by rocktapeuk | Jan 11, 2018 | Uncategorised
With the winter solace behind us it must mean that summer is on its way. So I thought I would take a little time to reflect on the summer and the events of 2017. 2017 was a great year for us at MSD Sport Therapy, with the support of Rocktape we worked at some of the biggest sporting festivals in the UK, one of which was Boardmasters. Boardmasters is all about the surf and beach lifestyle. Starting back in 1981 some of the best surfers in the world travel to Fistral beach in Newquay to compete in the UK’s biggest professional surfing contest. The contest forms part of the World Qualifying Series and is made up of international professional surfers all trying to earn their place on the World Championship Tour. Of course this means that we were working with some of the best up and coming surfers in the world. Although Boardmasters is primarily a surf contest, its also one of the biggest growing music festivals in the Uk which now attracts 50,000 visitors to its Watergate side to celebrate music and the surf culture. I’d like to say that we didn’t get involved in the partying side of things, but that would be a lie. The less said about the better….. haha!! So over the 5 days we worked with over 260 athletes enlisting the help of Mike Noone and Alexander Goldberg at Kernow Chiropractic. We had set up in the Athlete area and started to work with the athletes. As you can imagine with surfers, there are a lot of tight Lats, upper traps and lower...
by rocktapeuk | Jan 3, 2018 | Uncategorised
Two weekends ago, I was invited to a 2-day Rocktape UK course (FMT 1 & 2) and I couldn’t possibly pass on such a fantastic opportunity, despite it meaning I officially had to be absent from our live workout. I get so excited learning and growing as a Physio, which in turn helps me make educational videos for you! So, we’re winning either way 🙂 Join my live HIIT to Afrobeats workout madness here. It’s free and soooo much fun! 🙂 For starters, they are more than just tape! Ha, I love that! Rocktape is a type of kinesio tape which means it allows you to move, unlike old-fashioned rigid tapes which actually restricts movement! With kinesio tape, you really are getting the best of both worlds in that the targeted structures feel supported (and more enabled) plus you get an opportunity to keep moving. It’s waterproof too so you can swim, shower etc and there wouldn’t be a problem. Rocktape is a premium brand and has managed to establish itself as the water-resistant tape that sticks!!! I mean, that’s obviously what you want from any tape, at the very least, right? The longer it’s able to stay on you, the more benefit you get from having the tape, simples. Rocktape stretches to 180% of it’s original length but can magically ‘snap back’ or ‘recover’ and this is what sets them apart from others. On one of my patients, it’s stayed on for as long as 7days. See some of my patients with Rocktape on here. In the video below, Daniel Lawrence – an absolutely amazing Chartered Physiotherapist who doubles up as the Educational Director for...
by rocktapeuk | Nov 17, 2017 | Medical, Rocktape Kinesiology Tape
Obviously, RockTape isn’t going to help you avoid a head injury, so be sure to always wear a helmet, keep your bike professionally maintained and in good working order and ride to your ability, but for those less traumatic injuries, RockTape can be your best friend! Let’s look at the top five applications for cyclists: 1. Knee pain – knee pain can be triggered by a lot of factors on your bike, including your pedals and cleat position, crank arm length and your position on the saddle. But, once knee pain starts, it can be tough to manage, so in the meantime of getting your equipment dialed in, use RockTape for recovery as well as during rides to help keep your knees happy and healthy. This standard knee application works wonders for general knee soreness around the joint line or underneath your kneecap. This single-strip application can work just as well and is so easy to do before a ride you’ll be amazed. Another source of lateral (outside) knee pain is from the iliotibial band of tissue that runs from your hip to your knee, and here’s a great taping application for the IT band area. 2. Lower back pain – especially for road riders and triathletes (but mountain bikers certainly aren’t immune!), your bike position can put a lot of strain on your lower back. There are many ways to tape the lower back, and feel free to bump this same taping application up to the midback and between your shoulder blades if that’s where your problem seems to be. Here are taping applications for lower back support...
by rocktapeuk | Oct 10, 2017 | Rocktape Kinesiology Tape, Rugby
Worcester Warriors, the Aviva Premiership rugby union side, are proud to announce ‘RockTape’ as their official Kinesiology tape supplier for the 2017-18 season. Premiership rugby puts a huge number of physical demands and stresses on the bodies of our players. From Stability to optimising biomechanics, strapping helps enhance performance. Historically, strapping has been rigid, restrictive and loosened off quickly with poor durability. The evolution of K tape, has allowed the medical team at Worcester Warriors to optimise player performance both on and off the pitch. RockTape offers robustness, durability and sustained dynamic capabilities through extreme conditions. Its ability to cope with multiple collisions, rain, mud and sweat sets it apart from the rest. The tape is used in a number of ways to offload injured tissues, support weakened structures, aid with swelling control and keep protective padding in place. Having used other brands it has also become a favourite with the players too. Some (to only name a few) of the reasons the guys here at Warriors would advocate the tape: “It’s adhesive is second to none and lasts longer than any other tape I’ve used before.” “As a player you need confidence that your strapping is going to do the job for 80 minutes, something RockTape has guaranteed me this season.” “Rock Tape allows me full movement whilst offering support over my knee ligament, support in a way I don’t think any other tape would offer.” There is a strong history between the medical staff at the club and supplier with the two having worked together for many years. Whilst there have been many competitor brands used and...
by rocktapeuk | Sep 7, 2017 | Cycling, Rocktape Kinesiology Tape
Cannondale-Drapac cycling team, sponsored and powered by RockTape, earned an impressive runner-up spot in the 2017 Tour de France. Columbian Rigoberto Uran secured 2nd place in Paris on Sunday and described it as the greatest achievement of his career. The team, consisting of four Americans and four tour debutants, showed great heart and determination to propel Rigoberto onto the podium. Despite a stage win in Chambery, it is a whole other feat to secure an overall Tour win. However, on a much smaller budget, to finish within range of cycling behemoth, Team Sky, was a remarkable achievement. Rigoberto’s performance and off-the-road uncensored humor has established him as a folk hero in his native Columbia. Speaking with his team, Uran said “finishing second to Froome at less than a minute seems pretty good to me. It’s a quality podium in Paris, so this is the greatest success of my career.” RockTape has a long history of supporting cycling teams and we love seeing our athletes smashing their goals and earning podium finishes. At RockTape, we continue to support athletes everywhere and they are forever pushing the boundaries of what they achieve. We put our athletes at the heart of product development, utilizing their feedback to make our products the best out...
by rocktapeuk | Sep 5, 2017 | Uncategorised
RockTape Inc., a leader in sports medicine products and education, has announced the latest addition to its mobility line—RockFloss. RockFloss is a latex band designed for muscle and joint “flossing” before and/or after training, and for post-injury rehabilitation. RockFloss uses the science of compression and fascial shearing to help “unstick” stiff or sore muscles and mobilise joints, so everyone from the weekend warrior to the pro athlete can move better and with less pain. In addition to improving muscle and joint function, RockFloss can improve flexibility, range of motion and help reduce swelling. Unlike other floss products, RockFloss is specifically designed to be “tackier,” grabbing skin and underlying tissues, which enhances ease of use and efficacy. RockFloss is made of 100% natural latex, 1.25 millimeters thick and seven feet long, and comes in 5cm width. RockFloss is commonly used on shoulders, knees, wrists, elbows, hips or ankles. Each roll of RockFloss includes detailed instructions, covering the most common applications. “Floss has been popular with functional fitness athletes for quite some time,” says Cullen Maroney, head of product development at RockTape. “We believe in its efficacy as a treatment modality. But until now, no one has really done it right. This was a huge opportunity for us to introduce it to the mainstream, with detailed instructions – you can start improving range of motion and reducing pain right out of the box.” As a leader in functional fitness, RockTape has been at the forefront of innovation when it comes to mobility products for athletes and medical professionals. Not only is RockFloss effective, convenient and reusable, it also works as an...
by rocktapeuk | Aug 29, 2017 | Uncategorised
Hey! I’m Jackie Narracott, Australia’s top ranked Skeleton athlete. This year is my biggest yet preparing for the Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, KOR. For 6 months of the year I work 30 hours a week on top of full time training and for the other 6 months I travel the world going headfirst down a mountain faster than you can legally drive a car. Training at this time of year consists of lots of sprinting, lifting and pushing a dry land sled. The whole aim of summer training is to get us as fit and fast as possible for the season ahead. I’m pleased to say that so far so good for me this year. Obviously with pushing our bodies as hard as we do little niggles show up from time to time. For me, it’s constant shin splints from being on my feet all day. Also this year I’ve tweaked my shoulder and my calf. Thankfully I’ve got Rocktape to keep me going. I don’t think there’s been a running session since May that I haven’t done with my shins taped. It’s what works when all the icing, compression and self massage aren’t enough. It got me through last year and it’s gotten me through again this year. Additionally this year I’ve used it to help treat my shoulder and calf. I’ve always used it on muscles to relax and support them but my shoulder was the first time I’ve used it for structural support. The difference it made was huge. We only had to modify a couple of sessions because it calmed it down and held it...
by rocktapeuk | Aug 23, 2017 | Uncategorised
One of the products that people are a little hesitant of is Kinesiology tape, we thought we would ask our exhibitor Rock Tape to give us a little insight into what it is and some basics on using it. Paul Coker is the Medical Director of Rocktape UK, an experienced Physiotherapist and very average ultra/trail runner. Here is his lowdown on all things kinesiology tape. WHAT IS KINESIOLOGY TAPE? Kinesiology tape is an elastic tape made of tightly woven elasticated cotton (97%) and nylon (3%) fibres. The glue on the tape is acrylic, highly durable and waterproof so tape can be worn for up to a week withstanding vigorous movement, sweat and total emersion in water. When applied in a vaguely correct manner research has shown that tape can lead to various positive changes including less pain, improved movement, and better muscular endurance and recovery. Rocktape is premium brand of tape specifically designed to meet the demands of athletes. WHAT ITS NOT The tape does not contain any medication or drugs. Different colours are cosmetic only, all colours of tape have the same elasticity and therefore benefits. Tape is not a replacement for sensible injury management and thorough rehab. If you are in doubt about what causes your pain or you have a pain that’s not getting better go see an experienced, qualified therapist/professional. WHAT ARE RUNNING RELATED NIGGLES Most common running injuries are broadly overuse injuries. They come on gradually over time as a result of the cumulative load and repetitive impact. If a certain bit of tissue like the Achilles tendon or kneecap is asked to absorb...
by rocktapeuk | Aug 11, 2017 | Uncategorised
Never give up!!! A mantra passed on from one friend to another. Something that has shaped the last few years of my life and three words that I’ll never forget. How have those words changed my life and me as a person? 12 months and 54 days ago (10th August) the world lost a selfless character, who’s attitude was always ‘Never give up!’ My friend Chris sadly passed after an 8 year battle with Osteosarcoma (Bone Cancer). His journey wasn’t one about feeling sorry for himself, more living his life to the fullest potential. I think deep down he probably always knew he’d never outlive cancer but never took a backward step. After having to have his leg amputated at 15, he felt fortunate having the opportunity to play wheelchair basketball for GB. Never feeling sorry for himself he tried new treatments not necessarily to save his own life but to undergo new treatment that may save someone else’s. He wanted to do that to give others hope that there is a cure! That positivity is something I feel that I needed to continue! So after Coast 2 Coast two years ago and Ironman last year it was time for some thing that was equally big to honor a one in a million! 1,000,000 metres! That’s 10k a day for 100 days! Whilst running 10k for 100 days after doing an Ironman to some people may sound easy, it’s a whole different ball game. No rest days. Constant pain management. No way out! Day 54 today though and I feel great. Touch wood everything has gone pretty well, I...
by rocktapeuk | Jul 24, 2017 | Uncategorised
The recent World Transplant Games in Malaga, Spain, resulted in an outstanding performance by the British team who came home with a total of 360 medals – 166 of them Gold! The Team also won the award for the outstanding team of the Games which measures medals per competitor. Alison Bloxham has been providing Physio support to the British Team for 16 years now and along with her team of Physios and Sports Therapists this year were looking after 175 athletes (including 20 Juniors). The World Transplant Games is the 3rd largest international multi-sport event after the Olympics and Paralympics but does not receive any of the Government funding associated with the big 2. As a result, all the athletes and the Management team must raise the funds to attend and the Physio support is no exception. All of the costs for the Physio team was raised through public fund-raising efforts and kit sponsorship was a key part of this. In 2015, a chance conversation between Paul Coker and Alison (who already used RockTape in her private practice in Kendal) led to Paul kindly offering to donate some UK flag Rocktape and over the past 2 years she has utilised this at both National and International events. This year the Team used more than ever as the skills of the Physio team in taping has improved and the athletes have become more and more informed about its use. Not only do the athletes love the UK flag motif but they are also more and more convinced of its efficacy and those who initially dismissed it as a bit of...
