Kinesio Taping is a rehabilitative taping technique that is designed to facilitate the body’s natural healing process while providing support and stability to muscles and joints without restricting the body’s range of motion. Latex-free and wearable for days at a time, Kinesio® Tex Tape is safe for populations ranging from pediatric to geriatric, and successfully treats a variety of orthopedic, neuromuscular, neurological and other medical conditions. Kinesio® Tex Tape alleviates pain and facilitates lymphatic drainage  lifting the skin. This lifting affect forms convolutions in the skin thus increasing the space between the skin and muscle layers and allowing for a decrease in inflammation of the affected areas. Kinesio® Tex Tape can be applied in hundreds of ways and has the ability to re-educate the neuromuscular system, reduce pain and inflammation, optimize performance, prevent injury and promote good circulation and healing, and assist in returning the body to homeostasis.

 

Evaluation and assessment are key in the treatment of any clinical condition. In order to get the desired results from a Kinesio Tex Tape application as well as any other treatment, a full assessment by a trained health care provider is necessary. In some cases, the treatment of a condition may require treatment of other underlying conditions as well. This assessment should include manual muscle testing, range of motion testing, gait assessment, and any other orthopedic special tests that are deemed necessary. The information gained from these assessments will allow for the proper treatment protocol to be laid out.  Kinesio Tex Tape has been proven to have positive physiological effects on the skin, lymphatic and circulatory system, fascia, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and joints. It can be used in conjunction with a multitude of other treatments and modalities and  is effective during the rehabilitative and chronic phases of an injury as well as being used for preventative measures.

 

Education is a one of the key elements of the Kinesio Taping Method and its continued success in the world of therapeutic taping. Along with CKTP practitioners around the world, Dr. Kase is dedicated to advancing the art and science of the method through education, clinical practice and research. It is vital that a consistent standard of practice is maintained and allied health professionals wishing to learn more about the Kinesio Taping Method are encouraged to participate in seminars and courses which are offered by Certified Kinesio Taping Instructors (CKTI). After completing a certification course, practitioners join a select group of medical professionals who are able to properly use the Kinesio Taping Method within their realm of practice. Dr. Kristina Peterson is a certified Kinesio Tape practitioner.

 

ULTRASOUND

Ultrasound is a therapeutic modality that has been used by health care providers therapists since the 1940s. Ultrasound is applied using a round-headed wand or probe that is put in direct contact with the patient’s skin. Ultrasound gel is used on all surfaces of the head in order to reduce friction and assist in the transmission of the ultrasonic waves.

The sound waves generated are caused by the vibration of crystals within the head of the wand/probe. The sound waves that pass through the skin cause a vibration of the local tissues. This vibration usually causes no sensation to be felt by the patient.

Ultrasound  has been shown to cause increases in tissue relaxation, local blood flow, and scar tissue breakdown. The effect of the increase in local blood flow can be used to help reduce local swelling and inflammation.  The intensity or power density of the ultrasound can be adjusted depending on the desired effect and the patients specific condition.

 

A typical ultrasound treatment will take 5-8 minutes depending on the size of the area being treated.  During the treatment the head of the ultrasound probe is kept in constant motion. If kept in constant motion, the patient should feel no discomfort at all.

Some conditions treated with ultrasound include tendonitis,  joint swelling, muscle spasm.

 

T.E.N.S

 

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a therapy that uses low-voltage electrical current for pain relief.

 

TENS therapy is performed with a small, battery-powered machine about the size of a pocket radio. Usually two or four electrodes (wires that conduct electrical current) are connected from the machine to your skin. The electrodes are often placed on the area of pain or at a pressure point, creating a circuit of electrical impulses that travels along nerve fibers.

 

When the current is delivered, some people experience less pain. This may be because the electricity from the electrodes stimulates the nerves in an affected area and sends signals to the brain that block or "scramble" normal pain signals. Alternativley the electrical stimulation of the nerves may help the body to produce natural painkillers called endorphins, which may block the perception of pain.

 

The TENS machine can be set for different wavelength frequencies, such as a steady flow of electrical current or a burst of electrical current, and for intensity of electrical current. Your health care provider will determine the settings that are most appropriate for you.

 

After you receive an introduction to and instruction in this therapy, you can do also utilize a TENS machine at home.

 

People use TENS machines to relieve pain for several different types of illnesses and conditions. They use it most often to treat muscle, joint, or bone problems that occur with illnesses such as osteoarthritis or fibromyalgia, or for conditions such as low back pain, neck pain, tendinitis, or bursitis. 

 

Always tell your doctor if you are using an alternative therapy or if you are thinking about combining an alternative therapy with your current treatment.

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Dr. Kristina Peterson will evaluate and determine when therapeutic Ultrasound and or IFC are necessary and appropriate for patients.