RockTape Equine Kinesiology Tape

RockTape is a special kind of tape known as kinesiology tape. First used by acupuncturists and chiropractors in Japan, today kinesiology tape is used by practitioners throughout the world to treat injuries and improve sports performance.

Unlike traditional rigid tape which utilises compression and immobilization in treatment, RockTape activates the nervous and circulatory systems to initiate healing and is used to assist in the treatment of:

Injured muscles

RockTape is applied along the length of the injured muscle and as the elastic tape recoils it lifts the skin from the tissue below. This has an effect of:
• reducing the sensation of pain
•promoting circulation assisting in the reduction of any swelling or bruising and enhancing the blood flow to the injured muscle.
•Biomechanical dysfunction – Rocktape provides support or stability without restricting the range of motion.
•Postural dysfunction – Rocktape improves the proprioceptive feedback to the area which assists in the retraining of the muscles that maintain the correct posture.

RockTape Equine is used to enhance performance in reducing the negative effects of fatigue. That is, it doesn’t necessarily make an athlete’s performance greater than baseline measures, but can reduce the drop off in performance that is often evident when fatigue is a factor.

• Improve endurance as the increased circulation can assist to improve the supply of oxygen to muscles and the removal of the lactic acid.
• Improve recovery time after intense training sessions or races, as the increased circulation assists in the removal of waste products such as lactic acid.

RockTape Equine was released at Equitana Australia in Sydney in November 2013 and it was well received for use by riders and for horses.

RockTape’s 10cm width tape is perfect for equine applications, and we even have ‘RockTape Equine’ with a stronger adhesive which helps to ensure that the tape adheres well to the horse’s coat.

RockTape can be used as either a sole or an adjunctive treatment in equine therapy. It can be used to reduce or control pain, manage swelling or oedema, increase joint range of motion and muscle function, and maintain a level of functionality and comfort for the horse throughout the rehabilitation process. It can also be used to assist the equine to maintain functionality and comfort in training and assist with recovery, thus facilitating overall soundness in the equine athlete.

Key Symptoms that Rocktape may assist:

• Muscle Strains or Tear
• Muscle Stiffness
• Post Acupuncture / Body Work Inflammation
• Prolong the Effects of Myofacial Release
• Tendonitis, Tendonopathy or Desmitis
• Rehabilitation, Management and/or Prevention of Movement Dysfunctions

Safety

It is important to note that some horses may behaviorally react to the Rocktape, just as they would a nuisance fly on their skin. This is due to the horse’s highly evolved proprioception mechanism that is regulated and monitored from receptors located in the muscles, tendons and joints. Always position yourself in a safe place in relation to the horse when applying Rocktape. It is advisable to lunge the horse once the tape has been applied to determine the effect of the tape on the horse, prior to riding.

Testimonial from Sussanah Money-Schenk (RockTape Equine Instructor – www.sjmsosteopathy.com)

“RockTape is by far the best tape on the market – and being cynical I put it to the test! Not only does it stretch better whilst retaining its strength, but it also sticks much better than other taping brands I have tried – not to mention the cool colours!”

Testimonial from Amanda Ross – individual competitor at the 3 Day Event at the Sydney 2000 Olympics

“For me, every little opportunity counts.  It’s about always being an unrestricted participant, never missing a chance, finding new ways to do something better, and living life to the fullest.  Rocktape isn’t going to make me taller, lose 5kg’s, or turn me into an Olympic triathlete…

However, using Rocktape has given me back my upper body strength by helping rehab my tennis elbows, corrected my posture on a horse so I ride more effectively, and allows me to help my horses by correcting their gait when I can’t explain it to them in English! Rocktape is easy, non-invasive, and proven… It’s all about the things that help me stay in the game!”

Rock Stars using RockTape Equine

Olivia Oakley (International Dressage Rider / www.oliviaoakeley.co.uk), Jon Paull & Lucinda Waters (JL Sport horses), Natalie Allen (Facebook), Liz Sobecki (Para Dressage).

Rocktape Equine Taping Tips

Equine Taping Tips here
Equine Applications here

Rocktape Application Guides

Equine Application Guide here
Equestrian Application Guide here
Rocktape Equine video application demonstrations can be viewed here

Rocktape Equine Case Studies

Please click on the below links to download our case studies.
Rocktape Equine Case Study Lantana – Download here
Rocktape Equine Video of Lantana before being Rocktape’d – Click here to view
Rocktape Equine Video of Lantana after being Rocktape’d – Click here to view
Rocktape Equine Case Study – Lymphoedema – Download here
Rocktape Equine Case Study – Oedema – Download here

The Rocktape Equine Manual contains taping applications for the equestrian and the equine athlete. You can purchase the Rocktape Equine Manual here.