it is another taping technique which inhibits or control the movement. it is helpful in postural correction and movement pattern correction as well. usually used clinically

1. R A D HI K A C H IN T A M A N I
McConnell Concept of
Taping

2. Contents:
Introduction to McConnell taping.
Effects and uses of taping.
Steps before and after taping.
Static posture and its correction.
Gait biomechanics and its correction.
Literature on McConnell taping.

3. Introduction to McConnell Taping
 McConnell tape was invented by Jenny McConnell, a PT from Australia,
who used taping to help patients with patellar tracking and was effective in
reducing the pain.
 McConnell taping is a bracing or strapping technique using a super-rigid,
cotton mesh highly adhesive tape in order to restrict the mobility.
 McConnell taping affects the biomechanics of a joint and is primarily used
for neuromuscular re-education i.e. training the correct joint movement
and inhibiting or nullifying the incorrect joint movement of the affected
part.

4. Uses
To support inert structures, e.g ligaments, joint capsule.
To limit joint movement.
To act prophylactically: by inhibiting the wrong movements or painful
momvvements for few days to reduce the pain.
To secure the ends of stretch tape: acting as anchors for kinesiotape.
To enhance proprioception: by nullifying the wrong direction
movement it, thus guides the correct movement thus enhancing
proprioception.

5. Methods Of Application
Unloading taping- to reduce musculoskeletal pain
Proprioceptive taping-to improve movement patterns.
Direct methods- Longitudinal offload
- Transverse offload
Indirect methods.

6. Mandatory Steps to take before and after taping
Posture analysis- Static and Dyanamic:
 Pre post assessment is done to analyse the effectiveness of taping
on postural correction.
 Eg: Upper cross syndrome (static) and Patellofemoral pain
syndrome (dynamic)
Movement analysis:
 Pre post assessment of range of motion and pain during motion is
analysed to check for the effectiveness of taping on motion.
 Eg: PFPS, Tennis elbow, Back pain during walking

7. 1. Posture: a. Static
 Janda's Upper crossed syndrome: a
static postural malalignmnet which
occurs due to tightness of
suboccipitalis & pectorals and
weakness of rhomboids- trapezius
& cervical flexors as well.

8. For upper trapezius For upper pectoralis

9. 1. Posture: b. Dynamic
 In subjects with Patellofemoral pain
syndrome; patellar movement or
tracking during knee flexion is
painful. McConell taping: offloading
technique: the tape lifts off the patella
thus; creating space underneath
between patella and femur and hence
reducing pain.

10. 2. Movement
 Back extensor under spasm guards the
movement in which they tend do
either get activated or stretched.
McConell taping longitudinal load
shift method; takes off the load from
the muscle thus creating the space
between myofascia and enhancing
healing.

11. Effects of taping
Longitudinal offload- The free nerve
endings and C-fiber end-organs which
interwine with the tissues are irritated
by the mechanical and chemical effects
of the tissue under tension. This is
reduced by holding tissue in a
shortened position therfore reducing
pain fiber stimulation.

12. Effects of taping
Transverse offload- Transverse
offloading of muscle structures may be
inhibitory or may alter the free nerve
endings position in connective tissue.
Transverse offloading is also used for
correction of positional faults.
Eg: in severe cases of PFPS: the patella gets positioned into: laterally shift
lateral tilt and supero-lateral rotation. So the correction would be in the order;
rotation tilt  shift

13. Physiological mechanisms
Tape applied
Information gained from the mechanoreceptors of the skin, muscles,
fascia, tendons and articular structures is integrated with visual and
vestibular input at CNS level
Perception of : position sense(in static application) and kinesthesia(in
dynamic application)

14. Continued..
McConell taping technique acts as Proprioceptive biofeedback
because the tape has an effect of providing little or no tension
when the body part is held in certain position (static) or moved in
the desired direction or plane (dynamic). Thus avoiding abnormal
movement or postural pattern.
When movement occurs out of the restricted plane more tension
is developed which is cut off by the tape by providing mechanical
stimulus to the subjects.

15. Continued..
Altering muscle function- taping is applied in a fashion that a
chronically inhibited muscle is held in a shortened position.
Similarly, taping can be applied in such a fashion that a relatively
short, overactive, muscle is held in a lengthened position.

16. Steps to follow for application of McConell tape
 Prepare the skin: clean the area shave it (mandatory) clean it with
sanitizer again  application/not of adhesive spray depending on the
therapist preference apply the under warp without any tension cut
the tape according to size  without any tension on the tape hold the
base and while applying the rest of the tape squeeze the skin/soft tissue
structures around apply the end without any tension
 While taking the soft tissue or skin around the tape and squeezing it
leads to formation of creases; helps in reducing the chances of bruises
formed.
 Anchors may/may not be applied at the ends

17. Types of application of McConell Taping Application
techniques
1. Longitudinal
2. Transverse
3. Offloading
4. Corrective
5. Box taping
6. With mulligan glide
7. With other assistive devices

18. Longitudinal
Technique of application Example
In this technique the muscle is held
in shortened position longitudinally
thus keeping the muscle short for
certain time and taking the load off
from the muscle.

19. Transverse
Technique of application Example
Same as described above
But this technique is better when
used for joint and along with
mulligan glide

20. Offloadding
Technique of application Example
The technique involves application
of three to four tapes in order to
offload certain muscles thus
creating space underneath

21. Box taping
Technique of application Example
Same as offloading; but this
technique involves the contralateral
side too thus reducing the space
between the structures and giving a
constricted effect

22. Corrective
Technique of application Example
Can be longitudinal/transverse
Used for application at joint
structures
Corrects the mal-aligned joints

23. With Mulligan Glide
Technique of application Example
Mulligan glide given and
maintained
Application of tape with the
glide
So that the glide remains
for certain duration during
daily activity

24. With assistive devices
Technique of application Example
Devices like tension reducers can
also be used near the site of tape
application.

25. Thank youThank you