This course was created by Dr. Ted Forcum, '08 US Olympic Sports Medicine Team Member who helped popularize the distinctive multi-colored strips of tape by treating athletes from a variety of sports during the Beijing Olympic Games. The course covers the basic philosophy and techniques and instructs students how to implement nineteen basic therapeutic applications. The course is taught through a combination of text and video. In addition, students are advised to perform all applications on a test subject as they progress through the program in order to understand the complexities of kinesiology taping.

When students have successfully completed the course, they should be able to…

" Define the realm of therapeutic applications of the basic kinesiology taping techniques described in this course.
" Understand both the basic history and current trends of kinesiology taping.
" Define essential kinesiology taping related terms.
" Utilize existing anatomy and physiology background necessary for applications (learner should already possess the requisite vernacular as well as anatomy and physiology knowledge necessary to implement each application).

Basic Tactile Skills:

" Understand physical characteristics of tape and how these characteristics affect its application and therapeutic capability.
" Demonstrate proper general physical handling and use of kinesiology tape.
" Apply and manipulate tape (including strip preparation, stretching to proper tension, splitting, adhering, and securing).
" Locate anatomical landmarks and position patient's body for proper taping of each of the nineteen applications.

Diagnostic Skills:

" Determine if kinesiology taping is a suitable therapeutic tool, based on a specific diagnosis.
" Apply one or more of the 19 basic kinesiology taping applications effectively as a therapeutic tool based on patient diagnosis.

Applications:

" Prepare patient for taping, relevant to each specific application.
" Understand general theory behind each therapeutic application.
" Apply tape properly based on diagnosis and need.
" Explain to patient the reasonable expectations of specific taping applications. Included in this objective, learner should understand the need to make patient aware that any therapeutic and/or performance intentions of kinesiology taping is based on empirical and anecdotal evidence, and that conclusive research as to its benefits is still ongoing.

Prognosis and Follow-up

" Identify how specific techniques should help patient and monitor patient's progress accordingly.
" Offer proper guidance, cautions, and advice to patients as it is relevant to kinesiology taping.
" Understand and implement recommended follow-up procedures and supplemental therapy based on specific applications.

For a sample PDF of the course content, click here.

Dr. Ted Forcum received a bachelor's degree from Willamette University, and achieved his doctorate from Western States Chiropractic College. During that time, he became a licensed massage therapist and an NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS). Dr. Forcum is a Diplomate of the American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians (DACBSP). He is certified in KinesioTaping (CKTP), Graston Technique, NASM Certified Exercise Specialist (CES), NASM Performance Exercise Specialist (PES), and is a Registered Trigenics Practitioner (RTP).

The American Chiropractic Association Council on Sports and Physical Fitness voted Dr. Forcum the 1994-95 and 2004 Sports Chiropractor of the Year. He was awarded a 2000 ACA Sports Council Achievement Award. Dr. Forcum was also voted 1997 Native American Entrepreneur of the year. In 2001, Dr. Forcum was honored as a Fellow by the International College of Chiropractors.

He has taught postgraduate programs and lectures nationally and internationally on the topics of soft tissue treatment, sports injuries and the biomechanics. He is the author of the chapter on the Leg, Ankle and Foot in the text Conservative Management of Athletic Injuries first and second editions.

Dr. Forcum was selected medical staff for the 2008 Beijing US Olympic Team Chiropractic, and 2007 Rio de Janeiro US Pan American Team Chiropractic. He has worked as an event physician for such events as the U.S Track and Field Olympic Trials, U.S Track and Field National Championships, U.S. Taekwando Championships, US Triathlon National Championships, World Veteran's Games, Nike World Masters Games, US Soccer Festival and US Figure Skating Championships.

Dr. Forcum is the event coordinator for the USA Track and Field National Championships, and was the medical director for the 2005 US Figure Skating Championships, Adidas Oregon Track Classic, Gorgefest and Columbia Gorge Marathon. He has worked as a staff chiropractor for the PGA Tour and Champions PGA Tour. In 2004, Dr. Forcum is the current President of the American Chiropractic Association Council on Sports and Physical Fitness. Dr. Forcum is currently in private practice, as Director of Back in Motion Sports Injuries Clinic, LLC in Beaverton, Oregon,