
16 Aug Aug ’23 news: 👉Taping. Are you doing it right?
Ever thought about avoiding the physio because you’re worried they’ll tell you to stop doing what you love? Well, that is the last thing we want to have to tell you. Here at St Leonard’s Physio we’re people too and we get it. That’s why we will do everything we can to help you continue to enjoy the things you love.
In this month’s newsletter, we discuss the steps to take if you’re considering trying something new (soccer anyone?), we cover the different appointment types we have on offer (in and out of the clinic) AND we also delve into Shoulder Separation and the magical power of taping, if you’re doing right that is…
Considering a New Sport or Hobby?
World Cup fever might have some of us considering a return to soccer, or perhaps you’re just wanting to shake things up a bit from your normal routine by trying something totally different like street luge? Ok, definitely not that extreme.
There are many studies that suggest that giving something new a try can not only be beneficial to both your mental and physical well-being, but can also make you feel younger (sign me up!). Keeping both the body and mind active and healthy is incredibly important, and the benefits that come from team or group sports, for example, are a plenty!
That said, as we age, it’s important to recognise that the things we could do in our teenage years might not be as easy (or wise – looking at you street luge) in our middle age or golden years. So if you’re considering taking up a new sport or trying a new hobby, it might be worth checking in with your physio first to find out what’s right for you and to understand if there are any modifications you could potentially make to help ease into that new experience.
After all, we want you to experience and enjoy the life you have, not tell you to stop doing the things that bring you joy.
Struggling to Fit Everything In?
Modern life can be pretty busy. Despite the endless technological advancements to help us cut corners (where would we be without washing machines?) the digital age has us packing in more than ever and often struggling to fit everything in.
We recognise that finding the time to make appointments for yourself can sometimes be impossible. Unfortunately, letting things go without proper professional attention can often end up costing you more precious time (and money) down the line. We offer several different types of appointments at St Leonards Physio to help people access the care they need, some you might not even be aware of:
- Home Visits: We can schedule home visits with our Peadiatric Physios as well as home physio visits for the elderly,
- Online Physiotherapy Consults,
- Late appointments from 5pm-7pm every weekday (and appointments from 8am for the early birds),
- Weekend Appointments on Saturdays from 8am to 2pm.
To find out more about our different appointment offerings or to book yourself an appointment, contact the clinic on (02) 9438 1782 or alternatively, you can book on our website.
Shoulder Separation – What Is It?
Have you ever experienced a sharp pain in your shoulder after a fall or impact? It could be an AC joint sprain, a common injury that affects the acromioclavicular joint. This August our monthly blog post is all about these sprains – we want you to understand what’s going on in your body, how they occur and most importantly what you can do about them, and the role physiotherapy can play in their rehabilitation.
Jump over to our latest blog post for an in-depth look.
The Education Quarter
Should You Use Rigid of Flexible Sports Tape?
Welcome to the world of sports tape, where choices abound, and injuries meet their match! In this adventure, we’ll explore the difference between rigid and flexible sports tape, helping you make informed decisions to optimise your performance and recovery. But if you need some face to face advice on this (or anything else physiotherapy related – we can’t help with existential questions – sorry!) give us a call on (02) 9438 1782 to make an appointment. The physiotherapists at St Leonards Physio are here to help.
Rigid Tape: Stability and Strength
When you need steadfast support and joint stabilisation, rigid tape is your go-to ally. This provides excellent rigidity and immobilisation to prevent excessive movements, making it ideal for acute injuries or when added stability is crucial. Here are a few scenarios where rigid is the way to go:
- Ligament Sprains: If you’ve sprained an ankle, twisted a wrist, or strained a ligament, rigid tape can provide the much-needed stability to the affected joint. Its firm grip limits excessive motion, allowing the injured tissues to heal while minimising the risk of further damage.
- Joint Hyperextension: Activities like basketball, volleyball, or gymnastics put you at risk of joint hyperextension. Rigid tape can act as a protective shield, restricting excessive backward movement and reducing the chances of ligament sprains or dislocations.
- Injury Prevention: If you have a history of recurrent injuries or joint instability, applying rigid tape before engaging in physical activities can provide preventive support. It acts as a proactive measure to enhance joint stability, reduce the risk of re-injury, and promote confidence in your movements.
Flexible Tape: Dynamic Support and Range of Motion
When it comes to combining support with flexibility, flexible tape takes centre stage. Also known as kinesiology tape, it’s stretchy and adhesive and offers a range of benefits beyond just support. Here’s when flexibility wins:
- Muscular Strains: If you’ve strained a muscle or experiencing muscular discomfort, flexible tape can aid in pain relief and support. Its stretchiness allows for comfortable movement, promoting proper muscle activation while minimising strain on the injured tissue.
- Postural Support: Whether you spend long hours at a desk or participate in activities that demand proper posture, flexible tape can lend a helping hand. By gently reminding your body of correct alignment, it encourages better posture, reduces muscle fatigue, and prevents excessive stress on the spine and surrounding muscles.
- Rehabilitation and Performance Enhancement: Flexible tape is often used in rehabilitation settings and for performance enhancement. Its elasticity mimics the properties of the skin, promoting improved blood and lymphatic circulation while enhancing proprioceptive feedback. This can aid in facilitating movement patterns, reducing swelling, and optimising muscle function.
So – which one to use depends on the nature of your injury, the level of support required, and your specific activity needs. Rigid tape excels in providing stability and limiting motion, making it suitable for acute injuries and situations where joint immobilisation is crucial. On the other hand, flexible tape offers dynamic support, pain relief, and improved range of motion, making it ideal for muscle strains, postural support, and overall functional movement. If that’s all a bit much – don’t worry – your physiotherapist will advise you on taping as they help you recover from the injury that necessitated it. Give us a call on (02) 9438 1782 to make an appointment. The physios at St Leonards Physiotherapy are here to help.
We hope you found this tale of two tapes useful and interesting. If you did, consider following us on social media for more fascinating physiotherapy facts! We’re on Facebook and Instagram