Anyone know of instances regarding the use of kinesiology tape on horses?
I am interested in both scientific and non-scientific observations.
I’ve never heard of using it on horses, but I do use it on myself and it definitely helps! Curious to see what others have to say 
[QUOTE=DownYonder;7644019]
Anyone know of instances regarding the use of kinesiology tape on horses?
I am interested in both scientific and non-scientific observations.[/QUOTE]
I am trained in kinesiology tape application in both humans and horses, and have been using the tape in my equine massage practice. While there is no independent literature on its use specifically in horses, there is plenty on the human side and the application basis is the same. I was pleased to see a handful of horses at Rolex wearing tape in the stabling areas or in warmup.
A big challenge with the horses has been developing an adhesive that works effectively with the hair; there is a U.S. company who has developed a good tape (sticks MUCH better than I would have expected). The applications can be done to support athletic performance, to release fascial tensions, to provide support to a structure and to boost circulation.
What specific questions do you have? I could type in a book’s worth of info here, but that may or may not be worthwhile or interesting to anyone. I’m happy to answer to the best of my ability or refer you elsewhere if I cannot answer.
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coloredhorse, I am super interested. Sending you PM.
coloredhorse, you sound like you have exactly the kind of knowledge and experience I am looking for. I have a project in mind - contacting you via PM. :winkgrin:
I’ve been using it for several months on a horse with DSLD to give some additional support to those fetlocks, it does seem to help him.
The biggest problem is the adhesive, but since the horse is bandaged 24/7, alternating between polos for turnout and no-bows when stalled, the equi-tape does stay in place for about 3+ days under bandages.
[QUOTE=Lieslot;7646489]
I’ve been using it for several months on a horse with DSLD to give some additional support to those fetlocks, it does seem to help him.
The biggest problem is the adhesive, but since the horse is bandaged 24/7, alternating between polos for turnout and no-bows when stalled, the equi-tape does stay in place for about 3+ days under bandages.[/QUOTE]
How does the kinesiology tape work for this? I’m curious Is kinesiology tape for body awareness type stuff? How does the tape work?
coloredhorse, how is the tape supposed to work? I’ve tried it on myself but have to admit, I didn’t notice anything 
[QUOTE=Pippigirl;7646495]
coloredhorse, how is the tape supposed to work? I’ve tried it on myself but have to admit, I didn’t notice anything :([/QUOTE]
Pippigirl, the WAY in which it is applied will determine its effectiveness. You don’t just cut a piece of tape and slap it on. 
The direction, degree of stretch, specific placement, etc. are all very specific to the muscles/structures being addressed and the goal of the taping. You DO need in-person training from a competent pro AND a good understanding of anatomy/physiology. I first was introduced to it by a PT for chronic Achilles tendonitis; it took a few tries before my application was comparable to having the PT do it.
How it works: The tape “lifts” the skin (in horses, obviously, it does so by lifting the hair coat; you need to use one of the tape brands with adhesive specifically designed to work with hair); this lifting separates the layers of skin and fascia, allowing freer circulation of blood, lymph, etc. Depending on how you apply the tape, this action can provide athletic support to a basically healthy muscle that may be a bit weak (due to past injury or being on the individual’s non-dominant side, for instance), relax a muscle that is in spasm or in early rehab from an injury, release fascial tensions (I use it a lot in tandem with myofascial release therapy), boost circulation to an area and even provide a degree of joint support by improving the efficient operation of the surrounding soft tissues. It can also be used for actual kinesthetic (e.g., body awareness and function) therapy.
The advantage of kinesiotape over conventional support wrapping with Ace bandages, polo wraps, etc., is that there is no compression of the muscles. More and more, sports medicine specialists for all species recognize that movement is necessary for muscle health and recovery. The kinesiotape provides a function-supportive aid w/o restricting movement (or circulation) in any way.
Google Kenzo Kase (developer of the technique in humans and in recent years worked with a couple of Austrian vets to adapt to horses) for information about the development and application of the tape.
To the question about DSLD: I have a client with this condition and do use tape on him. With the effect described above, the tape helps the weakening tendons and attached muscles, as well as the suspensory ligament, function closer to the way they would if they were 100% healthy. A circulatory/drainage taping can help reduce the swelling that accompanies DSLD, making the horse more comfortable and possibly assisting efforts to retain as much soft tissue function as possible. Support wrapping crossing under the fetlock functions much like any support boot or bandage.
[QUOTE=coloredhorse;7647101]
Pippigirl, the WAY in which it is applied will determine its effectiveness. You don’t just cut a piece of tape and slap it on. The direction, degree of stretch, specific placement, etc. are all very specific to the muscles/structures being addressed and the goal of the taping. You DO need in-person training from a competent pro AND a good understanding of anatomy/physiology. I first was introduced to it by a PT for chronic Achilles tendonitis; it took a few tries before my application was comparable to having the PT do it.
.
To the question about DSLD: I have a client with this condition and do use tape on him. With the effect described above, the tape helps the weakening tendons and attached muscles, as well as the suspensory ligament, function closer to the way they would if they were 100% healthy. A circulatory/drainage taping can help reduce the swelling that accompanies DSLD, making the horse more comfortable and possibly assisting efforts to retain as much soft tissue function as possible. Support wrapping crossing under the fetlock functions much like any support boot or bandage.[/QUOTE]
Sent you a pm!
I use it a lot on myself and would imagine that it would work well with horses if you could get it to stick.
[QUOTE=Lieslot;7646489]
I’ve been using it for several months on a horse with DSLD to give some additional support to those fetlocks, it does seem to help him.
The biggest problem is the adhesive, but since the horse is bandaged 24/7, alternating between polos for turnout and no-bows when stalled, the equi-tape does stay in place for about 3+ days under bandages.[/QUOTE]
Can you show me a photo on how you use the tape?
Has anyone used it on horses with back issues?
FrittSkritt, yes, it can be very useful on some back issues, for both humans and horses.
PippigGirl, be aware that there is only so much you can glean from a photo. The effect is determined in HOW the tape is applied, the direction the amount of stretch, variations in stretch along the application, etc.
[QUOTE=coloredhorse;7649050]
FrittSkritt, yes, it can be very useful on some back issues, for both humans and horses.
PippigGirl, be aware that there is only so much you can glean from a photo. The effect is determined in HOW the tape is applied, the direction the amount of stretch, variations in stretch along the application, etc.[/QUOTE]
…because as I pm’d you, there are not many options in my area. If a photo is the best option available…other than divine intervention, my other option is???
Just responded to your PM, Pippigirl, with a couple of suggestions.
Sent you a PM as well.
We have had it used on a few horses. Two for TMJ, and three for back issues. One has some on right now for tightness due to a roach, and another had it on a few times after he got cast in his shelter. The third was to help correct asymmetry.
Seems fairly risk free and the horse’s don’t mind it.
