This advice-column-style blog for SLPs was authored by Pam Marshalla from 2006 to 2015, the archives of which can be explored here. Use the extensive keywords list found in the right-hand column (on mobile: at the bottom of the page) to browse specific topics, or use the search feature to locate specific words or phrases throughout the entire blog.
Kinesio Tape in Speech Therapy
By Pam Marshalla
Q: I see kids in a school setting. My 3-year-old client has a private SLP who is using kinesio tape on his mouth to help improve lip closure and resting posture. I had not yet heard of this technique but I am intrigued. I would love to know your opinion regarding this method.
Some traditional SLPs placed tape on the side of the lips to signal the client that he was moving them instead of his tongue*. You see it discussed as a method for working on /r/ and /l/. Traditional therapists used regular household sticky tape and bandage tape. Today we have kinesio tape, which is far gentler––so gentle that it even can be used on babies’ skin. You may have seen it on some of the athletes in the summer Olympics, especially the volleyball players. The tape is bright and comes in many colors. One also could use nasal strips in the same way.
I have used kinesio tape and nasal strips as described above on children seven years and older. It never occurred to me to use it on a preschooler, and I have never recommended it to establish rest position. But I could see how someone might.
I would use kinesio tape sparingly, and I would NEVER use it to tape a child’s mouth shut. I hope his private therapist is not using it that way. That could be dangerous and life threatening.
* For example see reference book: Berry, M. F., & Eisenson, J. (1956) Speech Disorders: Principles and Practices of Therapy. NY: Appleton-Century-Crofts.
I´m a SLP and certified K-Taping therapist also C/NDT, I have had a very positive experience and wonderful outcomes using this technique on my patients who have oral motor disorders, oral myofunctional disorders, dysphagia, temporomandibular joint disorder, cerebral palsy, hemiplegia, Down syndrome and other syndrome as well. This technique is a great tool in conjuction with other techniques, in order to used the k-tape is a requirement to be trained, besides, the patient (child/ adult) can have many achievements if they are treated in a multidiciplinary team ( PT, OT) who also have to have the training and certification.
The training that I received was focused specially in SLPs and was directed by a certified SLP.
Who did you do you course with that had an SLP teaching K-taping
Hello Lola, I am an SLP looking for a course to get a K-tape certification. Do yo know who provides the course?
yes, I am interested in the course also.
Hello,
I am very interested in obtaining information on this training as I am TalkTools certified and believe this can complement my current knowledge. If you could please email me information I would appreciate it.
Thank you!
Hi Lola, Can you pls supply the info for the K – taping training and possibly your contact info as well? Emilia and I would love to take it! Thank you so much for posting! – Heather ( [email protected])
I would be interest in the training as well…
[email protected]
Thanks
Hi all;
I received the training in my home country COLOMBIA South America around two years ago, the trainer who is from Argentina is a certified SLP in K- taping. I got the certification as k-taping therapist directly from the K TAPING INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY. I have to mention that as soon you received the certification you can not train another colleagues you just qualified to work the technique with the patients.
You can check the following website in order to get the all information associated with the Academy in United States as far the courses dates, trainings; etc.
http://www2.k-taping.eu/home-en-US
If you need more information about my experience with the technique I will be very pleased to share my knowledge and experiences.
my contact information is: [email protected] or [email protected]
Hello,
I am an RN in grad school writing an early intervention paper for speech delays. My son has had kinesio tape during his treatment course for SLP/Feeding therapy/OT and he is doing AMAZING! Just one year ago, he had noted drooling and his speech was very ‘choppy.’ Now? He is on target and has graduated from SLP. He is still in OT and feeding therapy (lots of food aversions, low muscle tone and SPD) but the speech is on target.
As a parent, I will warn you will get a LOT of questions from strangers “what happened to his face” (I was not warned nor prepared for these questions) but it was worth it.
Lisa