Miscellaneous Toolbox

Activ8 System for Tennis Elbow: Click HERE
Activ8 System for Heel Spur / Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar Fasciitis and heel spurs are quite common and can be a source of excrutiating pain and discomfort.  Although there are many interventions available (Ionteferesis, manual massage, Ultrasound, etc...), the chronic nature of the condition would always present itself and the symptoms would return...often worse than was previously experienced.

The Activ8 System implements elastic tape supportive techniques that also facilitate interstitial fluid flow, as well as an innovative manual technique designed to facilitate 2 important rehabilitative objectives:  1) Promote the healthy strengthening and remodelling of the connective tissue structure through the process of mechanotransduction, 2) Facilitate the movement of stagnant interstitial fluid to promote proper drainage and nutrition to the injured tissues.  Both of these are significant contributors to returning the foot to a healthy homeostatic level and therefore restore it's mechanical competence.  As per the image above, the foot is kept at a neutral position.  With the foot in a neutral position, secure the distal strips towards the metatarsal end with no stretch (max.25%).

 Secure the mid-portion of the tape onto the heel with 60-75% stretch. Lay down and secure all of the tape in between the strips and the heel.

Secure the distal end of the tape near the proximal end of the calf with 50-60% stretch.

Be sure to activate the glue at both ends of the application.

Securing the proximal end, lay down the portion of the tape along the length of the calf and onto the achilles tendon and posterior heel. Glue activation should also be implemented here.

Starting from the lateral side of the foot, secure one end of the second strip to the top of the lateral foot (with no stretch). Using 75% stretch, extend the tape across the transverse arch. The last inch of the tape should be laid down with no stretch.

Completed application

 Completed application (inferior view)

Using the TFVES technique, start gradual loading (pressure) at the origin of the plantar fascia (distal calcaneous) using the fingers.

Slowly roll the cylinder (while maintaining even pressure) along the plantar fascia.

Continue the roll through the entire longitudinal arch of the foot. Release pressure slightly and return to the starting position and repeat the movement. Total implementation time should be approximately 10-20 minutes, depending on tolerance and acuteness of injury.

        










STATIC STABILITY TRAINING

3-Point Stance
This is an example of a brand of core stability exercise that is not only effective, but can easily be incorporated into the home.  The 3-Point Stance belongs to the family of static stability exercises that are implemented in the Activ8 System.

There are 4 different types of static stability exercises:
 4-point, 3-point, 2-point, and 1-point.


They each are in reference to the number of contact points there are with either the ground or platform.  The 3-Point Stance: Single Leg Lift has a moderate level of difficulty, with the 4-point stance being an easier exercise and the 2-point stance a more difficult maneover.  


Step 1
1.  Establish your position and establish a controllable 4-point position.  The manner in which you get onto the ball is secondary, however before any movement is to begin you must first take the time necessary to ensure a completely controllable position.


Step 2
2. Slowly begin to shift your weight onto one knee.  Once equilibrium has once again been established on one knee, slowly lift the opposite knee off of the ball.  It is important to remember that quality of movement is the key objective.  Speed and frequency are secondary.


Step 3
3. Gradually extend the leg until it is in line with the rest of the body.  Hold this position for 3-5 seconds in a controlled manner, then slowly return the knee to the starting position.

Alternate the legs one after the other and repeat until quality of movement reduces.


5 comments:

  1. Can u please explain where u put the tapes?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Greetings! As I mentioned in the Kinesiotaping post itself, I will be posting 3 basic applications here in the Miscellaneous Toolbox. I expect to be able to generate the sample applications shortly. As promised...coming soon! It is important to remember that each individual is different and manifests different weaknesses, imbalances, and systemic dysfunctions...therefore each person demands very specific applications that are customized for their specific condition. My intent with the 3 sample applications listed above is to give a visual example of basic applications. I hope this helps!

      Delete
  2. Have you any expirience in using KT on severely disabled CP feet? We have been doing ABR with our daugther, 15 years old for 6 years, severe CP tetraplegia with nice results. I was wondering though if the tape could have an impact on her feet. They are still not improving - I wonder if tape could help on the way? What is your opinion?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Greetings! This is a common question that I get quite often...likely due to the fact that it is so intuitive. The answer itself is higly variable, however...simply due to the fact that each individual case is quite unique and manifests unique characteristics. This high variability in manifestations is the determinant factor in deciding whether KT would be a valuable course of action. Although I can expand quite significantly, I will attempt to give you a more direct response to your question and if you have more questions, you are more than welcome to follow up and communcate with me further.
      The first point to highlight would be your reference to ¨severely disabled¨ feet. In my experience, parents who use this term are typically referencing feet that manifest some profound distortion and muscular tension. The reality of KT is that it´s most effective impact is MECHANICAL FACILITATION through direct application along fascial lines. In addition, the actual contact of the tape on the skin elicits some sensory feedback to the brain that can potentially stimulation some improvements in the representation of the joints or limb in the brain which indirectly contributes to some increased proprioceptive competence. This implies that the main challenge is essentially WEAKNESS AND MOVEMENT DYSFUNCTION...it is unfortunately very inadequate at ¨correcting distortion¨ or fighting against muscular tension.
      I should mention that this response is in direct relation to your likely thought process of ¨implementing the tape to correct distortion¨. This does not mean that even in this case that there isnt some potential use for KT. It has some definite potential if applied in specific ways (and areas) to, for example, relax the tensed muscles in the foot; improve interstitial fluid flow in the area to contribute to maximum relaxation; improve the effectiveness of the local ABR applications you are applying in the area; etc.
      In summary, it is almost impossible to apply a blanbket ¨yes or no¨ answer to your question...the available information is too little and, as mentioned before, there are many, many variables to consider. In my experience with CP and KT there is always a reliable avenue that could be explored...the mode or manifestation of the KT applications are determined by the realistic objectives determined by the undividual case...in other words, what will be the most realistic mandate; mechanical facilitation, proprioceptive input, interstitial fluid flow, or a combination of them.
      I apologize for the long reply, but im hoping that it at least provides some clarity for you. It is likely to stimulate more questions as opposed to answer the original one...however, this is a reality with CP that is always present: CP is a complex and comprehensive condition that demands complex and comprehensive solutions. Therefore every answer will be characterized by quite alot of variability.
      Keep in touch and thanks for reading!
      Gavin

      Delete
  3. Do you have a book , You are exactly what i have been looking for as far as organization of thought. Infotunately i am a very visual thinker (diagnosed high functioning Aspergers) . Favorite person is Temple Grandln) i have difficulty explaining to my chronic pain patients your concepts. I have now been reading your blogs for the past 5 hours. Thank you

    ReplyDelete