KT Tape: Calf Strain II

CHECK OUT THE NEW VERSION: http://bit.ly/x9npMB

The calf muscles consist of two muscles: the gastrocnemius and the soleus. The gastrocnemius is the larger muscle that is visible on the back of the leg, and the soleus is the smaller muscle that is lower down on the back of the leg and mostly underneath the gastrocnemius. Both muscles end up attaching to the heel via the achilles tendon and serve to point the toes down (plantarflexion). These muscles are vital in walking, running, and propelling the body.



Strains in the calf come in varying degrees:




Grade 1

Slight pain in the back of the leg
Zero to very slight restricted motion or activity
Tightness, aching, and slight pain for up to 5 days
Grade 2

Pronounced, sharp, and restrictive pain
Swelling and bruising
Tightness and aching for up to 10 days
Grade 3

Severe pain that is fully restrictive
Moderate to complete inability to restrict the muscles
Significant bruising and swelling
In the most severe cases (ruptures) the muscle is bunched up towards the top of the calf




Calf strains occur due to injury during acceleration, change of direction, or repeated flexion under duress. The muscles may initially begin to spasm, cramp, or swell. Bruising may also become apparent at some time after the initial injury.

Treatment of a grade II calf strain involves rest most importantly. Ice, elevation, and compression are necessary to reduce pain and inflammation, and should absolutely not be relied upon to continue strenuous activity. Grade II calf strains can become very serious if this rest is not afforded to the muscles.

KT Tape provides excellent support for these muscles during unavoidable activity, reducing aching and tightness in the calf. This application also provides inhibition of the muscles to promote relaxation and healing.

Category:

Sports

Tags:

• support
• recovery
• therapy
• remedy
• treatment
• injury
• rehab
• kinesiology
• tape
• KT
• taping
• kinesio
• kenesio
• spider
• rock
• strapping
• bracing
• brace
• ligament
• tendon
• muscle
• pain
• sprain
• strain
• pull
• ache
• inflammation
• stability
• stabilize
• joint
• elastic
• tex
• keniseo
• technique
• rice
• prevent
• therapeutic
• weakness
• compression
• arthritis
• swollen
• hurts
• calf
• gastrocnemius
• soleus
• leg
• calves
• lower
• painful
• gastroc
• sport
• tear
• running
• posterior
• symptoms
• pulled
• cramp
• spasm
• discomfort
• tightness
• upper
• repetitive
• tight

[mrsjennifermaffei]

I'm not saying this product doesn't work but I don't see how it would. Not only that but I have a grade 2 calf strain right now and I can hardly touch it so I don't see how I could handle someone putting friction on it. What is the tape suppose to do anyway? I know about compression but this doesn't seem to do that.

[LumosInc]

@mrsjennifermaffei Great question- but I have to use 'clinic speak' to really answer it:) KT Tape proprioceptively signals the muscle to relax and therefore give itself a chance to heal. The tape is elactic – there should be no friction. Through a signal sent to the mechanoreceptors under the skin, the nervous system will do a number of things that help to promote the healing process. One, the muscle relaxes and stops any spasms or over-activity. (continued in next post)

[LumosInc]

@mrsjennifermaffei and... two, the tape provides a surface sensation that increases blood flow and neuromuscular awareness. More blood means more nutrients and a reduction in inflammation. More neuromuscular awareness turns the brain on to the injury and prevents further injury.

See- simple:) Let us know if that makes sense or if you have any other question? thx.

[aeiou99999]

Where does one acquire this product?

[LumosInc]

@aeiou99999 you can get KT Tape at pretty much any sporting goods retailer- Our website has a store locator if you want to find someone local.

[breemusic07]

@fanofbruce both

[aritheory]

@skidzdummy24 If I were you, I'd tape the calf the night before to give the tape time to loosen up the muscles and surrounding areas and keep it on while you play for support. Also make sure you really stretch out the calf muscles before you play to warm and loosen them up. The guys I teach in the US in summer don't play if they don't warm up properly, it's vital!

[skidzdummy24]

I have a question I'm a soccer player and I have a leg calf strain I have been out of my soccer practice for 3 days so I have been resting , and I was. Wondering if I put the k t tape before practice and games can I still play with the tape on or no? Or will it make my leg strain worse? My first varsity game is in the 30th so I neeeed some advice please and thank you

[IXBorgheseXI]

can you put the anchor part at the top of the calf or just move it up further from where you have it

[jartis50]

Hey, what if the pain (where the dot is) is toward the right? Do you shift it slightly to the side?

[fanofbruce]

I'm confused, does this alleviate pain or just promote healing?

[59pps]

Many thanks. I think these demonstration videos for Kinesiology Taping are really good

[tantohalim]

I would like to know if KT tape can help on varicose veins? (light one, not too serious)