Kinesio

[Harry_20]

Was chatting with a fellow table tennis player yesterday and she was singing the praises of Kinesio Tape. I know it’s used for sports injuries but I wonder if it might be helpful for RA pain. I get a lot of sciatic pain and was thinking to give it a try.

Has anyone tried it? I’m so fed up of taking painkillers all the time.

[Runrig01]

I used to have it applied by physios regularly, to my neck/ shoulder area, knees and also my ankles. The physio did teach me how to apply to my ankles for future use. It’s generally used to support tendons and ligaments. I can’t see it helping sciatica, as the root cause is quite deep, rather than superficial like the elbow. It also depends on what causes your sciatica, if it’s a slipped disc, or narrowing of the space where the nerve exits, or even inflammation irritating the nerve, then kinesiology won’t help. I still needed painkillers whilst using it, although it did support painful joints.

[Harry_20 in reply to Runrig01]

Thank you. That’s helpful. It’s hard not to chase hope every time one hears of a remedy one has not heard of before. It springs eternal!

[allanah]

I used it after my knee replacements! The private physio was great and it helped ! But doesn't it get frustrating thinking of ways to help the pain ! Well done for still playing table tennis ! You must be quick. X

[Ashley1014]

I’ve used it for many many things. It was a blessing when I was pregnant, helped with the big belly. And I use it on my right knee as it’s quite a pain. But it doesn’t help my back or sciatica at all. It’s more for tendons and muscles.

[Harry_20 in reply to Ashley1014]

Thanks. That’s helpful.

[pegpowell]

Sticking narrow strips, with spaces in between, onto my replaced knee and swollen ankle helped reduce the swelling.

[Stills]

I ruptured some lower leg muscles during lockdown and did not seek medical treatment thinking it was just a sprain or something. This meant the muscles didn’t heal, I developed a limp and had to wear flat boots or trainers. A year on from the in jury physio started, swimming had helped too. The physio showed me how to use the tape and it helps but then so does elastic bandage. A form of RA called Enthetitis crept into the tendon area and the tape is good for support there but it’s tender so careful use is needed. Overall I prefer to slip on an elastic support sleeve and it’s easier. Enjoy the table tennis.

[Harry_20 in reply to Stills]

Many thanks