Clinical Notes 15 .

June 2018
Using Elastic Tape Therapeutically during Pregnancy

I have had a number of discussions with people about using tape in pregnancy. As I do not treat this patient group, I
say this as an observer of the many colourful strips that ladies are ‘pimped up’ with.

If there is a backache, I can imagine using tape locally, but the stomach area?

If a real diastasis pops up… maybe? I know it’s been done.

Of course others see it as an opportunity http://rocktape.com/.../instructions%20pregnancy%20small.pdf

This KT taping video on women’s health includes some suggestions for taping during pregnancy.
http://www.shopkinesio.com/Womens-Health-DVD-wDigital-Download_p_118.html

I have collected some quotes from a number of internet discussions on the official KT FB page in the last few years.

First there are people that consider using tape a complete contra-indication. We definitely have to be very careful.

As THUY BRIDGES Kinesio Taping instructor states;’ it’s a caution - but not contraindicated. Like any treatment during
pregnancy, you have to take the "condition" into consideration, but there are great effects to be had with taping
specifically for the pregnancy itself as well as the "side-effects" such as back pain etc.’

In Germany, only midwives or doctors trained in taping are considered knowledgeable enough to be allowed to tape
during pregnancy. In many other countries people just use tape. It is very different per country. For me the L5-Si area
(organzone reproductive organs) is definitely a contra-indication in the first trimester. I would always suggest
working with the midwife as they are the people that can better judge if someone needs taping, an SI belt or other
supportive measures’

TRACEY BARNES Kinesio Taping instructor ‘Pleaaasseee be very careful on these applications during pregnancy. It is
SO much more than just sticking tape on. Training is a must in order to apply these applications correctly.’

I would suggest making sure that your therapist has been trained in how to use the tape AND has contact with your
doctor or midwife.

AND think twice because as GRACIE FORRESTER from the USA posts ‘Please clear all taping with the OBGYN. There is
a reason why their medical malpractice insurance fees are some of the highest in the world. If a problem develops
with a pregnant woman and or the baby it may be very difficult to determine liability Please be very careful.

When looking for research I found a number of studies and have listed them here below. These are the articles I
have found and I suggest that those who work with pregnant ladies should take note of the contents.

TAPING for PAIN IN PREGNANCY

Kalinowski P & Krawulska A (2017) Kinesio Taping vs. Placebo in Reducing Pregnancy-Related Low Back Pain: A
Cross-Over Study https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5751726/pdf/medscimonit-23-6114.pdf

Keyvan Yousefpour et al (2013) A study on the effect of pilates exercise, kinesio tape and combined method on pain
and functional disability in non-specific chronic low back pain http://www.scholarsresearchlibrary.com/abstract/a-
study-on-the-effect-of-pilates-exercise-kinesio-tape-and-combined-method-onrnpain-and-functional-disability-in-
nonspec-11470.html

Koh Doyle (2003) The effect of kinesiotaping therapy in sciatic patients in pregnancy due to lumbar disc herniation
according to mckenzie extension back exercises. https://www.theratape.com/education-center/wp-
content/uploads/2012/11/Kinesio-Study-Sciatica-in-Pregnancy.pdf

Senderek, T et al (2005) Kinesiotaping - new opportunities in physiotherapeutic treatment of pregnant women.

Fizjoterapia Polska FP 2005; 5 (2): ICID: 443615 Pregnancy and Kinesio Tape. Website okt 12 2005
Reyhan, AC et al (2017) Low back pain during pregnancy and Kinesio tape application
https://content.iospress.com/articles/journal-of-back-and-musculoskeletal-rehabilitation/bmr160584

Sabbour A.& Omar H. (2011) .The Effect of Kinesiotaping Therapy Augmented with Pelvic Tilting Exercises on Low
Back Pain in Primigravidas During the Third Trimester Bull. Fac. Ph. Th. Cairo Univ., Vol. 16, No. (1) Jan. 2011
http://www.lib.pt.cu.edu.eg/7-Adly%20Sabbour%20Jan%202011.pdf

USING TAPE DURING LABOR

El-Refayea Ghada E, El Nahasa Engy M, Ghareebb Hassan O (2016) Effect of kinesio taping therapy combined with
breathing exercises on childbirth duration and labor pain: a randomized controlled trial
http://www.bfpt.eg.net/article.asp?issn=1110-6611;year=2016;volume=21;issue=1;spage=23;epage=31;aulast=El-
Refaye and erratum with corrections of references http://www.bfpt.eg.net/temp/BullFacPhysTher21297-
2083911_054719.pdf

Miquelutti MA, Cecatti JG (2017) Kinesio Taping for pain control during labor: protocol of a randomized controlled
trail. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28220582

TAPING for PROBLEMS RELATED TO PREGNANCY

El Kosery S.M. et al (2012) Effect of kinesio Tape in the treatment of antenatal carpal tunnel syndrome. Ind.J.of
PT&OT juli-sept 2012, vol 6 no 3 122-126 http://www.tapingbase.nl/nl/effect-of-kinesio-tape-in-the-treatment-of-
antenatal-carpal-tunnel-syndrome-nl

Kaplan S et al (2016) Short term effects of kinesiotaping in women with pregnancy related low back pain; a
randomized controlled clinical trail. Med.Sci Monit 2016’22:1297-13-1
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4837927/

Paola Di Colombo, Francesco Masetti (2010) USE OF NMT DURING PREGNANCY. https://nmtinstitute.org/pregnancy/

Ba thesis discussing the issue of having a program to use tape for postural problems during pregnancy by Dª Maite
Andrés Ortega 2015 ¿AYUDA EL KINESIOTAPE A CORREGIR LOS PROBLEMAS POSTURALES EN LAS EMBARAZADAS?
http://academica-
e.unavarra.es/xmlui/bitstream/handle/2454/18227/TFG%20ANDRES%20ORTEGA%20MAITE.pdf?sequence=1&isAllo
wed=y

ONGOING RESEARCH
Miquelutti MA PT & Cecatti JG MD, PhD are conducting a RCT at this moment. Kinesio Taping for pain control during
labor: Protocol of a randomized, controlled trial https://doi.org/10.1111/nhs.12321 ‘This study protocol will evaluate
the effectiveness and safety during labor and delivery of the Kinesio Taping bandage for pain sensation, satisfaction
of patients, and obstetric and neonatal outcomes. A randomized controlled trial with 60 participants divided into
two groups will be conducted. The intervention group will receive bandage application on the vertebral regions
corresponding to uterine dermatomes – from T10 to L1 and from S2 to S4. The control group will receive bandage
application away from uterine dermatomes, from T1 to T4. The primary endpoint is pain during labor. Secondary
endpoints are perinatal outcomes and patient satisfaction with the bandage and with her labor. Pain levels will be
evaluated on an hourly basis during labor, and intention‐to‐treat analysis will be performed. Risk ratios and 95%
confidence intervals will be calculated. Findings on effectiveness of pain control with no adverse effects to both the
mother and neonate are the first step in evaluating the systematic use of Kinesio Taping during labor. Since self‐
control may affect birthing experience satisfaction, discovering new alternatives for pain control may allow for a
better experience.’

Esther de Ru GoPhysio Netherlands