Equine kinesiology taping is a physiotherapy treatment and has various applications. It can be applied between competitive elements of many international equine events to speed recovery and improve endurance. In recreational riding, it alleviates discomfort from acute and chronic injuries. Veterinary professionals and equine physiotherapists use this technique on a daily basis to treat muscle injuries, biomechanical and postural dysfunction and aid performance and recovery time. It is particularly valuable in rehabilitation of horses.
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Application and uses of VetkinTape®
Injured muscles
VetkinTape® lifts the skin from the tissue below. This reduces the sensation of pain and stimulates the circulation – assisting in the reduction of any swelling and enhancing the blood flow to the injured muscle.
Biomechanical dysfunction
the horse tape provides support and stability without restricting the range of motion.
Postural dysfunction
Equine kinesiology tape improves the proprioceptive feedback to the area, helping retrain the muscles to maintain the correct posture.
Improves performance and recovery time
It doesn’t necessarily make a horse performance greater than baseline measures but can improve endurance as the increased circulation enhances the supply of oxygen to muscles and the removal of the lactic acid. It can also improve recovery time after intense training sessions or races, as the increased circulation assists in the removal of waste products.
Skin
The recoil effect of the VetkinTape®, influences the position and elasticity of the skin. Depending on the mobility of the tissue, ‘convolutions’ will be visible. Pain reduction can occur, due to the ‘Gate control mechanism’ and the effect of the tape on the skin and superficial fascia by decompressive forces.
Circulatory / lymphatic system
A constriction of the lymph circulation is often caused by inflammation of damaged tissue. The discharge of liquid leads to an increase of pressure, as the swelling fills the space between skin and muscle and restricts the lymph flow. VetkinTape® reduces this pressure and lymph congestions. The traumatized area is stretched while the tape is applied un-stretched. The skin, which retreats from the stretching, is now lifted by the tape. Convolutions appear in the tape which cause a reduction of pressure and an activation of the lymph flow.
Improving the muscle function
Damage to muscles also leads to ruptures inside their connective tissue. The pressure and pain sensors, being irritated by the discharge of liquid into the space between the tissue, will show swelling, pain, stiffness and increased inflammation as a result. VetkinTape® is a sensible therapeutic option here and for other problems (e.g. post- operative muscle hypotonia).
Support of the joint functions
VetkinTape® influences joint biomechanics by balancing agonist and antagonist muscles thus reducing protective muscle-guarding and pain. It can be used to support ligament and tendon function and enhance proprioceptive awareness.
Fascia
Like the skin, the superficial fascia can be affected by the recoil effect of the tape. Due to this pain relief, and the increase in tissue flexibility, it can help optimize the function and assist tissue recovery.
VetkinTape®
VetkinTape® (equine) can be used as either a sole or an add-on treatment in equine therapy. It can be used to reduce or control pain, manage swelling or oedema, increase range of joint motion and muscle function and maintain a level of functionality and comfort for the animal throughout the rehabilitation process.
Want to learn more about equine kinesiology taping? Book a course
The VetkinTape® 2-day Equine kinesiology taping course provides the opportunity to learn about this fascinating and highly effective technique to improve the gait patterns of horses. Candidates will learn more about taping applications and how to use different tape techniques to work more efficiently.
Attention: We would like to remind you that certain tape applications, provided on our website are not yet fully scientifically proven. Mentioned applications are based on extensive evaluation and case studies with licensed veterinary physiotherapists and/or other veterinary professionals.
