Unique Kinesiology Tape

Last Updated on July 9, 2023 by Andrew Pirie

Today I’m going to write about a special kind of tape that helps promote blood flow to the muscles. And aid in recovery and injury prevention. While I first heard of the Kinesio tape a few years back.  When my friend is a part-time runner. And now, on a collegiate scholarship playing American football started using it. While it just looks like masking tape, he stated it was very effective.

While I also noted another friend Mary Joy Tabal a prominent road runner in the Philippines, started using the full application taping methods of the Kinesio tape for the entire leg. And it then became known as ‘Tabby Tape.’

While the other day, when I had my deep tissue massage, my passion started telling me about a better version of Kinesio called Rock Tape. Yet my Physio swore by it and said it had fixed up thumb problems he had for years.

Only after a few weeks of use and significantly reduced his knee pain. I then decided to go on E-bay and buy some, I ordered some from the UK and after 7 days (customs delays) it arrived.

I taped my foot, knee area, groin, and calve and it was effective. It helped speed up recovery between sessions. The other thing I liked about it compared to standard tape and joint supporters. It was so light you can’t even feel that it is there when you have it on and allows full range and freedom of movement.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1yJVQuuRRKA]

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What’s Kinesio Tape?

A non-elastic tape is a typical way most athletes apply tape. This ends up stabilizing them at the cost of restricting movement.

 Hence Kinesio(TM) taping has a  much broader range of applications. The tape is 140% the elasticity of human skin. 

Also, by skillfully applying the tape to specific structures with a particular stretch on the tape, different effects can be achieved. Some of these effects include muscle inhibition, muscle facilitation, increased circulation,  increased lymphatic drainage (to reduce swelling), pain relief, functional correction, and increased range of motion. 

The effect that there is the most evidence to support is lymphatic drainage.

The reduction of swelling, edema, and bruising with Kinesio Tape (TM). 

There is also evidence to indicate that it can improve proprioception in some joints.  Possibly reducing the likelihood of an injury such as an ankle sprain.

And beyond sporting applications, Kinesio(TM) taping is used to treat discomfort associated with pregnancy, infant colic, and digestive disorders. And TMJ disorders, to name a few conditions.

Although there is a certification for Kinesio(TM) taping, applying the tape does not require certification.

Kinesio Taping gives support and stability to your joints and muscles without affecting circulation and range of motion. It is also used for Preventive Maintenance, Edema, and to treat pain. Kinesio Taping is a technique based on the body’s natural healing process. This Kinesio Taping exhibits its efficacy through the activation of neurological and circulatory systems.

This method stems from the science of Kinesiology. Hence the name “Kinesio.”  Movements of the body are not only due to Muscles.  But also control the circulation of venous and lymph flows, body temperature, etc. Therefore, the failure of the muscles to function properly induces various kinds of symptoms. 

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Muscle Function

Consequently, so much attention was given to the importance of muscle function that the idea of treating the muscles to activate the body’s healing process came about. And using elastic tape, it was discovered that muscles and other tissues could be helped by outside assistance. Also, the employment of Kinesio Taping creates a new approach to treating nerves, muscles, and organs.

While the first application of Kinesio Taping was for a patient with articular disorders.

For the first 10 years, orthopaedists, chiropractors, acupuncturists, and other medical practitioners were the main users of Kinesio Taping. Soon thereafter. At the same time, Japanese Olympic Volleyball players were the first to use Kinesio Tape. And word quickly spread to other athletes. 

While Today, Kinesio Taping is used by medical practitioners and athletes around the world. The Kinesio Taping Method is applied over muscles to reduce pain and inflammation and relax overused tired muscles. And to support muscles in movement on a 24hr/day basis. It is a non-restrictive type of taping that allows for a full range of motion.

Joint Stabilization and support in traditional sports are done by wrapping tape.

Therefore during a sporting event obstructing the flow of bodily fluids is an UNDESIRABLE side effect.

Also, anything from headaches to foot problems. And everything in between is used for Kinesio Tape.

• muscular facilitation or inhibition in pediatric patients,
• carpal tunnel syndrome
• lower back strain/pain (subluxations, herniated disc)
• knee conditions, shoulder conditions
• hamstring, groin injury
• rotator cuff injury
• whiplash, tennis elbow
• plantar fasciitis
• patella tracking
• pre and post-surgical edema
• Ankle Sprains
• athletic preventative injury method and as a support method.

Read this article on how to get rid of sore muscles.

Conclusion

In Conclusion Kinesio Tape. It is an effective way of preventing, managing, and treatment of acute injuries. It helps circulate blood flow and can speed up recovery times aswell as provide support to vulnerable muscles. However, it should not be the only form of treatment used, and a Physio should be consulted about how and where to apply the tape once a proper diagnosis of injury has been assessed.

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Sources:

1. http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_kinesio_tape
2. http://www.kinesiotape.ca/whatitdoes.htm
3. https://www.sidelinesportsdoc.com/kinesiotape-for-young-athletes-might-be-more-than-a-fashion-statement/
4. http://buzzfeed.com/lyapalater/kinesio-tape-is-the-coolest-accessory-at-the-olymp

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