Adhesive elastic therapeutic tape for treatment of upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders.

The need for this research study is evident as work-related upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders have become increasingly common conditions being treated by hand therapists in recent years. It is for this reason that there is a continual need to enhance treatment methods that are in line with current evidence-based interventions used with clients. With this increase in work-related overuse injuries, there is a strong demand for both effective treatments and improved self-management strategies for these longstanding, debilitating injuries. Kinesiotape, a form of elastic therapeutic tape, was developed by Dr. Kenso Kase in the 1970’s and is a relatively new elastic therapeutic tape used for treating a variety of injuries in clinical practice. The principle behind kinesiotape is the theory that it supports injured muscles and joints and helps to relieve pain by lifting the skin and allowing improved blood and lymph flow. Despite its popularity and widespread clinical use, there is relatively little high quality evidence available to support the effectiveness of kinesiotape for injuries, let alone specific upper limb overuse injuries. Amongst rehabilitation practitioners, there is a strong need for further research into the claims of kinesiotape’s effectiveness, especially due to its recent widespread use. More rigorous higher level evidence is required so practitioners can be informed about using this treatment modality with their patients. It is anticipated that the results of this research study will enhance evidence for the use of kinesiotape in treating upper limb overuse injuries at a broader level and, more specifically, lead to the development of a clinical pathway at Toowoomba Hand Therapy for the management of lateral epicondylitis with the use of kinesiotape. Aim 1: To assess the effectiveness of elastic therapeutic tape in treating lateral epicondylitis in adults when compared to sham tape or exercise, massage and activity modification advice. Aim 2: To assess the effectiveness of the use of elastic therapeutic tape in early return to work compared to sham tape or exercise, massage and activity modification advice. Aim 3: To investigate people’s experience with using elastic therapeutic tape, adherence with treatment and the impact on their recovery, function and return to pre-injury roles. It is hypothesised that the use of elastic therapeutic tape will play a role in the short term reduction of pain for people with lateral elbow tendinosis.