Rock Tape

[Taurë-rana]

Has anyone had any experience using Rock Tape to minimise pain while walking? I have heard rave reviews of it by people using it for sports injuries. I have a problem with a knee and thought it might help keep it under control.

[Nuts]

Iv'e recently been trying keniso taping. A bit desperate really, my knees probably gone too far to avoid surgery but i'd definitely give it a go for bracing support. I was skeptical, just seems like more support (static tape) would be better but I found that this light strapping actually does 'work'... at least for everyday stuff, i'm not up to going bush just now. Took a bit of research and a few goes to get the tension in the right places, wasn't a dramatic change but definitely notice the difference when I take it off. What's probably of interest to bushwalkers is that keniso tape can be worn for several days as it isn't restricting blood flow. I can say to buy the genuine 'rock tape', i'm working through a bunch of 25mm wide strips but they just aren't wide or supportive enough without doubling up so iv'e ordered the black 50mm rolls, genuine 'rock tape' brand. Anyhow.. no expert here, also be interested in hearing from a long term user.

[Taurë-rana]

Thanks Nuts, I will get some and give it a go. I don't think it's desperate to try something that might help! I was desperate enough to go to a chiropractor, but it hasn't helped yet, even tried acupuncture for the first time, but no change. My knees aren't stopping me yet, but it does mean that I tend to finish a walk in quite a bit of pain which isn't ideal.

[findbuddha]

Tape can be great, but if you've got gait or muscle problems that can be retrained you'd be much better off going that route..... has anyone checked how you walk?

[Taurë-rana]

No, and I'm aware that I have a problem - an injured knee then a torn hamstring have left things not coordinating properly.

[tasadam]

As alluded to privately, alignment issues start at the base, hence feet, hence good custom orthotics - sorted me out. But as for the tape, sorry, no experience.

[Nuts]

Yep, need to do all that. Doctor-Physio (or two)-Doctor-Podiatrist- (or two) -Doctor-Surgeon (or three). At least you'll know where to put the rock tape

I don't think Orthotics have helped (me) much.. but then I did keep on doing the same things. Carrying heavy packs and jogging along They probably have helped slow the damage.

[Eremophila]

Hi, I've only tried it once - local chiro put it on for me. You need to know which colour tapes to use and how to use it. This was a while after tearing a cartilage (squash!) and I was quite impressed with how well it worked. It stays on for a few days.
My knee has continued to improve hugely on its own, well with the benefit of yoga and other things, so I haven't worried about the Rock Tape. But it might be worth a try.

[findbuddha]

Even cheap off the shelf orthotics can be great if you're an excessive pronator. However it's an oversimplification to think that fixing the ankle alignment will fix everything above. Proper strength, endurance and control of (for example) gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, vastus medialis is also very important for knee pain.

As far as tape goes, dynamic (stretchy) tape like Rock Tape functions mainly by:
- adding a parallel elastic component to assist muscles that aren't working well enough
- providing extra sensory input / feedback to the brain about what muscles and joints are doing

Rigid tape will provide stronger support to lax joints but can get pretty uncomfortable bushwalking/scrambling I've found.

Taurë-rana, might be worth seeing a physio