United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

For the reasons we were using the tape was to help support the scapula because the muscle was to weak to support it and in turn was causing the winging.

Barb

Taping is done to try and hold things in place that are not being held in the right place by the muscles. you tape to hold things in the right place so that the muscle and bones etc will strengthen in the desired position, posture, formation which I guess also can effect how the bones shape and form, perhaps avoid laxity from muscles stretched too far beyond their ability to contract and on the other side -tightness that can't "relax" or gets contractures that make them too tight. When possible I think bracing with custom braces may be more comfortable and more effective. see www.arkpcb.com Ruth Cofre designs custom braces for our kids - email rcofre@arkpcb.com

Taping is used for support as mentioned and kinesiotaping, since it is flexible, can also be used as a muscle assist.

It can help with writing to stabilize the scapula if "proximal stability" is the concern, meaning the center of your body needs to be stable in order for the extremities to work effectively. I heard it explained once as a ship (your trunk) and the sailors (your arms and legs) - if the ship is rocking and tossed by the waves, the sailors cannot stay steady. Therefore, if your trunk and shoulder girdle are not stable, you won't be able to do things well that require stability with your hands.