SPRT Therapy: Functional Taping Fundamentals
Superficial Proprioceptive Response Technique is a neuromuscular based treatment and taping technique developed by Sport Medicine Legend and Innovator Dr. Tim Brown…based on over 40 years of working with the highest level athletes on the front lines of competition. Developed to improve performance, reduce injury risk and get the best of the best back quicker after injury. This incredibly valuable information will help you get better outcomes and help more patients, clients and athletes perform at a higher level and return quicker from injury.
The SPRT treatment system focuses on using the peripheral and cutaneous nervous system to stimulate neuro musculoskeletal balance to improve joint centration.
The SPRT taping approach utilizes rigid, non stretch, strong adhesive strapping tape to create a “soft tissue lever” called the approximation/compression tab. As and example…This lever or tab is used to approximate the two ends of the damaged soft tissue (strain).
Once the A/C Tab is complete and the lesion from the injury is reduced, Kinesiology Tape is then applied to skin at a point away from the injury in a direction and angle you want the body to move toward that supports improved alignment and function.
One of the many unique features of this system is the clinician is encouraged to receive feedback from the patient throughout the session that guides specific direction/angle/pressure and support to create the best treatment and support possible.
Learning Objectives:
- Review human philosophy, neuro-anatomy and science as it relates to human movement, sports medicine, injury prevention and rehab from injury.
- Understand physiological principles and practical application of specific proprioceptive response techniques (SPRT).
- Discuss how taping is used to improve range of motion, stabilization (control) and strength.
- Learn to address injured soft tissue and joint systems through functional taping applications.
- Review clinical pearls from over 40 years applying tape to improve human performance and reduce the risk of injury
Dr. Tim Brown is one of the foremost experts and leading innovators in the world of sports medicine, with more than 45 years of experience working with some of the world’s most recognizable athletes. As a former college football player, pro beach volleyball player, and skilled surfer/snowboarder, Dr. Brown knows firsthand about the frustration of injury, pain management, the current reactive instead of proactive injury cycle environment and the painstaking process of rehab and recovery. In the early 1980s, while working as the Original Medical Director for the AVP (Association of Volleyball Professionals), Dr. Brown revolutionized the world of sports taping and soft tissue treatment with his innovative SPRT (Specific Proprioceptive Response Technique) approach and was arguably one of the first to utilize Kinesiology tape on elite athletes for functional, structural, and neuro-muscular issues. SPRT helps stimulate the body’s natural healing process to create alignment, mobility, proprioception and control through comfortable, specific soft tissue techniques and by aligning, compressing and supporting soft tissue structures in the direction of relief and correction though taping applications. In the 2008 Beijing Olympics, professional beach volleyball player Kerri Walsh attracted a lot of attention when she won a gold medal while wearing a version of SPRT for an injured shoulder. During that time, Dr. Brown had moved on from the AVP and was working and traveling with the ASP (Association of Surfing Professionals- currently the World Surf league) World Tour, as his SPRT soft tissue treatment and taping systems continued to gain recognition with athletes around the world. After decades working with countless elite and professional athletes, Dr. Brown created the latest evolution in functional performance apparel: IntelliSkin. Initially designed as a posture correction shirt to wear during workouts, or throughout the day, IntelliSkin is now central to performance optimization, pain relief, and rehabilitation protocols for experts everywhere. Dr Brown currently serves as the Co-Medical Director for the WSL, while being a Head Sports Medicine and Performance Consultant for both Hurley and RedBull High Performance athletes.
