Dynamic Biomechanical Tape

Benefits of Dynamic Biomechanical Tape

• Composed of a synthetic, stretch nylon and lycra cloth
• Designed to stretch in all direction (4-way stretch)
• Many times the resistance and recoil, likened to a bungee cord
• Can stretch to over 200%  of its resting length with no restrictive end point
• Designed to alter movement patterns while absorbing the load and re-injecting that energy back into movement, all without limiting the range of motion

External Mechanical Assistance of the Dynamic Tape

• Reduce the work on injured tissues
• Assist weak muscles
• Improve movement patterns
• Augment stability via force closure mechanism
• Change position to improve the capacity of muscles to generate force (length-tension relationship) all while still allowing full range of motion even when performing complex, multi-planar movements like those required in sport or work

Taping Techniques

• Offloading technique:
  • Shows the soft, spongy effect on the soft tissue
• Bruising And Swelling:
  • The effect of gathering the soft tissue manually (box or pinch offload) can be seen
  • The difference is clearly evident when the tape is removed after three days

What to buy with Biomechanical Tape?

• ConvaTec Aloe Vesta Cleansing Foam
• Latex-Free Vinyl Exam Gloves
• McKesson Sterile Drain Split Sponges Dressing

How to Use Dynamic Biomechanical Tape?

• When the foot is placed on the ground, the resistance of the tape must be overcome for the foot to lengthen or for the arch to drop. The tape, therefore acts to decelerate these movements and reduce the magnitude. Both of these factors are important in conditions such as Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (MTSS). It will also absorb some of the load that would otherwise be placed wholly upon the plantar fascia and musculotendinous units
• The foot can still move through the range and this is important as it can dissipate load further by moving at multiple motion segments and can also accommodate to the ground surface. ‘Locking up’ not only reduces the dissipation of load at that segment and can result in compensation strategies, it can also reduce the ‘ankle strategy’ required for the maintenance of balance
• The correction need not be as strong as shown to be effective. This technique has been shown to increase navicular height and reduce foot length in weight bearing and non- weight bearing over and above that seen with a ‘passive’ taping technique. Significant change was still present after three days (including 26 km of running) and a further twenty-four hours after the removal of the tape.