A comparison between chiropractic manipulation and Kinesio® Taping and the combination thereof on postural kyphosis

M.Tech. (Chiropractic) Postural kyphosis of the thoracic spine is a common condition which affects a large percentage of the population. With an increase in anteriorly orientated activities, such as working on a computer, driving and studying, postural kyphosis has become more prevalent. Currently, the gold standard for the treatment of postural kyphosis is the stretching of the involved anterior musculature (pectoralis major and minor) and the strengthening of the involved posterior musculature (mid trapezius, rhomboids and levator scapulae). This involves the compliance of patients in the completion of exercises and stretching routines. This often resulted in poor outcomes as routines were performed irregularly or incorrectly. Although, if properly executed, this treatment protocol is effective, chiropractors, and other manual therapists, continue to search adjunctive modalities to improve the positive outcomes of their treatments. With the introduction of Kinesio® taping, the problem of patient compliance could be reduced. The tape is applied by the practitioner and simply left for several days. It has very little effect on the patient’s day to day activities and should continue to have positive impact on the involved musculature with no additional effort required from the participant. The benefits of chiropractic manipulation on the biomechanical relationship between a joint/s and linked musculature has long been recognised. However, very little research has been done to ascertain the direct benefits of chiropractic manipulation to the cervical and upper thoracic regions on postural kyphosis. This study will not only provide valuable information on these two modalities used individually, but also on the effectiveness of the combination of the two treatments. Method: This study was a comparative study consisting of three groups of ten participants. The method of treatment was determined by random group allocation. Group 1 received spinal manipulation to restriction(s) of the cervical and upper thoracic regions only. Group 2 received Kinesio® taping to the rhomboid muscle group only. Group 3 received the combination of spinal manipulation and Kinesio® taping. Subjective measurements consisted of the measurement of the thoracic kyphosis with the use of flexicurve ruler, a series of lateral view plumb line photographs and a set of secondary measurements consisting of three inter scapular measurements, one inter acromioclavicular measurement and two C7 to acromioclavicular measurements on each side.