability in your sport of choice. Dr. Aaron uses his strong core while rippin' on those gnarly waves while Doris employs her core while training for triathlons (swimming/biking/running). 

Let us know if you try our routine. We'd love to hear your feedback/results!

Yours in health,
The Team at VSWI