Therapeutic tape use for lateral elbow tendinopathy: A survey of Australian healthcare practitioners

Caitlin E. Hill; Robert Stanton; Luke J. Heales; Crystal O. Kean

doi:10.1016/j.msksp.2020.102160

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Therapeutic tape use for lateral elbow tendinopathy: A survey of Australian healthcare practitioners

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Therapeutic tape use for lateral elbow tendinopathy: A survey of Australian healthcare practitioners

Caitlin E. Hill, Robert Stanton, Luke J. Heales and Crystal O. Kean

Musculoskeletal Science & Practice, Vol.48, pp.1-6

2020

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msksp.2020.102160

PMID: 32560866

Abstract

Biomechanical tape

Kinesiotape

Lateral epicondylalgia

Rigid tape

Tennis elbow

Background Lateral elbow tendinopathy (LET) is a common musculoskeletal condition that can be treated with therapeutic tape. However, little is known of taping practices for LET in a clinical setting. Objectives To examine Australian healthcare practitioners’ taping techniques, clinical reasoning, and information sources regarding therapeutic tape use for LET. Design Cross-sectional survey. Methods An anonymous online survey was distributed between September 2018 and February 2019. Respondents answered questions about demographics, frequency of tape use, techniques, reasons for application, factors influencing clinical decision-making, and information sources, related to tape for LET. Results/findings 188 Australian healthcare practitioners completed the survey. The majority of respondents were physiotherapists (n = 132, 70%) with the remainder of respondents being chiropractors (21%), myotherapists (3%), exercise physiologists (3%), or osteopaths (3%). 51% of respondents use tape as part of their management for LET at least half the time. The most popular taping technique used is a transverse band of rigid tape across the forearm (n = 78, 55% of respondents who use tape). The most common reasons for tape application are to reduce pain during occupational tasks (n = 123, 65%), and during sport/hobbies (n = 101, 54%). Respondents predominately rely on experience and patient preference to guide tape use. 63% of all respondents (n = 118) sought information about tape from professional development courses. Conclusion A wide range of tape techniques are used to treat LET, despite limited evidence for efficacy. Justification for tape is largely based on experience and patient preference; with information mostly gained from professional development courses. More research is required to understand the relationship between the evidence and clinical use of tape to treat LET.

Details

Title: Therapeutic tape use for lateral elbow tendinopathy: A survey of Australian healthcare practitioners
Authors: Caitlin E. Hill - Central Queensland University
Robert Stanton - Central Queensland University
Luke J. Heales - Central Queensland University
Crystal O. Kean (Corresponding Author) - Central Queensland University
Publication details: Musculoskeletal Science & Practice, Vol.48, pp.1-6
Publisher: Elsevier Ltd
Date published: 2020
DOI: 10.1016/j.msksp.2020.102160
ISSN: 2468-7812
PMID: 32560866
Grant note: The lead author is supported by an Australian Commonwealth Government Research Training Program Stipend.
Organisation Unit: School of Health - Sports & Exercise Science
Language: English
Record Identifier: 991047898802621
Output Type: Journal article