KT taping for hypermobility

loz_
loz_ Online Community Member Posts: 39 Contributor
in Neurological impairments and pain
Hi everyone,

I was wondering if anybody had tried KT taping for disorders on the hypermobility spectrum and if it was of any help?
Thank you! :)

Comments

  • chiarieds
    chiarieds Online Community Member Posts: 16,793 Championing
    edited February 2023
    Hi @loz_ - speaking as a long retired physio, who happens to have the hypermobile type of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS), I haven't ever used kinesiotape. Studies into it's use are of limited/poor quality, i.e. only a few people studied, or the results inconclusive, &, as far as I'm aware, not in those with hypermobility problems. So, overall there's little evidence of quality that it helps. That's not to say it doesn't, just to say there's little evidence of quality to say it does!
    It could have a place as something that makes you more aware of a joint, & could feel somewhat comforting (I'm reminded of when I used tubigrip on my knees, & a splint for my wrist & thumb before I knew I had hEDS).
    I would suggest you ask your GP for a referral to see a physio who understands hypermobility, & many are aware of this now as hypermobility is fairly common. They may be able to help & advise with your own specific problems.
    As an aside, I have found CBD helpful; I started taking it for pain, & was very surprised when I appeared to suffer fewer subluxations within a few months of taking this. Of course as use of CBD is comparitively new, then studies show it 'may' be helpful with pain, but more studies are needed, & 'no' none that say it reduces problems in someone with hypermobility!
  • loz_
    loz_ Online Community Member Posts: 39 Contributor
    edited February 2023
    Hey @chiarieds,

    Thanks for your response, it’s great to hear from a physio who has hEDS and has experience in this field! I had KT tape recommended to me by a friend who also suffers from a hypermobility disorder. I just wanted some info on it which you gave me which has been very helpful! My subluxes are mainly in my shoulders but have had some elsewhere so I wondered if KT taping might help with my shoulders. My rheumatologist has referred me to a physio so I will speak to them about my problems and see what they recommend. I also wondered if you know of any supportive measures for my shoulders? I get pain in a lot of joints but I haven’t looked into supportive measures for my shoulder and I am not even aware if there are any? Because whilst I have been extremely hypermobile for my entire life, I only got my diagnosis this year so I am not completely clued up on everything yet. I was extremely confused about all of the other symptoms I get along with the pain/hypermobility/subluxes so it was a relief to have an answer. Thanks! :)
  • chiarieds
    chiarieds Online Community Member Posts: 16,793 Championing
    Great to hear you have been referred by your rheumy for physio, so do seek their advice as they will be able to see you in person.
    May I ask about the 'other' symptoms you experience?
    Have you also seen the GP's toolkit about hEDS & Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder? Please see: https://gptoolkit.ehlers-danlos.org/  It doesn't go into everything in detail, & some associations are now actually quite clear, but it is a beginning.
    Good to 'meet' you. :)

  • loz_
    loz_ Online Community Member Posts: 39 Contributor
    edited February 2023
    I will speak to my physio when I see them! :) 

    I was diagnosed with JHS and the symptoms I get are: hypermobile joints (I scored 8/9 on the beighton scale but was told many of my other joints were also hypermobile upon examination), extreme pain in many of my joints, frequent subluxes and I have had a couple of full dislocations, severe fatigue, I bruise easily (some of the bruises have been pretty nasty from minimal trauma), my skin was described as fragile with poor healing and some atrophic scarring, I have GI issues, I have always been extremely prone to sprained ankles due to my hypermobile ankles giving way a lot, I sometimes feel dizzy upon standing and I was told that my skin is slightly more stretchy than the average person by my rheumatologist and she diagnosed me with JHS. 

    No I haven’t, but I will have a read.

    Thanks! Great to ‘meet’ you too :)
  • chiarieds
    chiarieds Online Community Member Posts: 16,793 Championing
    Very disappointing to see another physiotherapist promoting their website which leads to a paid for 'solution.' Sorry, but advertising isn't allowed on this community. Saying that someone with joint pain/stiffness, back pain, feelings of isolation, lack of motivation, mentally exhausted, etc., & even dissociation, that you might be suffering from hypermobility....well just as well you used the word 'might,' as these could relate to so many different disorders.
    When someone says Ehlers Danlos, & doesn't know it's Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, & mentions Benign Hypermobility Syndrome, well at least here in the UK that term is no longer used, & yet you post on a thread about HSD? Perhaps get some of your facts straight.

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