Taping for Treatment of Soft Tissue Injuries - Essay Example

Taping has long been used as a way to support damaged ligaments, a way of supporting the underlying structure while still providing a relatively significant range of motion (Abian-Vicen et. al.).  But taping when applied correctly by a skilled trainer or physician can have many more benefits.  One of the most important is its ability to regulate the flow of lymphatic fluids throughout the injured area, as well as the regulation of swelling and improvement of blood flow.  These benefits, however, are not fully recognized by trainers; in one study more than half of people experiencing an elbow injury – an injury that should respond well to taping – never received the treatment (MacDermid et. al.).   However, even given the fact that taping is sometimes underutilized in the rehabilitation of soft-tissue injuries, it retains broad applicability.  It has been demonstrated to improve healing in a wide variety of injuries including ligament damage, hand fractures from repetitive stress (van Aken et. al.), ankle strains (Abian-Vicen et. al.), and elbow fractures (MacDermid et. al.). 

         The most impressive aspect of taping is the fact that it seems to have no effect on many aspects of health and performance among people using it.  While many medical and therapeutic techniques carry the risk of significant side effects, recent studies have indicated that taping has no effect on either jump or balance tests among trained gymnasts (Abian-Vicen et. al.).  Given these results, people who are not participating in sports should notice only very minimal impact on their day-to-day lives.

         Taping, while valid in many situations, is no panacea.  While it responds well to some fractures, there are many which would be better if left untreated (MacDermid et. al.).  Bruises and any surface injuries to soft tissues can be exacerbated by taping.  Furthermore, there is a risk of misuse with taping, which can limit blood flow, especially if patients begin attempting to treat themselves with taping rather than leaving it to skilled professionals.

         Taping is something that I will be using frequently in my practice, it has proven benefits and little to no downside if applied correctly.  Though the improvements to healing given by taping might at times be less than other treatments (anti-inflammatories, for example), the lack of impact and side effects along with the ability to use it in complete conjunction with any other methods means that it will be an important and necessary part of my tool kit that I imagine I will be using frequently in my practice.