There’s a new game in town and I think you’re gonna want a piece of the action. It’s called Kinesio taping (sometimes also referred to as Physio taping) and if you have IC related bladder or pelvic-floor pain, you may want to give it a try.
what is Kinesio tape and how can it help my bladder?
Kinesio tape is a highly elastic cotton tape that creates a natural “pull” on the skin due to its inclination to recoil after being stretched. This constant traction on the skin is thought to calm and balance the body via influencing the electromagnetic flows on the skin. This then indirectly stimulates the muscles and organs directly below where the tape is placed on the body.
According to the authors of this study, the effects of this stimulation include:
- A normalization of muscular function
- An increase in lymphatic and vascular flow
- Diminished pain
Another way that Kinesio tape is thought to decrease pain is via the pain gate mechanism. By constantly stimulating the tactile fibers in the skin, Kinesio taping interrupts the pain signals being sent to the spinal cord.
The result? Less pain! YAY!
Kinesio taping appears to be a safe, inexpensive, and easy way to self-treat minor injuries and pain. There are very few side effects –typically skin irritation and allergies– and the effects can apparently last as long as the tape stays applied to the skin.
research on the use of Kinesio tape for bladder problems and pelvic issues
Rather than me going on and on about the growing science around Kinesio tape, I’m going to link to all the supporting research I found online. Then you can make up your own mind.
- The Effect of the Kinesio Taping and Spiral Taping on Menstrual Pain and Premenstrual Syndrome (includes images of where to place the tape!)
- Short term effects of Kinesio taping on pain and functional disability in young females with menstrual low back pain: A randomized control trial study (another study showing taping helps with cramping so why wouldn’t it help with IC pain??)
- The Mechanical Effect of Anterior Pelvic Tilt Taping on Slump Sitting by Seated Workers (if it can impact these workers, how can it impact your pelvic and lower back muscles?)
- A Study on the Effects of the Kinesio Tape Method on Perimenstrual Discomforts
where to apply Kinesio tape for bladder and pelvic pain
Okay so maybe you’re thinking you want to try Kinesio taping to see if it can help with all things that IC patients have to deal with:
- feeling like you need to pee all the time (overactive bladder)
- bladder pain and burning
- perineal tightness and discomfort (pelvic floor issues)
But where the heck do you put the tape? Here are a couple of videos that show you exactly what to do. And nope, there is nothing special about these brands of Kinesio tape.
You can use whatever brand you want (Amazon has a ton to choose from, see the end of the post for recommendations)
So what do you think? Are you going to try Kinesio taping? If it works for you, let us know in the comments. We are here to learn from each other.
**Disclaimer: NO information on this site should be used to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease or condition. See more information here By reading this website, you acknowledge that you are responsible for your own health decisions. Do not take anything from any website, including this one, and try it without proper research and medical supervision.
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