Golfer’s elbow, known medically as Medial Epicondylitis, involves pain and inflammation on the inner side of the elbow joint. This discomfort originates at the medial epicondyle, the bony prominence where the forearm flexor muscles attach to the upper arm bone. Taping aims to provide external support to these overworked muscles, reducing strain on the tendon attachment point. The mechanical support from the tape can help ease pain during movement. This guide provides instructions for informational purposes only and is not a replacement for professional medical diagnosis or treatment.
Essential Preparation Before Taping
The effectiveness of any tape application depends on proper preparation, starting with the right materials. You will need Kinesiology Therapeutic (KT) tape, which is a flexible, elastic tape, not stiff athletic tape. The application requires two strips: one long strip (10 to 14 inches) and one shorter strip (four to six inches). Rounding the corners of the tape prevents them from catching on clothing, which improves the tape’s wear time.
Preparation involves ensuring the skin is clean, dry, and free of oils or lotions, which interfere with the adhesive. Cleaning the area with soap and water or an alcohol wipe, followed by completely drying the skin, maximizes the tape’s adherence. If there is significant hair, trimming it with clippers improves adhesion and makes the subsequent removal process less uncomfortable.
The final preparatory step is positioning the arm to stretch the forearm muscles before application. Extend the affected arm straight out with the palm facing upward. Gently use your opposite hand to pull the fingers and wrist back toward the body, putting the flexor muscles under tension. Applying the tape over a stretched muscle ensures that when the arm relaxes, the tape creates a lifting and decompression effect over the injured tendon.
Step-by-Step Application Guide
This application uses two strips to provide muscular support and targeted pain relief over the medial epicondyle. Begin with the long strip, which acts as the primary support for the forearm flexor muscles. Start by tearing the backing paper about two inches from one end to create an anchor point, applied without stretch near the wrist/forearm junction. With the forearm muscles still stretched, peel the backing from the remaining portion of the tape.
Apply a moderate tension of 25 to 50 percent along the strip, directing it up the inner forearm. The tape should pass directly over the painful flexor muscles and the medial epicondyle. The last two inches of the strip are applied to the upper arm with zero tension to create a stable finish. Once the entire strip is laid down, rub it vigorously to generate friction and heat, which activates the adhesive for a stronger bond.
The second, shorter strip is the decompression strip, providing direct relief over the site of maximum pain. Tear the backing paper in the center and apply the middle portion directly over the most tender spot on the medial epicondyle. This central section should be applied with high tension (75 to 100 percent) to provide a strong lifting force. The ends, or tails, of this shorter strip are then laid down on the skin with zero tension. This central-tension application lifts the skin away from the underlying tissue, which helps reduce pressure on pain receptors and promote localized circulation.
Post-Application Care and Removal
Kinesiology tape is designed to be worn continuously, typically lasting three to five days, even through showers and exercise. To maintain the tape’s integrity, avoid getting the area extremely wet immediately after application, allowing the adhesive about an hour to fully set. After showering or swimming, gently pat the tape dry with a towel instead of rubbing it, which can cause the edges to lift prematurely.
Monitor the skin for any adverse reactions while the tape is applied. If you experience warning signs like increased pain, numbness, tingling, or persistent itching, the tape should be removed immediately. These symptoms can indicate nerve irritation, excessive compression, or an allergic reaction to the adhesive. Never wear the tape past the point of discomfort, as this can lead to skin breakdown.
When removing the tape, do not simply rip it off like a bandage to avoid skin irritation and discomfort. A gentler method involves peeling the tape back slowly and at a low angle, pulling it in the direction of hair growth. Applying oil (such as baby or massage oil) or warm soapy water helps break down the adhesive, making the process smoother. While pulling the tape back, simultaneously press down on the skin behind the leading edge to keep the skin taut and minimize the pulling sensation.