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Use taping to control forearm swelling

This is an excerpt from Practical Guide to Kinesiology Taping for Injury Prevention and Common Medical Conditions-3rd Edition, A by John Gibbons.

I was first shown this technique by a student that was on my kinesiology course in Ireland. She was a professional motorcyclist and demonstrated a technique used by a physiotherapist, before every event, as a preventative measure for a condition called ‘muscular pump’ of the forearms. I have now used this technique numerous times, with the rowers at Oxford, as it also helps reduce the possibility of pain caused by ‘compartment syndrome’ (Fig. 9.12) within the flexors of the forearms.

Figure 9.12 Swelling/compartment syndrome of the flexors.
Figure 9.12 Swelling/compartment syndrome of the flexors.

  1. Place the wrist and elbow into extension and apply the first fan shape from the lateral side of the forearm. Lay the fingers across the forearm flexors, with little to no stretch (Fig. 9.13).
    Figure 9.13 First application of the ‘fan’ across the flexors of the forearm.
    Figure 9.13 First application of the ‘fan’ across the flexors of the forearm.

  2. Repeat the same technique, but this time start from the posterior side of the shoulder joint and lay down the fingers across the first application (Fig. 9.14).
    Figure 9.14 Second application of the ‘fan’ tape is placed across the first application.
    Figure 9.14 Second application of the ‘fan’ tape is placed across the first application.

  3. Heat activate the glue.
More Excerpts From Practical Guide to Kinesiology Taping for Injury Prevention and Common Medical Conditions 3rd Edition