Is Kinesio Tape Safe For Pregnancy

September 29, 2021

What Is Kinesiology Tape

DIY Kinesio Tape for Pregnancy | KT For Abdominal Support Tutorial

Kinesiology tape is an elastic therapeutic tape that is used to treat muscle injuries by helping with circulation and recovery. Many sports athletes use it, and it has been used for others like the elderly, and pregnant women. Other than helping with injuries, it can also be used to help with posture. For more information on how we can help during pregnancy using SpiderTech Kinesiology tape please go to.

Kinesiology Taping For Pregnancy #: Belly Band Technique Using A Single Strip

This technique uses just a single I strip under the belly to provide lift and support to unweight the belly and decrease low back or sacroiliac discomfort.

How to do it:

Cut a piece of tape to desired length
Tear the tape in the middle of the strip

Apply the tape under the belly, rub it to provide heat activation
Pull each side up with some tension, rubbing again to adhere
Apply the last inch or two without any tension

Taping Vs Other Supports

Taping is a good alternative to using a belly band or support belt as it is much less cumbersome.

No need to worry about adding another layer of clothing or gear which some moms just cant tolerate. This can be sensory in nature, or it could just be too hot to add another layer!

Tape can be worn for several days, decreasing the need to take a belly band off and on throughout the day. A belly band or belt can be especially annoying if you need all-day support and have to take it off every time you need to use the bathroom! This makes KT a great alternative option. You just put it on, and forget about it!

Disclaimer: Although I am a physical therapist by profession, I am not YOUR physical therapist. This video is for informational and educational purposes only, does not constitute medical advice and does not establish any kind of therapist-patient relationship with me. I am not liable or responsible for any damages resulting from or related to your use of this information.

Also Check: When Do You Get Early Pregnancy Symptoms

Kinesiology Tape For Pregnancy Discomfort Relief

Thanks to our friends at HealthyPregnancy.com, were able to share this article on Kinesiology Tape, an excellent tool to combat some of the discomforts of pregnancy. Weve talked a bit about K-Tape before , heres a bit more on the benefits of Kinesiology Tape!

Athletes have been using kinesiology tape to relieve their pain and inflammation for years. Now find out how to use it to alleviate pregnancy symptoms without side effects!

What is Kinesiology Tape?

Kinesiology tape is a stretchy tape originally designed for athletes to help aid in sports injuries. It sticks to your skin with an adhesive and lifts your skin to promote better blood circulation wherever you place the tape. Lifting the skin also takes pressure off your pain receptors, so this is a cheap solution to the pain that works around the clock without side effects. Taping helps your body heal itself by reducing swelling and inflammation and providing support to wherever you apply it.

Benefits of Taping

Using tape instead of other pain relief methods has nearly no downsides. It is one solution you can use to combat nearly all of your pregnancy symptoms and you do not have to put anything inside your body.

Using Tape When Pregnant

If your baby is pushing up into your diaphragm making it hard to breathe, attach a strip of tape on one side of your torso at the top of your belly and stretch it to the other side. This will gently push your belly down to relieve pressure.

What Pain Does Pregnancy Spider Target

Sciatica

Sciatica can result in agonizing pain that is debilitating and disabling it makes it painful to sit, stand up, get out of a car, walk, and even sleep. The pain worsens when coughing, sneezing, and sitting on soft surfaces, or sitting for an extended period of time. Sciatic nerve pain can feel like tingling, numbness, burning, or stabbing, originating in the lower back and extending down to the hips, buttocks, down the backside of the legs and to the feet.

Belly Cramps

Pregnancy Spider helps with belly cramps. Stomach pains or cramps are common in pregnancy, and usually nothing to worry about. Mild stomach pain in early pregnancy is usually caused by your womb expanding, the ligaments stretching as your bump grows. It can also be caused by hormones, constipation or trapped wind.

Round Ligament Pain

Round ligament pain is a sharp pain or jabbing feeling often felt in the lower belly or groin area on one or both sides. It is one of the most common complaints, and is considered a normal part of pregnancy, most often felt during the second trimester.

The round ligament connects the front part of the womb to your groin, the area where your legs attach to your pelvis. The round ligament normally tightens and relaxes slowly. As your baby and womb grow, the round ligament stretches, making it more likely to become strained.

Lower Back Pain

Hip Pain

Read Also: What To Know At 6 Weeks Pregnant

How Can Kinesiology Tape Make You Feel Better

Kinesiology helps you by providing support and stability to your muscles and joints, which promotes the natural healing process of your body. Kinesiology tape can also help you with your range of motion, improve blood flow, reduce pain and swelling and control inflammation in the body.

As for helping you with your pregnancy pains, kinesiology tape is a safe and effective way you can help yourself deal with pain. It gently lifts the skin around your belly, allowing any excess fluid to drain away, relieving pressure on any pain points. Musculoskeletal pain is quite common during pregnancy, especially in your lower back and pelvic pain and other areas.

Kinesiology tape can help you if you are suffering from:

Back pain
Carpal tunnel
And other aches and pains related to pregnancy

It is a drug-free and non-invasive treatment, making it ideal for expecting mothers who are seeking relief.

Simply adding a few strips to your back or abdomen will help you relieve postural aches and pains associated with a growing belly. It helps redistribute the weight of those extra pounds more evenly throughout your body with the kinesiology tape around it. This can also help reduce fatigue since your body isnt working so hard to hold itself up.

Mother And Baby Need To Pay Attention

You should consult with your doctor or therapist before using Kinesio tape. Discuss with them thoroughly if this treatment option is right for you. If you have sensitive skin or other skin problems, you should tell your doctor. You should also test the tape on a small area of skin before using it. When you use the bandage, your therapist will give you advice and instructions on what to do when you swim or shower, and how to apply it.

Pregnant women need assistance with pain relief and mobility patches may be right for them. It is a safe, drug-free and effective treatment option that can reduce pain and discomfort during pregnancy. You can discuss them with your chiropractor or chiropractor for more information and how to use them.

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Kinesiology Taping For Pregnancy #: Belly Band Plus Rectus Abdominus Front Support

This technique combines the Belly Band technique with the 2 strip technique for rectus abdominus support for increased overall belly, back and abdominal support and discomfort relief.

How to do it:

Cut a piece of tape to desired length
Tear the tape in the middle of the strip

Apply the tape under the belly, rub it to provide heat activation
Pull each side up with some tension, rubbing again to adhere
Apply the last inch or two without any tension

Then, , cut two pieces of tape to desired length
Tear the tape at the end of the strip
Apply the tape under the belly and to the side of the centerline , rub it to provide heat activation

Pull up with some tension, rubbing again to adhere
Apply the last inch or two without any tension
Repeat with second strip on the other side of the belly

What Is The Pregnancy Spider Made Of

Kinesiology Taping for Low Back Pain During Pregnancy

All SpiderTech Tapes are made using 95% cotton/5% Spandex, with a 100% poly acrylic adhesive. They are drug-free, latex-free, gluten-free, and hypoallergenic. Pregnancy Spider is a stretchy, cotton-mesh fabric tape that is latex free, breathable and waterproof. The tape was designed to mimic the properties of skin, while the glue itself has a wavelike pattern that imitates the pattern of a fingerprint. The glue is body heat activated, and the tape allows the skin to breathe and moisture to evaporate.

How Is It Done

We cut the majority of the piece of tape into smaller strips, leaving about a 1-2 inch anchor of intact tape at the end. Then, we gently apply the tape to the affected area, using a specific technique that helps the tape function in an inflammation-reducing fashion rather than a supportive fashion as is typically associated with taping techniques.

Benefits Of Pregnancy Spider For Pregnant Women

Provides Natural Pain Relief

During pregnancy, anything ingested can be transferred to the unborn child, and because of this, most mothers-to-be try to avoid over the counter medications and prescription pain relievers. Many, instead, opt for natural remedies to ease discomfort. Kinesiology tape is a drug-free, safe alternative that can help relieve many pregnancy symptoms including back pain, swollen feet, sciatica, carpal tunnel, and other aches and pains. Because of this, it is an ideal option for expectant mothers seeking relief from the physical ailments associated with pregnancy.

Brings Comfort

Made from 95% cotton/5% Spandex, with a 100% poly acrylic adhesive, the Pregnancy Spider is almost identical to skin in thickness and elasticity, allowing it to interact easily with the human body. The natural elasticity of the tape gently lifts the skin, allowing excess fluid to drain away and relieving pressure on pain receptors. It can be applied anywhere there is pain, swelling, spasm or weakness. When applied correctly, it begins working immediately, and can last up to 2 weeks.

No Heavy Bracing

No Chemicals

Economical

One of the benefits of using the Pregnancy Spider tape is that it is more economical over time than other modalities. It is easy to apply, and may be used over a longer period of time.

Posture Correction

Helps With Back Pain

Non-Irritating

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Kinesio Tape And Pregnancy

The most common problem during pregnancy is back pain. Back pain can make it difficult to get a good night’s sleep, while sleeping helps you relax. So you want to use some pain reliever. However, anything you take can affect your unborn baby, so you want to avoid taking prescription and over-the-counter medications.

Kinesio tape is an effective treatment option that provides support to the mother during pregnancy. Kinesio bandages are drug-free, they are created from cotton and medical grade acrylic. These patches are safe and help relieve pain in the back and legs.

When Kinesio tape is applied to the skin, it helps to gradually lift the skin, reducing excess fluid, swelling, spasms, weakness and providing support to the abdomen.

Kinesio bandages are easy to use and comfortable. It’s also water-resistant, so you don’t have to take off your bandages before showering or swimming.

Pregnancy Belly Support Solutions

In late pregnancy, it can seem like everything hurts. You may start to wish you had something to carry your belly around for you. Good news: You do!

You’re in the home stretch! And stretch is the operative word. As you get into your third trimester, your blooming bump seems to throw everything out of whack. Picking up something you drop, getting out of bed, standing in line, even sitting can strain your back.

What’s an almost-new-mom to do? Many have turned to one of the new breed of belly supports.

Some moms look for help with aches and pains as soon as five months others not until month 9. And a few lucky moms never have them at all. It’s usually second time moms who will have the most discomfort, especially in their pelvis and back, says Samir Hage, DO, Obstetrics & Gynecology at Redlands Community Hospital in Redlands, Calif.

“Also, women with jobs that involve near constant standing, or near constant sitting, benefit most from support,” he adds.

Mamas that routinely exercise, especially yoga and stretching , are less likely to have these late-pregnancy discomforts, says Dr. Hage. “They’re not mandatory for expectant moms across the board,” agrees Jay Goldberg, M.D., of Beverly Hills.

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Kinesiology Taping For Pregnancy Pains And Baby Bump Support

by Mandy Drum |

When it comes to applying kinesiology tape, weve always said to tape movement not muscles. This philosophy applies to every patient and/or athlete ever to adorn themselves in that colorful sticky goodness regardless of your fitness level, you have the potential to benefit from a good taping just as much as the next person.

Fortunately, taping for pregnancy is no exception. Indeed, we are no strangers to helping you mothers-to-be out there weve and/or posted about it extensively and even have . If you have a bun in the oven and feeling uncomfortable or just want a little relief, RockTape can help!

As Dr. Sally Moores, DPT, OCS of Artemis Physical Therapy can attest, RockTape can help a mama-to-be feel better in many ways. Read on for a case study regarding one of her patients who presented with multi-site pain at 24 weeks.

How was the patient feeling initially when she saw you?

Dr. Moores: This patient was 24 weeks into her third pregnancy and presented with left-sided low-back pain and pubic symphysis pain.

What type of taping application did you use?

A post shared by Sally Moores, PT, DPT, OCS on Jul 11, 2019 at 8:26am PDT

What feedback did the patient give regarding her tape application?

Dr. Moores: She felt like she could contract her abs more. decreased her back pain and made her feel more stable. She also said she could breathe better.

Are there any contraindications to taping while pregnant?

How early can taping help with pregnancy pains?

Using Tape When Pregnant

Pregnancy can cause a wide variety of aches, pains and swelling all over the body and the use of kinesiology tape can help alleviate that discomfort. One of the most popular uses of taping for moms-to-be is taping underneath the baby bump. This lifts your belly ever so slightly to relieve tension in your lower back and pelvis. Taping helps redistribute the belly weight to relieve the pain and fatigue you feel as your bump grows. To achieve this belly belt, apply one strip of tape to the middle of your lower belly and pull the ends upwards to cradle your bump. Repeat with a few more strips for extra support.

You can also apply a strip of tape vertically on each side of your baby bump if you need more frontal support. If you have a more protruding belly, apply two strips of tape in an X shape across your bump to hold it in place. If your belly is hurting all around, combine these two methods for maximum support.

Lower back pains can be alleviated by applying a strip of tape on your lower back and a strip under your bump so your belly is supported. Moms who feel more pain in their abdominal area can apply a vertical strip from your pubic line to your diaphragm and another horizontally under your bump. If your baby is pushing up into your diaphragm making it hard to breathe, attach a strip of tape on one side of your torso at the top of your belly and stretch it to the other side. This will gently push your belly down to relieve pressure.

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Kinesiology Taping During Pregnancy + Techniques For The Pregnant Belly

Pregnancy can be one of the most magical times in a womans life. But with all the exciting stuff happening, there are also some unpleasant things that come along with it. Less pleasant things like nausea, swelling, increased sensitivity to smell or sound, difficult sleeping and back pain due to weight gain.

Luckily, there are some medical applications that can help with some of these symptoms. Because you need to watch what you eat when you are pregnant, most expecting mothers prefer avoiding pain killers or other medications because they are bad for the baby. You can opt for treatments that are drug-free instead. Kinesiology tape can provide natural pain relief that can help you with your aches and pains. This is an ideal solution for expecting mothers.

Relative Contraindications To Using Kinesiology Tape

Tutorial: How to Apply and Remove Kinesiology Tape | Kinesio Tape Application for Pregnancy

In addition to absolute reasons to avoid using kinesiology tape, there are some relative contraindications. Relative contraindications are situations that make a particular treatment possibly dangerous if specific precautions are not taken. You can still use kinesiology tape with certain relative contraindications, but your physical therapist should explain to you the risks associated with using tape with your specific condition.

Relative contraindications for using kinesiology tape include, but are not limited to, the following.

If you have any of these conditions that may make using kinesiology tape dangerous or risky, you should speak with your physical therapist about alternative treatments and avoid using the tape. Your physical therapist should be able to suggest other treatments that are safe for you.