Posture is critical for peak performance and body functions, even if you’re not a hardcore athlete. Poor posture can result in numerous issues including pain in the neck, shoulders, and upper back. Cascading effects can cause problems with the entire back, as well, in both the thoracic and lumbar regions. For active individuals, one of the main causes of back pain while running or engaging in any sport is poor posture. KT Tape provides a multitude of applications for supporting the neck, back, and shoulders to combat poor posture and tendonitis or strains from overuse causing pain in the neck, shoulders, or back.
Can You Use Kinesiotape for Posture?
Activities requiring intense concentration and limited body movement create stress that contributes to muscle pain in the neck and shoulder. Long drives, computer work, and similar activities often create negative impact in areas near the neck and shoulder, resulting in pain and strain.
KT Tape is helpful in relieving pain by providing support to the neck and shoulder muscles spreading the stress across a wider range of muscles. Bio feedback contributes to better posture which eases stress on the neck and shoulder. KT Tape can also relieve pressure on the points of pain in the back and send correct signaling to the muscles that allow them to relax. As a result, it’s easier to perform when active or playing sports.
How Does Posture Tape Work?
KT Tape increases the range of motion when recovering from inflammation and injury. Livestrong.com featured an article that provides further insights into how poor posture affects your body and tips for improving your posture and reducing pain.
Kinesiotape can help correct poor posture for short- and long-term results. It’s a common tool that aids in holding the body in better anatomical position, while creating awareness of slouching either in sedentary positions or during strenuous activity.
Bad Posture Side Effects
There are several positions your spine can misalign while exercising. If you experience this while running, it is probable that your everyday posture is not strong.. Avoid letting your head drop past your shoulders. Instead,keep your shoulders relaxed from your ears and work on strengthening your upper back to help relieve upper back pain.
Pain in the upper back while running is most likely due to poor posture. Using kinesiology upper back support with different taping techniques can help strengthen posture and alleviate issues caused by slouching, rounded shoulders, and more.
Causes of Back Pain
Everyday activities, such as sitting at a desk, driving, lounging on your couch and even making dinner encourage a slumped, bent-over position where your back and shoulders are rounding forward. Over long periods of time, your body adapts to this position, creating imbalances and losing flexibility. Using tape for posture is just one tool to readjust positions in your back muscles, tendons, and joints..
Being aware of your posture when you're not actively playing sportswill be the first step in improving your posture.
Dropping Your Head
Dropping your head forward so that it does not line up with the rest of your body is one of the main reasons for upper back pain, poor posture and misalignment. Doing this decreases the range of motion in your neck, tightens the muscles in your chest, fatigues your upper back and shoulders, puts extra stress on your lower back and overall hinders your performance. This may be the cause of your running pain and can be corrected by running upright with your ear lobes hovering above your shoulders and your shoulders above your hips.
Relaxed Body
Tension throughout your body can create stress in your upper back and neck. Let your shoulders relax away from your ears instead of hunching them up. Lifted shoulders create a harder position for your arms to move forward and back, making your muscles fatigue faster. Work on stretching your chest, neck and shoulders to loosen up the areas that may be tight for you prior to running.
Does Posture Tape Work?
We know typical reasons for back pain are poor posture. It can be from lifting heavy weights, sitting for extended periods, or simple sprains and over-exertion. When back muscles are weak, or inflexible, it can impact stamina and also put more stress on your back, leading to issues like: joint destabilization, slipped spinal discs, and even muscle damage.
Posture taping helps to strengthen areas of the back and provide muscle support. The aim is to be more limber in both the upper and middle back regions where the spine is most impacted.
Taping for Upper Back, Neck & Shoulder Correction
Kinesiology tape is a favorite go-to for upper back, neck and shoulder support. Did you know it may also help with posture form? When applied properly, taping the upper back area can provide form correction that, in turn, helps to relieve areas of stress, strain, and perhaps even pain.
For pain management and applications for back pain, check out our taping guides!
