McConnell Taping
McConnell taping is a physical therapy technique that is used to support and correct problem joint movement and pain. Developed by Australian physiotherapist Jenny McConnell in the 1980s, McConnell taping is used to treat a multitude of body parts. However, McConnell taping can also help with other conditions. Summit Orthopedics offers McConnell taping for patients in the greater Minneapolis/St. Paul area.
How McConnell Taping Works
McConnell taping is intended to make exercise less painful, allowing you to cope with physical therapy without unnecessary discomfort. Over time, your muscles ideally strengthen to support the joint on their own.
During your evaluation, your physical therapist will determine whether taping could be beneficial for you. If so, you will have a softer tape applied to your skin first, followed by rigid tape that limits movement of part of the joint. There are different taping patterns for different problems.
McConnell taping is one of several taping techniques, some of which use different kinds of tape. Kinesio taping is another popular method that uses a more flexible tape. Your therapist will address which types of taping may benefit your condition and how long to wear the tape. McConnell taping can lead to skin irritation in some patients. Abiding by your physical therapist’s suggested wear time will reduce the likelihood of irritation. Wear time is typically around 24 to 48 hours.
Many patients will be taught how to apply the taping at home so they can continue to practice daily strengthening exercises. Your therapist will show you the correct way to do this.
Benefits
The main benefit of McConnell taping is to reduce pain to improve tolerance for exercise and activity.
When combined with specific strengthening and stretching exercises, McConnell taping may help you treat the cause of your pain more quickly, as you are more likely to stick with your prescribed exercise program when experiencing less pain due to taping.
Conditions Treated
Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is one condition often treated with McConnell taping. Also called runner’s knee, this common cause of knee pain can affect athletes of all ages. Applying tape around the kneecap (patella) helps to reduce pain and improve tolerance for walking, running or other activities.
This therapy is also used for other conditions, including:
- Achilles tendinopathy
- Ankle sprain
- Hip problems
- Lower back pain
- Neck pain and whiplash
- Other causes of knee pain
- Shin splints
- Shoulder problems, such as rotator cuff issues
Who Performs McConnell Taping
Physical therapists learn McConnell taping as part of their training or in continuing education workshops. Although the taping may look like a simple process, every piece is placed according to specific parts of your anatomy to maximize the tape’s effect. If you need home taping, your therapist will show you step by step exactly where to place each piece of tape to provide pain relief and support.
Find a Summit Orthopedics physical therapist who specializes in McConnell taping.
