Pregnancy is a special time in the life of a woman, characterized by many changes in the body of the mother. Hormonal, structural and energy level changes are the foundations for the growth of new life.

Constant changes due to the enlarging of the mother’s abdomen very often lead to over straining of the abdominal and back muscles, and consequently to problems in the Lumbo-Sacral region.  Hormonal relaxation of the abdominal structures in preparation for the birth can lead to irritation of the Sacroiliac region.

Lymphadema in the legs is often the result of constricted lymph flow in the pelvic area which leads to changes in the venous and lymph systems. In addition, lack of activity during the last stages of the pregnancy can lead to reduced (lymph) flow function. 

The use of medication is not possible due to the potential for passing it to the baby. Compression stockings and support under garments are, for many expectant mothers, not a desired solution in their “special condition”.

Since KT shares many characteristics with skin, it is a simple and acceptable solution to the above-mentioned problems.

PHOTO 1 - technique for the abd rectus muscles

Due to the nature of KT - as thin, as light and as elastic as skin, one of its main effects is the passage of “positive sensory information” over the skin and its receptors.

The fact that, after a short time using KT, the “supporting” (uplifting, pulling) sensation is no longer noticed, and one can shower, bathe and work with no negative limitations on normal living, means it will be well accepted by expectant mothers.

The multi-colored KT stripes focus the eye on the activity and surroundings of the pregnant woman and do not symbolize “illness” as many support garments and compression stockings can.

Supporting the Abdominal Muscles

Through application of the KT from muscle origin to insertion one can increase the muscle tension functioning; application from insertion to origin suppresses the muscle tension.

As the therapist moves the skin in the abdominal area, the woman can get a feeling for which application direction is best at that time.

PHOTO 2 - technique for the rectus and oblique abd muscles

Rectus, oblique and transverse abdominal muscles can be taped with KT, thereby changing the condition of the muscles and stance for the better (thereby improving the condition of the muscles and posture)

Supporting the Skin in the Abdominal Region

In addition, better control and functioning of the abd muscles as well as a distinct improvement in   metabolism (circulation?) in the region of the Kinesio Taping will support the stretched and extended skin of the abdomen. This leads to a better adjustment to the new situation (pregnancy) and can help avoid strain and tearing (stretch marks).

Lumbo-Sacral Problems

In many pregnant women, structural changes and continuing strain lead to pain in the L-S region.

Here I use a classic application of a muscle “tightening” (supporting?) technique and a ligament stabilization technique. Through these techniques, positive sensory impulses will pass through the receptors in the sacral region to the pelvic region. Taping the abd muscles at the same time as the back muscles, in many cases produces optimum results.

PHOTO 3 - Muscle supporting and ligament stabilizing technique

In the event that these basic techniques are not effective, then additional broader ligament techniques (small of the back) can be used.

PHOTO 4 - Taping across small of the back

Ilio-Sacral Problems

Stretching and strain in the iliosacral region can lead to difficulty in movement when the previously mentioned pain moves to the adjacent iliosacral region and structures.

Two overlapping fan-cuts are the potential application here. This application will, on the one hand provide improved lymph flow, and on the other hand symbolize and produce the stability of criss-cross (interlocking) fans as in a half-timbered house.

The base of the sagittal fan tape must be applied low enough so that most of the cross over with the horizontal fan will be at the height of the sacroiliac region.

PHOTO 5 - Sagittal and horizontal fan cut taping

The base of both fans should begin at the opposing sacroiliac region so both areas move in the same way.

Circulation Problems

PHOTO 6 - Spiral lymph taping technique

As an application technique, I have applied the KT in a spiral around the leg, from proximal to distal, with only a slight stretch (10-20%).

Example Cases

A pregnant patient had a “side pain” when she was sitting and also problems breathing. By using both a fascial technique taping in the area under the ribs, as well as a dorsal “diaphragm application” the problems were almost completely alleviated.

PHOTO 7 - fascial application technique

PHOTO 8 - dorsal diaphragm application

Increased Milk Production After the Birth

The Japanese physiotherapist and KTI Emiko Takehana uses Kinesio Tape on the woman’s breasts to improve milk production and also to help prevent swelling, inflammation and blockage of milk flow.

The increasing size of the breasts and the effects of gravity can lead to compression of the blood and lymph tissues around the milk glands.

The application of several double X-shaped Kinesio Tape cuts results in a slight lifting of the breast and thereby reduces the effects of gravity. With the use of these mechanical enhancements as well as the generally improved circulatory function from the KT, Yakehana has seen increased milk production, less visible congestion and less hardening in the breast region and reduction in other common painful problems.

Minimizing the tearing (stretching) of the collagen structure of the breast will also leave the breast in better cosmetic condition when nursing has ended.

PHOTO 9 - application technique

Use of KT after the Birth for Rehabilitation of the Abd Skin and Muscles

Here we usually use the previously described muscle (application) techniques for the entire abdominal region. Takehana, on the other hand, always promotes this regenerative process through the use of two techniques on each side of the body, which spiral counter-clockwise around the navel. With this, the skin and the muscles are assisted during convalescence, the inner organs supported and the overall metabolism (circulation) in the region increased.

PHOTO 10 - Spiral application in counter-clockwise direction

Summary

KT is undoubtedly a no-risk, and by many expectant mothers, an accepted method of support during and after pregnancy.

Pregnancy and the time after the birth will be more pleasant for the mother, with more positive thoughts, feelings and energy that are not only transferred to the growing life in her belly, but continue especially to the time after the birth for her and the baby.

The contentment of the baby, the mother and the entire family during and after the pregnancy is the reward for our therapeutic efforts.