The Trapezius Savior
Unveiling the Effectiveness of Kinesio Taping in Relieving Pain for Market Porters at Pasar Gede
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Imagine lifting dozens of kilograms repeatedly, all day long, day after day. This is the daily reality for porters at Pasar Gede Surakarta. The heavy burdens carried on shoulders and backs often result in chronic pain of the Upper Trapezius muscle - the large muscle that stretches from the neck to the shoulder. This pain is not just discomfort; it erodes quality of life, reduces productivity, and limits mobility. In the world of physiotherapy, Kinesio Taping (KT), the colorful elastic tape often seen on athletes, emerges as a potential solution. This article takes you through how research in the heart of Surakarta tested KT's effectiveness in relieving the suffering of market porters, turning theory into tangible hope 1 4 .
Understanding the Main Actor: Upper Trapezius Muscle and the Porter's Burden
The Upper Trapezius muscle is the primary support for the neck and shoulder area. Its functions are vital: stabilizing and moving the shoulder (lifting, rotating), as well as supporting the head. For market porters, the activity of lifting, carrying, and transporting heavy loads continuously creates extraordinary pressure on this muscle.
Muscle Function
The Upper Trapezius is crucial for shoulder elevation, neck extension, and scapular rotation - all essential movements for heavy lifting.
Porter's Burden
Market porters typically carry loads of 20-50kg repeatedly throughout their workday, placing immense strain on the trapezius muscles.
Pathological Consequences
- Muscle Fiber Microtrauma: Small tears in muscle fibers due to loads exceeding capacity
- Metabolite Accumulation: Build-up of substances like lactic acid from intensive muscle work
- Impaired Circulation: Reduced blood and lymph flow, worsening inflammation
- Trigger Points: Development of hypersensitive spots characteristic of Myofascial Pain Syndrome
Kinesio Taping: More Than Just Colorful Tape
Developed by Dr. Kenzo Kase in Japan in the 1970s, Kinesio Tape differs from rigid orthopedic tape (white tape). Its main characteristics:
Elastic
Has elasticity similar to human skin (can stretch up to 120-140% of original length)
Breathable
Made of cotton with hypoallergenic acrylic adhesive, allowing air and moisture exchange
Water-Resistant
Can be used while bathing or sweating, lasting 3-5 days per application
Therapeutic Mechanisms
Improved Circulation and Lymphatic Drainage
The negative pressure created when stretched tape is applied lifts the skin and underlying connective tissue, increasing subdermal space and reducing pressure on capillaries 1 4 9 .
Unpacking Key Research: KT vs Trapezius Pain in Market Porters
A crucial study was conducted by Irfa Khoiruddin and Dwi Rosella Komalasari from Muhammadiyah University of Surakarta in 2017, focusing directly on porters at Pasar Gede Surakarta 1 4 .
Methodology: Rigorous and Measured
This research was designed as a Quasi-Experimental study with a Pre-Post Test with Control Group Design. Key aspects:
20 porters with Upper Trapezius pain divided into 2 groups:
- 10 in Treatment Group (KT)
- 10 in Control Group
Pain levels measured using Visual Analog Scale (VAS):
- 0 = "No pain"
- 10 = "Worst pain imaginable"
Treatment Group
Received Kinesio Taping application on painful Upper Trapezius using inhibition technique (15-25% stretch) from near shoulder to neck base. Applied for 3 days, then removed and reapplied after one day rest, totaling one week application 1 .
Control Group
Received no KT intervention or placebo/sham taping.
Results and Analysis: Convincing Evidence
| Group | Average Pain Score (Pre-Test) | Average Pain Score (Post-Test) | Change | Significance (p-value) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Control (n=10) | 5.6 | 5.2 | -0.4 | > 0.05 (NS) |
| KT (n=10) | 6.1 | 4.0 | -2.1 | 0.004 (S) |
- Direct study on vulnerable worker population
- Controlled design isolates KT effects
- Practical, relatively inexpensive intervention
- Basis for broader application
Why These Results Matter
The significant pain reduction (from 6.1 to 4.0 on VAS) in the KT group compared to minimal change in controls (5.6 to 5.2) provides compelling evidence for KT's effectiveness in this working population. The p-value of 0.004 means there's only a 0.4% probability these results occurred by chance 1 4 .
Looking Further: KT in Broader Research Context
Findings from Pasar Gede Surakarta aren't isolated. Other research strengthens KT's position as a supportive modality for trapezius pain management:
Ozturk et al. (2016) studied office workers with trapezius MPS, examining effects immediately and one month after KT application (given 2x weekly). Results showed significant pain reduction (VAS) and increased pressure pain tolerance (algometry) immediately and at one-month follow-up. Trapezius muscle strength also improved significantly 2 9 .
| Parameter | Measurement Time | KT Group (n=20) | Placebo Group (n=17) | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain Scale (VAS 0-10) | T1 (Pre) | 6.86 | 6.45 | - |
| T2 (Post-Intervention) | 3.86 | 3.05 | Significant | |
| T3 (1 Month) | 2.64 | 2.60 | Significant |
Research comparing KT with dry needling (DN) found that KT + Exercise and Exercise alone showed significantly better pain reduction and arm function improvement than DN + Exercise. KT group also showed greater improvement in shoulder flexion strength 8 .
Interestingly, research on esports athletes (2024) showed that Forward Head Posture (FHP) wasn't directly correlated with Upper Trapezius pain incidence 3 , highlighting the complexity of muscle pain causes beyond just posture.
Research Tools: Measuring KT's Impact
| Tool/Approach | Primary Function | Example Use & Relevance |
|---|---|---|
| Kinesio Tape (KT) | Primary Intervention: Elastic therapeutic tape for skin application | Applied with inhibition technique on Upper Trapezius to reduce pain and tension 1 2 9 |
| Visual Analog Scale (VAS) | Primary Outcome Measure: Quantifies patient's subjective pain perception | Patients mark pain level on 10cm line before/after KT application 1 2 4 |
| Algometer (Dolorimeter) | Objective Outcome Measure: Measures pressure pain threshold (kg/cm² or N/cm²) | Placed on trigger points to record pressure needed to elicit pain 2 9 |
Conclusion: A Sticking Solution That Heals
The research at Pasar Gede Surakarta and supporting studies provide convincing scientific evidence that Kinesio Taping isn't just a trend or decorative tape. Its proper application on the Upper Trapezius muscle significantly reduces pain in manual laborers like market porters. The effect is strongly suspected through a combination of improved circulation and lymphatic drainage as well as modulation of pain signals in the nervous system.
KT's advantages like being non-invasive, relatively inexpensive, easy to apply, and allowing patients to keep moving make it a highly promising modality in occupational musculoskeletal pain management, especially in resource-limited environments.
While KT isn't a magic cure and chronic pain often requires multimodal approaches (including ergonomic education, strengthening/stretching exercises, workload management), it emerges as an effective, practical additional tool in the physiotherapy arsenal. This colorful tape has proven itself, not just on athletes' shoulders, but also on the shoulders of market warriors who live by their physical strength. It sticks not just to skin, but to hopes for more comfortable, quality work.