Kyphosis postural taping

Kyphosis postural taping is a non-invasive treatment for Kyphosis or back hump.   This is a non-invasive treatment. It involves neither surgery or bone manipulation.  Instead the patient stands or sits with his or her back to the person doing the taping and they place tape in an X shape from shoulder to waist.

How is kyphosis postural taping done?

Directions for professionals state: 

"Thoracic taping for hyperkyphosis. (A) Instruct the patient to stand and elongate the crown of the head towards the ceiling. (B) Apply cover roll as needed to protect the skin. (C) Apply therapeutic tape from the anterior aspect of acromioclavicular joint, over the muscle bulk of the upper trapezius, and diagonally over the spinous process of T6. (D) Apply tape in this method bilaterally, intersecting the strips of tape at T6" .

So, in effect the tape is put in an X like shape, crossing the spine at the 6th vertebra of the Thoracic spine.

Source:  "Age-Related Hyperkyphosis: Its Causes, Consequences, and Management" which can be found at:  http://www.jospt.org/doi/full/10.2519/jospt.2010.3099#.VBw57hbp_HM

What research has been done on Kyphosis postural taping?

There have been several research studies.

• In 2008 researchers from the Center for health, Exercise and Sports Medicine at the University of Melbourne in Victoria, Australia stated that this procedure  "decreases thoracic Kyphosis but does not influence trunk muscle electromyographic activity or balance in women with osteoporosis." 
• In 2012, he Canadian Journal of Chiropractic Study  published an article that focused on a man with severe kyphosis.  Taping was one of the effective strategies used. You can read the full article here: Kyphosis postural taping
  
  

Practical considerations

If you are considering this procedure as a way to deal with the discomfort and disabiliites created by your back hum, there are several things to consider:

• Finding someone with experience who can do the procedure. Your regular doctor may be able to offer a referral. But if that is not the case, contacting the Orthopedic department at an area hospital might find you someone.  If you do call an orthopedic practice, be sure to be very specific that you are looking for a referral to someone who does spinal taping for sever kyphosis....and that you are NOT looking for a 'general consultation.''
• If the traditional medical community does not offer a referral, you might contact your area Chiropractic Association. Again be very specific about what you are seeking.  You do not want a referral to someone who does not know the procedure.
• If all these fail to produce a referral, you might call your hear health or medical association.
• In addition to finding a practitioner, you do need to consider how you can deal with washing parts of your back that are not taped.  Remember water can erode the adhesive on most tape. Do ask the medical provider doing the taping for advice on this.
  

Here are several other articles on the topic of back hump:

1. Kyphosis treatments in general

2. Specific exercise for kyphosis

3. Natural ways to reverse Osteoporosis

If you have experience with this procedure, would you share it with other readers?