Muscle Strain/Tear Protocol

Protocol:

For muscle strains, begin with the Basics Course to learn proper tape handling, stretch, and technique. For muscle tears, progress to the Fundamentals of Equi-Taping course for advanced applications.

• For muscle strains, use the Muscle Relaxation application (Practical Solutions or Fundamentals Course) on the affected muscle, following the insertion-to-origin taping principle with mild stretch to encourage relaxation and elongation of the muscle fibers.

• For acute strains, combine the Muscle Relaxation application with the Decompression technique (as taught in the Fundamentals and Practical Solutions series) over the area of greatest tension, spasm, or swelling.

• For significant swelling, bruising, or heat, add the Circulation application (Advantage 3") to enhance lymphatic drainage and reduce inflammation.

• For chronic muscle tightness, spasm, or slow-healing tears, after resolution of acute symptoms, use the Fascia Chain application along the affected fascia line for 2 weeks to break up adhesions, rehydrate the fascia, and restore normal muscle function.

• For muscle tears, use the Circulation application (Practical Solutions or Fundamentals course) until all heat, swelling, or inflammation is gone. Then move on to the Muscle Activation application (Practical Solutions or Fundamentals course) for one week and the Fascia Wave application (Fascia Module) for one week. Continue this cycle until the muscle has fully healed and full range of motion has been restored. Coordinate with your veterinarian for diagnosis and imaging.

Tape Type:

• Advantage 2" (recommended for most muscle relaxation and decompression applications)

• Advantage 3" (for Circulation applications or larger muscle groups)