What is Kinesio Taping®?
Kinesio Taping® is a specialized method for therapeutic and rehabilitative taping. Kinesio Tex Gold® is a specialized elastic, latex-free tape that takes minimal time to apply, is resilient (lasts up to 3-5 days), water resistant and suitable for patients of all ages. Kinesio Taping® is designed to reduce pain, reduce swelling, enhance performance, re-educate the neuromuscular system, prevent injury, and promote lymphatic flow.
The Kinesio Taping® Method can be used on a variety of musculoskeletal problems. The Kinesio Taping® method involves taping over and around muscles in order to assist, give support or to prevent over-contraction of muscles, depending on patient presentation. KinesioTaping® can easily be integrated into a patients’ existing treatment plan. It also works effectively in conjunction with both Active Release® Technique and Graston Technique. First developed 30 years ago by Dr. Kenso Kase, a Japanese chiropractor, Kinesio Tex® tape is unique from other forms of athletic taping. The tape has the ability to stretch up to 140% and thus allows free range of motion while the tape is applied. This enables individuals to engage in their typical daily activities or athletic pursuits without hindrance. In fact, Kinesio Taping® technique is employed by hundreds of athletes in
many countries on both the amateur and professional levels. At the Beijing Olympics
Kinesio Tex® tape was used by athletes from all over the world (www.kinesiotaping.com to see more on Kinesio Taping® at the Beijing Olympics).
How does the Kinesio Tape® work?
The Kinesio Tex® tape has the unique ability of lifting the skin (epidermis) which results in a decrease in pressure within the dermis, the layer of tissue underneath the skin. This is significant because the dermis contains blood and lymph vessels as well as neural receptors which are responsible for sensing pain and movement. This decrease in pressure creates an increase in space which allows for an increased blood flow and lymphatic drainage. The nervous system components within the dermis are also affected. The Kinesio Tex® tape provides gentle sensory stimulation to all sensory receptors. The tape can therefore have the effect of blocking the sensation of pain (nociception) as well as stimulating fine motor control of musculature(mechanoreceptors). In essence this means decreased pressure leading to decreased pain and an improvement in muscle function.
One of the most important features of Kinesio Tex® tape is its versatility. Varying how,
where and in what tension the tape is applied will alter the desired effect of
treatment. There are a number of correctional Kinesio Taping® techniques that may be
applied by a practitioner depending on the specific condition intended for treatment.
These various applications enhance the ability of the tape to address musculoskeletal issues.
Finally, the durable nature of the tape allows for it to remain in its therapeutic applicative position for 3-5 days. Kinesio Taping® application can adapt to any range of motion the patient may require.
For more information on Kinesio
Taping® please visit their website at www.kinesiotaping.com
Kinesio Taping® is a specialized method for therapeutic and rehabilitative taping. Kinesio Tex Gold® is a specialized elastic, latex-free tape that takes minimal time to apply, is resilient (lasts up to 3-5 days), water resistant and suitable for patients of all ages. Kinesio Taping® is designed to reduce pain, reduce swelling, enhance performance, re-educate the neuromuscular system, prevent injury, and promote lymphatic flow.
The Kinesio Taping® Method can be used on a variety of musculoskeletal problems. The Kinesio Taping® method involves taping over and around muscles in order to assist, give support or to prevent over-contraction of muscles, depending on patient presentation. KinesioTaping® can easily be integrated into a patients’ existing treatment plan. It also works effectively in conjunction with both Active Release® Technique and Graston Technique. First developed 30 years ago by Dr. Kenso Kase, a Japanese chiropractor, Kinesio Tex® tape is unique from other forms of athletic taping. The tape has the ability to stretch up to 140% and thus allows free range of motion while the tape is applied. This enables individuals to engage in their typical daily activities or athletic pursuits without hindrance. In fact, Kinesio Taping® technique is employed by hundreds of athletes in
many countries on both the amateur and professional levels. At the Beijing Olympics
Kinesio Tex® tape was used by athletes from all over the world (www.kinesiotaping.com to see more on Kinesio Taping® at the Beijing Olympics).
How does the Kinesio Tape® work?
The Kinesio Tex® tape has the unique ability of lifting the skin (epidermis) which results in a decrease in pressure within the dermis, the layer of tissue underneath the skin. This is significant because the dermis contains blood and lymph vessels as well as neural receptors which are responsible for sensing pain and movement. This decrease in pressure creates an increase in space which allows for an increased blood flow and lymphatic drainage. The nervous system components within the dermis are also affected. The Kinesio Tex® tape provides gentle sensory stimulation to all sensory receptors. The tape can therefore have the effect of blocking the sensation of pain (nociception) as well as stimulating fine motor control of musculature(mechanoreceptors). In essence this means decreased pressure leading to decreased pain and an improvement in muscle function.
One of the most important features of Kinesio Tex® tape is its versatility. Varying how,
where and in what tension the tape is applied will alter the desired effect of
treatment. There are a number of correctional Kinesio Taping® techniques that may be
applied by a practitioner depending on the specific condition intended for treatment.
These various applications enhance the ability of the tape to address musculoskeletal issues.
Finally, the durable nature of the tape allows for it to remain in its therapeutic applicative position for 3-5 days. Kinesio Taping® application can adapt to any range of motion the patient may require.
For more information on Kinesio
Taping® please visit their website at www.kinesiotaping.com