Different bandages

Posted by lotsofpain @lotsofpain, Dec 15, 2024

what are the relative merits of tubigrip, roller and elastic bandages or even adhesive tape in providing support for muacles

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@lotsofpain Hmmm, that depends. Which muscles are we talking about here, and is it pain from an injury or after surgery, from arthritis, or chronic pain from an unknown source?

That might help lead you to good answers.

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@lotsofpain

chronic pain and athritis

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Well, I'll take a shot here - the best help is MOTION, which is HARD to do when you hurt! Moving improves blood flow, releases endorphins (feel good chemicals in the brain), maintains or improves strength and distracts you from the pain.

Tape as a therapeutic measure, unless it is to use therapy tape (AKA Kinesio or Rock tape) to support a specific joint or muscle, is not a "best practice" for a number of reasons - tapes with adhesive tend to cause skin problems over time.

Wraps such as tubi and roller/elastic bandages are generally meant for temporary support and compression after an injury. It is very difficult to self-apply with the right compression to be helpful, but not cut off circulation.

For long term use, compression garments, socks or sleeves can be helpful. So can braces for specific joints - up to a point. If relied on too much, underlying muscles can weaken, making the problem worse.

How do you decide what is best for you? Consult a physical, occupational or pain therapist -you may need a referral from your primary or specialty provider.

They can find safe an d helpful movement for you, and are knowledgeable about the full range of aides that are available, especially if they are affiliated with a hospital or rehab center.

Have you talked to your provider about PT?

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@sueinmn

Well, I'll take a shot here - the best help is MOTION, which is HARD to do when you hurt! Moving improves blood flow, releases endorphins (feel good chemicals in the brain), maintains or improves strength and distracts you from the pain.

Tape as a therapeutic measure, unless it is to use therapy tape (AKA Kinesio or Rock tape) to support a specific joint or muscle, is not a "best practice" for a number of reasons - tapes with adhesive tend to cause skin problems over time.

Wraps such as tubi and roller/elastic bandages are generally meant for temporary support and compression after an injury. It is very difficult to self-apply with the right compression to be helpful, but not cut off circulation.

For long term use, compression garments, socks or sleeves can be helpful. So can braces for specific joints - up to a point. If relied on too much, underlying muscles can weaken, making the problem worse.

How do you decide what is best for you? Consult a physical, occupational or pain therapist -you may need a referral from your primary or specialty provider.

They can find safe an d helpful movement for you, and are knowledgeable about the full range of aides that are available, especially if they are affiliated with a hospital or rehab center.

Have you talked to your provider about PT?

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in uk nhs physio is virtually non existent so its self referral to physio or or similar

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@lotsofpain

in uk nhs physio is virtually non existent so its self referral to physio or or similar

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Do you have access to physio?

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at a price yes or osteopath £100 an hour

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@lotsofpain

at a price yes or osteopath £100 an hour

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Sometimes I is better to pay for an hour or two of expert time than to spend a lot of money on advertised cures and failed experiments.
Can you chat with your doc or the staff and find out what is possible?

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Any of the tools you mentioned may be helpful in the short term but most are not meant to perform in the long term. Conditioning is what works best.

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