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Frequently Asked Questions for SpiderTech™ Applications How does SpiderTech™ work? 4 Categories of Therapeutic Effect: There are four categories of therapeutic effect that occur with the use of SpiderTech™ therapy: 1. Psychological 2. Microcirculatory 3. Structural 4. Neurosensory
Psychological Effect: • • • • • • • • •
• •
•
Placebo is an important component involved will all therapeutic interventions and must therefore be included in the overall effects of wearing SpiderTech™ applications. SpiderTech™ applications can provide patients with an increased perception of stability which results in a decrease in the fear of activity that commonly follows muscle or joint injury. Patients with musculoskeletal damage are reluctant to fully activate their muscles due to fear of pain as opposed to the actual sensation of pain. This means that they actually have a conscious sense of localized weakness and an inability to execute certain movements. In a short period of time this can lead to disuse atrophy in muscle groups that are not fully activated. SpiderTech™ therapy can help your patients execute movements during rehabilitation that they would normally be afraid to do by providing an increased sense of stability thus limiting muscle atrophy. Current research has shown that cognition is an important element for improving outcomes in neuromuscular rehabilitation. The phenomenon of psychological modulation of pain is well known to each of us. Take for example the relatively common symptom of a headache. For one person a headache represents a minor nuisance while for another person a headache represents brain cancer. These 2 individuals will exhibit very different behaviour based on their perception of their health. Although we are at a loss to fully explain the psychological modulation of pain, addressing it within the framework of the care provided to your patients can only help to serve better outcomes. Research is pointing to the importance of patients focussing on the development of conscious kinaesthetic awareness while performing exercises and movement patterns as a means of improving therapeutic and rehabilitative outcomes. Patient outcomes are dramatically improved if the patient is consciously aware of the rehabilitative process or if their loved ones are included in the therapeutic process.
Microcirculatory Effect: •
• • •
With Microcirculatory Applications, the goal is to influence the tissues in three principle ways: o Assist tissue repair o Assist fluid flow o Assist tissue adaptation The maintenance of healthy tissue along with the proper repair following trauma is highly dependent on the vascular and lymphatic supply to the tissues involved. How well the vascular and lymphatic systems work becomes crucial during traumatic injuries where there is an increase in metabolic waste build-up and nutritional requirements. This is why during acute injury we would start with the application of a lymphatic spider to improve the cellular environment around the traumatized tissues along with effecting the fluid flow to support the repair process.
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Frequently Asked Questions for SpiderTech™ Applications How does SpiderTech™ work? (cont’d) • • • • • • • • • • • •
Once the injury has had adequate time to heal the patient would start to engage in exercise within pain free ranges of motion to improve the tensile strength and fibre alignment of the scar tissue. When connective tissue is injured there is a neural reflex that occurs in the surrounding vessels causing transient vasoconstriction (vessels momentarily contract). This vasoconstriction is followed quickly by a hyperaemic response – the vessels dilate and allow blood to flow into the wounded area. Dilated non-injured vessels initially release a transudate (“watery” fluid with minimal protein content and cellular elements composed mainly of water and electrolytes) from the blood into connective tissue interstitium. The chemical mediators that are released in response to tissue injury result in increased vascular permeability which allows plasma proteins and some white blood cells to escape into the wound area. The result is that the watery transudate becomes a thicker gel-like exudate rich in proteins and cellular elements. The plasma proteins that leak into the tissues provide an osmotic gradient that brings more water into the wound area from plasma. This leads to the oedematous swelling observed during the inflammatory stage. The pain that a patient experiences during acute inflammation is produced by both the engorgement of tissue spaces from swelling and by chemical irritation of nociceptors. Pain causes the patient to guard the affected area which results in a loss of function. SpiderTech™ applications can be invaluable to the manual therapist looking to relieve both edema and pain caused by acute tissue trauma. SpiderTech™ therapy is thought to improve lymphatic circulation via several different mechanisms: o Alleviate superficial tissue oedema by providing continuous skin stimulation. This stimulation on the skin serves to promote fluid flow in terminal branches of lymphatic vessels which ultimately reduces local lymphatic congestion and oedema. The exact mechanisms for which this occurs are currently being explored. o When applied on an actively stretched tissue, convolutions or waves form on the skin, which increases the movement within the interstitial space. In other words, an area of decreased pressure is created under the tape allowing areas of higher pressure (oedematous tissue) to flow into areas of lower pressure (lymphatic channels). Pressure is gradually taken off the lymphatic system allowing it to drain more freely. o On a deeper level, it has been well documented that in order for the lymphatic pumps in muscles and joints to work, motion is necessary to propel lymphatic fluid out of lymph vessels to ensure appropriate drainage. SpiderTech™ applications allow for full and supported ranges of motion with a reduction of pain. The promotion of pain free movement in turn facilitates lymphatic drainage at the level of the injured muscle and/or joint.
Structural Effect: • • • • •
Poor biomechanics and posture during functional activities can lead to a decrease in neuromuscular efficiency leading to an increased likelihood of injury. Poor static and dynamic postures lead to increased mechanical stress on the contractile and non-contractile tissue, leading to repetitive micro-trauma, abnormal biomechanics, hypoxic strain and injury. With structural applications the tape can be applied in such a way that it can dynamically support postures and protect ranges of motion from further exacerbating painful conditions. The tape being pre-stretched in a neutral anatomical position dynamically limits painful end ranges without a hard end point typically experienced by other forms of taping. Specific structural applications of the tape can help to correct biomechanical imbalances, which can potentially lead to pain, by keeping structures aligned where they should be in order to reinforce a balanced state of forces and movements acting on the muscles and joints involved.
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Frequently Asked Questions for SpiderTech™ Applications How does SpiderTech™ work? (cont’d) Structural Effect: (cont’d) •
• •
•
Support for the structural model is further provided by research and understanding in the area of tensegrity. In this model, poor postures and joint positioning would indicate that the muscles are not functioning well enough to hold up their part of the job. This would ultimately require other structures to pick up the slack until they reach a point of overload. Regarding structural Spiders, the aim is to create the ideal mechanical/physical environment for repair to take place. This environment should be extended into the patient’s daily activities. The Structural Applications are capable of providing ‘relative immobility’ in which tissues are free to move but within a protected range of motion which limits the generation of end range loading and excessive tensile force generation in healing tissues. Tissues that have repaired under movement and mechanical stress will have properties matching the mechanical requirements of daily physical activities leading to better patient outcomes.
Neurosensory Effects: • • • •
Activates sensory gating mechanisms for therapeutic effect. Enhanced sensory stimulation leading to a decrease in the neural perception of pain. Restoration of normal muscle activation and function. Consistent uninterrupted stimulation stimulates neuromuscular plasticity to improve long term outcomes.
Key point: Enhancing sensory input to normalize motor output • The mechanical stimulation of the tape is turned into a signal that the nervous system can interpret via stimulation of A-Beta fibres. • Our body’s mechanisms for the control and perception of pain are not exclusive to one mechanism. It is most likely a process of overlapping mechanisms Classification of Nerve Fibres:
•
Sensory Function
Receptor Type
Afferent Axon Type
Proprioception
Muscle Spindle
A-Alpha (Ia II)
Touch
Merkel, Meissner, Pacinnian, Ruffini
A-Beta
Pain, Temperature
Free nerve endings
A-Delta
Pain, Temperature, itch
Free nerve endings
C
There are three categories of specialized receptors in the sensorimotor system: 1. Mechanoreceptors provide feedback related to the mechanical state of muscles, joint tissues, and the skin. a. Are generally classified into three groups: muscle receptors, joint receptors, and cutaneous receptors. 2. Thermoreceptors provide feedback related to temperature. 3. Nociceptors are pain receptors (A-Delta and C-fibres)
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Frequently Asked Questions for SpiderTech™ Applications How does SpiderTech™ work? (cont’d) Neurosensory E ect: (cont’d) • •
• • •
Current evidence has shown that the CNS processes ensembles of sensory information from many di erent receptors simultaneously. Ensemble processing leads to more appropriate responses because there is a level of redundancy within the system that allows compensation for errors in feedback which may occur as a result of trauma. This is also where there is room for neural plasticity to occur in response to muscle and joint trauma. The type of receptor we are most interested in with SpiderTech™ are cutaneous receptors. Historically, sensory feedback from cutaneous receptors has not been closely associated with joint stability. It is now believed that cutaneous receptors play an important role in the sensation of movement either by providing direct feedback or by facilitating feedback from other receptors (e.g., muscle receptors).
Sensory Gating: • The tape is a sensory analgesic support which acts by stimulating our body’s own neurological pain reducing mechanisms through sensory gating mechanisms. • Pain modulation due to sensory stimulation and the resultant increase in the impulses in the larger diameter (Abeta) a erent fibres was proposed by the gate control theory of pain.
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Frequently Asked Questions for SpiderTech™ Applications How does SpiderTech™ work? (cont’d) Neurosensory E ect and Sensory Gating: (cont’d)
Mechanism involved in the Gate Control Theory • Stimulation of the larger, faster A-Alpha and A-Beta erent fibres inhibits the inhibitory e ect of A-delta and Cfibre nociceptive stimulation at the level of the inhibitory interneuron in the substantia gelatinosa. • The “pain message” carried along the smaller diameter fibres is not transmitted to the second-order neurons and never reaches the sensory or higher cortical centers. • The balance between the input from the small and large diameter a erents determines how much of the pain message is blocked or gated. • This is an evolutionary mechanism. • The concept of sensory stimulation for pain relief, as proposed by the gate control theory, has empirical support. Rubbing a contusion, applying moist heat, or massaging sore muscles decreases the perception of pain. • Recent evidence suggests that pain relief may result from combinations of dorsal horn and CNS activity. This supports the concept of sensory gating at the spinal cord level and CNS involvement with the descending inhibitory pathway. • SpiderTech™ applications provide enhanced a erent sensory stimulation from the periphery and convert this mechanical stimulus into a neural signal which disrupts the existing pain signals the patient has been experiencing through sensory gating mechanisms. • The non-Nociceptive sensory input stimulates the inhibitory interneurons to contribute to the reduction of the perception of pain this in turn normalizes the motor output which was e ected by the nociceptive input. • The stimulation of Nociceptive a rents inhibit the function of the inhibitory interneurons therefore leading to an increase in the perception of pain and the negative cts associated with pain including an increase in muscle tension and muscular inhibition. • The stimulation of the non-nociceptive pathways will reduce the rate of firing of the spinothalamic tract neurons and break the cycle of neuroprotective mechanisms responding to the original signal of pain. cts of SpiderTech on chronic pain. • Neuroplasticity is the mechanism behind the long term • The ability of SpiderTech applications to provide continuous uninterrupted stimulation to reduce pain and improve muscle activation provides the necessary input over duration to reverse some of the mechanisms behind chronic pain. This is achieved via Neuroplasticity.
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Frequently Asked Questions for SpiderTech™ Applications Are there any contraindications to using the tape? SpiderTech™ Applications are made from the Original Kinesiology Tape from Japan, made by Nitto Denko. They are made of 100% high cotton elastic fabric with a Poly-acrylic adhesive, therefore they are hypo-allergenic. However, it is ideal to test a strip of tape on the skin to determine if you there may be an allergy to adhesives. It is also not recommended to apply the tape directly over broken or severely irritated skin such as with sun burns.
How do SpiderTech™ Applications compare to the rolls in terms of cost? When the amount of material used to reproduce a pre-cut application from a standard roll is used along with factoring in the amount of time saved without having to cut the tape to perform a particular application, the two versions of application are comparable price wise. There are additional factors to take into account when comparing the value of the pre-cuts to the standard rolls. The pre-cut applications stay on longer due to the professionally machined cutting of the applications which prevent the common fraying effect of cutting with scissors and therefore less applications are needed over the course of therapy.
The tape falls off after a short time of wearing it. Why has this happened? The most common reasons that application may come off is that they were applied without properly preparing the skin. The following are a few steps to ensure that the tape maintains its adhesiveness: 1.
Skin Preparation. Along with being dry, the skin needs to be clear of hair, creams and oils. Clipping or shaving the intended area of application may be necessary.
2.
Time after Application. Apply the tape approximately 1 hour before engaging in exercise or bathing.
3.
Applying the Base & Adhesion Points. Apply the base (Section 1), along with the start and end of every other numbered SpiderTech™ application segment (approximately 1 to 2 inches; 2.5 to 5 centimetres) with no stretch on the tape or in the muscle.
4. Keep Adhesive Clean. Do not touch the adhesive side of the tape while applying. Doing so will decrease the adhesive strength on the skin and may lead to early peeling. 5.
Removing the Backing. When removing the tape from the backing, peel back the paper backing in small amounts at a time and lightly attach the tape to the skin. Continue this process until 90% of the tape is adhered to the skin, at which point you can tear the backing completely off.
6.
Setting the Adhesive. Once the tape is applied for each section, gently rub over the top of the tape to smooth out any creases and to activate the glue. It is very important to remember to rub the tape from the start to the end of each section. Ensure each section is fully applied before moving on to the following section.
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Frequently Asked Questions for SpiderTech™ Applications Once the tape was removed, the pain came back. Why? SpiderTech™ Applications and Tape, and more specifically, Kinesiology tape has the ability to diminish the neural sensation of pain which potentially allows for a restoration of muscle strength and mobility. This is part of the therapeutic process and depending on each individual condition and health it may take some time for the effects of wearing the tape to be sustained after removing the application.
Is there any difference in the four colours? SpiderTech™ Applications and Tape are available in four different colors, Beige, Black, Blue and Red. However, there are no manufacturing or therapeutic difference in the different colors.
How many applications will I need? Each condition is specific to the body in which it occurs and the frequency and intensity that it occurred with. Therefore, the duration of time necessary for SpiderTech™ Applications to be worn will depend on the health of the individual, severity of the condition and chronicity of complaint.
How is SpiderTech™ applied? 3 Techniques of Application: 1. 2. 3.
Microcirculatory Applications Structural Applications Neurosensory Applications
Technique 1: Microcirculatory Applications: • • • • • •
“Stretch the tape AND the muscle™” Follow the pathways of the lymphatic system. Use the lymphatic Spider. Stretch the muscle as much as possible and mildly stretch the tape. Place the ‘base’ at the proximal end of the application towards the center of the body. Place the projections over the area you are trying to treat.
Technique 2: Structural Applications: • • • •
“Stretch the tape not the muscle™” The desired level of support determines the application Mild support o Have the patient in neutral position and apply the tape with no stretch Moderate support o Have the patient overcorrect the neutral position and apply the tape with no stretch
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Frequently Asked Questions for SpiderTech™ Applications How is SpiderTech™ applied? (cont’d) Technique 2: Structural Applications: (cont’d) •
• •
Maximum support o Have the patient overcorrect the neutral position and apply the tape with the appropriate amount of stretch to achieve the desired position. NEVER STRETCH THE TAPE OVER 75% OF ITS MAXIMUM Structural support allows for adaptation of neural pathways by constant ideal proprioceptive feedback once the ideal static and dynamic postures are established. SpiderTech™ structural applications provide ‘relative immobility’ to allow for protected ranges of motion ensuring the effective rehabilitation of damaged soft tissues.
Technique 3: Neurosensory Applications: • •
For 90% of the applications “Stretch the muscle not the tape™”
Do I need to get therapy as well or is the tape enough to manage my condition? The use of SpiderTech™ Applications is a synergistic addition to a patient’s treatment plan. It may be used as an adjunct to any form of therapy, providing that continuous mechanoreceptive input that enhances the in-office therapeutic effect to the neuro-musculo-skeletal system regardless of the therapist professional designation. There may be a point within a patient’s treatment plan where the therapist feels that using SpiderTech™ Pre-Cut Applications or SpiderTech™ Rolls as the only therapeutic input depending on the specific needs of the patient.
What conditions is it good for? You can find a general listing of the conditions each Pre-Cut SpiderTech™ Application may be utilized for on products page of the SpiderTech™ website, www.spidertech.com. The enhanced instructions offered at the courses are where people really learn the how and why for clinical applications along with the various ways to apply the variety of applications for different clinical conditions. That being said, the common condition that is present in neuro-musculo-skeletal dysfunction is pain and this pain imparts some form of neuro-motor dysfunction. Therefore, SpiderTech™ as a therapeutic intervention can be used: • • •
Acute and/or Chronic Pain Rehabilitation after Surgery Poor posture
• • •
Swelling, Oedema and Bruising Muscle and Joint Injuries Improving athletic performance
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Frequently Asked Questions for SpiderTech™ Applications How will I know it is working? How quickly does it work? Each case varies depending on the nature and extent of an injury. The effects may be experienced immediately due to the activation of sensory pathways or it may take a day or two with more severe conditions. Słupik et al. are the only authors that have been able to measure the effectiveness of Kinesiology Taping with statistical methods in a reproducible and measureable manner. Here is the title and abstract from this work: Słupik A, Dwornik M, Białoszewski D, Zych E. Effect of Kinesio Taping on bioelectrical activity of vastus medialis muscle. Preliminary report. Ortop Traumatol Rehabil. 2007 Nov-Dec;9(6):644-51. BACKGROUND: Kinesio Taping is currently regarded by physiotherapists as a method supporting rehabilitation and modulating some physiological processes. It is employed e.g. in orthopaedics and sport medicine. This sensory method supports joint function by exerting an effect on muscle function, enhancing activity of the lymphatic system and endogenous analgesic mechanisms as well as improving microcirculation. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of Kinesio Taping on changes in the tone of the vastus medialis muscle during isometric contractions. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The study group included 27 healthy persons. A Kinesio Tape was placed to support the function of the medial head of the quadriceps muscle of thigh. Transdermal EMG was used to assess bioelectrical activity of the muscle. A standardised protocol was employed for measurement of muscle tone, recorded as the peak torque of the muscle. RESULTS: An examination performed 24 hours after the placement of the Kinesio Tape revealed significantly increased recruitment of the muscle's motor units, as expressed by peak torque. An examination performed after 72 hours of kinesio taping showed a statistically significant increase in bioelectrical activity of the muscle. However, this was lower than the effect at 24 hours. In the group where the tapes were removed after 24 hours, high torque was still maintained. CONCLUSIONS: 1. Clinically significant effects of Kinesio Taping in this study included an increase in the bioelectrical activity of the muscle after 24 hours of kinesio taping and the maintenance of this effect for another 48 hours following removal of the tape. 2. The decrease in muscle tone to the baseline value, which was observed during the fourth day of Kinesio Taping use, may have resulted from the time of effective use of the KT tape being shorter than previously believed and may restrict Kinesio Taping use. 3. Kinesio Taping used shortly before the motor activity it is supposed to support may fail to fulfill its function.
Do SpiderTech™ Applications Hurt? Wearing the applications should not cause any increase in pain. If an increase in pain is experience while wearing the tape, remove immediately and consult the health care provider who applied the application.
How do I remove the tape? 1. 2.
The tape should be removed after approximately five (5) days of wear. Remove the tape when it is dry. Removing the tape when it is wet creates somewhat of a suction between the adhesive and the skin. 3. Try removing the tape with the muscle and skin maximally stretched. 4. Remove the tape in the direction of the hair growth which is typically away from the center of the body and moving down the arms and legs. 5. The tape is best removed by another individual as they can stretch the skin under the tape while removing the application. This decreases the level of sensation that may be felt while the adhesive is peeling off the skin.
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Frequently Asked Questions for SpiderTech™ Applications Are there different sizes? At present there is only one size for each of the SpiderTech™ Applications. The sizing has been designed to fit approximately 80% of the population. The primary method by which this form of therapy achieves its therapeutic benefit is through neurological mechanisms and therefore exact sizing per say is not necessary. It may be a bit bigger on one patient and a little smaller on another and with both cases the therapeutic effect is still achieved. For portions of the population which are outside the range of accommodation, we advocate using SpiderTech™ Tape in the roll format. A Pediatric Line of Pre-Cuts will be released in the future that will also be able to be used for smaller sized adults.
What is the tape made of? SpiderTech™ is supplied with raw tape material by the original kinesiology taping manufacturer from Japan, Nitto Denko. Nitto Denko kinesiology taping products were engineered to mimic the thickness, weight and elasticity of human skin. Thus, they use high-grade 100% cotton material with a 100% poly-acrylic adhesive. There is no Latex in the product therefore making it hypoallergenic. The tape is water-resistant and breathable, and can be worn for up to a week. The tape is designed to be worn on the skin even during strenuous exercise. The adhesive does not only adhere well to the body, but also does not leave any residue when removed. The tape material has moderate elasticity, which matches the same basic elasticity found in human skin and muscle, allowing it to work with the patient’s body. This provides support and stability, without adversely affecting healthy ranges of motion.
What does each design signify? There are currently 16 different SpiderTech™ Applications that have been professionally engineered and pre-cut for different areas of the body. They have been designed using our current understanding of functional anatomy to contour the body providing associated anatomy with the support required to manage the majority of conditions associated with each body part. Even though there are 16 static designs there are over 40 different ways of applying each SpiderTech™ Application. Here is a list of the current line of pre-cuts: • • • • • • •
The Neck Spider™ The Shoulder Spider™ The Elbow Spider™ The Wrist Spider™ The Posture Spider™ The Low Back Spider™ The Hip Spider™
• • • • • • •
The Upper Knee Spider™ The Full Knee Spider™ The Ankle Spider™ The Calf and Arch Spider™ The Hamstring Spider™ The Groin Spider™ The Lymphatic Spider™ in 3 different sizes, Small, Medium and Large
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Frequently Asked Questions for SpiderTech™ Applications Can the applications be re-used? SpiderTech™ Applications are a onetime use and cannot be reapplied after they have been removed. Each application is designed to be worn continuously for approximately five (5) days.
Are there any side-effects? Side effects may include irritation to the skin for the small portions of the population who have an allergy to any form of adhesive.
What is the difference between SpiderTech™ and the other forms of Kinesiology Tape? SpiderTech™ is the only company to provide the innovation of a convenient, standardized and easy to use pre-cut and ready to apply format. All of the SpiderTech™ Applications and Tape use the industry trusted and proven material from the original kinesiology taping manufacturer from Japan, Nitto Denko. SpiderTech™ provides the most updated and evidence lead educational system. This is establishing SpiderTech™ as the leader in Kinesiology Taping science and application.
How should I bill for these applications? Billing is dependent on your geographical location. In the United States, taping falls under the category of strapping and has either Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) Codes that reimburses for procedures offered or Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) Codes that are often used for reimbursement for a device and not the time taken for the procedure. The 2009 HPCPS Codes can be used for SpiderTech™ Applications or SpiderTape™ in order to provide support or stabilization of an extremity. These are NOT TIME BASED CODES. The 2009 CPT Codes can be used for strapping as a replacement procedure during or after the period of follow-up care or when it is the initial service performed without a restorative treatment or procedure(s) to stabilize or protect an injury and/or to afford comfort to a patient. Each Insurance Carrier has specific coverage instructions for processing certain HCPCS and CPT codes. While most codes are covered by Medicare program and other Extended-Health Care Insurance Plans, the use of these codes does not guarantee payment. If you have a question about a specific code in this category, review your Medicare provider manual or consult with your local carrier. SpiderTech™ users are encouraged to ensure that the specific codes are verified to the corresponding procedure in each geographical region before submitting the claim. This list of re-imbursement codes and their corresponding applications is to be used as a guide and Nucap Medical Inc. and its subsidiaries, is not to be held liable for any disputes or lack of reimbursement. We are willing to aid all users of SpiderTech™ Applications in providing re-imbursement, if you have any questions or concerns regarding re-imbursements please contact us.
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Frequently Asked Questions for SpiderTech™ Applications How should I bill for these applications? (cont’d) In Canada, there is no established standardization for re-imbursement of SpiderTech™ Application. A number of options are available. You can use a flat fee for application and charge patients for the cost of each application. Or it can be offered as a standalone service with its own fee. Please contact your distributor for a list of prices or you can purchase SpiderTech™ Applications directly from the SpiderTech™ website, www.spidertech.com. Ultimately the decision is the clinicians and the office procedures of the clinic. We have included some of the United States National Averages for CPT Reimbursements along with a full list of 2009 CPT and HCPCS Reimbursement Codes please see the attached Appendixes.
How do I explain to my patients how this works? Some of the Key Points of the SpiderTech™ Patient Brochures are as follows: What is SpiderTech™ Therapy? SpiderTech™ is a comprehensive line of ready to apply pre-cut kinesiology tape applications designed to easily treat a variety of body areas. These applications are specifically designed to support injured tissue, reduce discomfort and get you active again.
Why am I getting SpiderTech™ Therapy? To reduce discomfort associated with injuries and speed up the healing process – SpiderTech™ applications reduce discomfort, swelling and bruising associated with injuries. These applications also provide flexible support to injured areas helping to prevent further trauma.
How Does SpiderTech™ Work? Each specific SpiderTech™ application works with your body to naturally to stimulate the therapeutic effects achieved while wearing the applications. Due to the stimulation of the tape on the skin, inflammation and discomfort associated with injuries are reduced allowing the body to recover faster.
How Does SpiderTech™ fit into my Treatment Program? SpiderTech™ is easy to incorporate into any form of rehabilitation and at any stage of healing. When you leave your doctor or therapist’s office you are able to take this therapy home with you as an extension of your treatment. This helps to maintain positive treatment results between each of your therapy sessions.
How to care for your SpiderTech™ Application: 1.
SpiderTech™ applications need to be applied to clean, dry skin. The skin needs to be clear of creams, oils and hair so clipping or shaving the intended area of application may be necessary.
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Frequently Asked Questions for SpiderTech™ Applications How do I explain to my patients how this works? (cont’d) How to care for your SpiderTech™ Application: (cont’d) 2.
Do not wet the application or engage in strenuous activity for at least 1 hour after it is applied.
3.
The tape is waterproof and breathable and can therefore be worn while bathing. It is important to avoid rubbing the tape when it is wet. Always pat the tape dry with a towel after bathing.
4. If the tape is applied correctly it can be worn continuously for at least 5 days. 5.
Do not remove the tape when it is wet. When removing the tape, pull gently and slowly so not to irritate the skin.
6.
If there is an increase in discomfort or irritations when wearing the tape, remove immediately and inform your health care provider.
What if I can’t get my patient to stretch the muscle the whole way due to pain or injury? Always move the patient within their pain free range of motion. If that range is small due to the level of discomfort experienced by the patient, then that is where you start.
Can SpiderTech™ Applications help to reduce fatigue even in the absence of pain? Muscular fatigue can result in a motor control deficit leading to proprioceptive deficits and altered joint stability. The onset of pain and discomfort within a joint or muscle can lead to early onset of muscle fatigue and a loss of endurance. Therefore, the use of SpiderTech™ Applications can indirectly improve performance naturally by reducing the likelihood of the development of pain in performance environments therefore preventing the onset of pain evoked fatigue.
Do the applications come in bulk packaging as well? Currently SpiderTech™ Applications are packaged individually to protect the applications for individual uses. Bulk packaging options are being explored for the future. Our consumer research has shown that patient perception of this form of therapy is enhanced with individual packaging as they believe it is more specific to their needs and not just a bulk item. As we develop new areas of bulk packaging we would value the input of our users in order to continually provide what our customer needs are.
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Frequently Asked Questions for SpiderTech™ Applications Can wearing the tape cause further injury due to the effects on reducing pain? In a chronic pain environment, the use of the tape is able to switch the dysfunctional pain protective-mechanism off in a way that doesn’t eliminate its intended protective functions during an acute trauma.
How do I learn how to tape properly? The specific instructions on the packaging and on our website are to allow people early access to using this revolutionary form of therapy. The standard applications can stand alone and help any practitioner achieve enhanced clinical outcomes in their patient management. SpiderTech™ Educational Courses offer the progressive therapist a manner by which they can learn the science behind SpiderTech™ and Kinesiology Taping and the various techniques of application depending on the specific needs of the patient and their condition.
Is there a difference between the overall surface area covered with a larger application as opposed to just a strip of tape? Neurologically speaking, as a stimulus becomes stronger, the number of receptors excited and the frequency of the impulses generated increase. This provides more activity at the central and peripheral nervous system levels, which may facilitate the effects of the SpiderTech™ Applications.
