What is Kinesio Taping?
Kinesio taping is a stabilizing method used to help improve the body’s natural healing process by supporting and increasing stability to muscles and joints, using elastic adhesive tape that was first developed by Dr. Kenzo Kase in 1979. The tape is latex-free, hypoallergenic and can be kept in place comfortably for extended periods. Unlike the typical methods for stabilizing injuries, such as wrapping, treatment does not affect your range of motion or impede circulation in the area that is being treated. Kinesio taping is also used by athletes to prevent injury and to reduce post-activity swelling. Many athletes use this method of taping to improve their overall performance and for optimum recovery after activity.
Kinesio Taping is Beneficial if You Suffer From:
- Bodily pain such as back and neck, wrist, foot, ankle, shoulder, and knee pain
- Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow
- Fibromyalgia
- Scar tissue
Taping effectively alleviates pain and promotes lymphatic drainage by gently lifting the skin. In addition to being hypoallergenic, the tape is water-resistant and can be worn for multiple days at a time before requiring replacement.
Cornerstones of the Kinesio® Taping Method
- Taping over and around muscles in order to assist and give support or to prevent over contraction
- Applying stretch to the tape or to the target area in order to create space under the skin and create the desired effect on the musculature
- Affecting change in deeper layers of fascia by manipulating the skin and muscle
- Creating space underneath the skin to improve circulation and lymphatic drainage
- Utilizing a number of corrective techniques to promote correct muscle and joint function
- Pain relief by targeting the pain and the source of the pain
- Utilizing single “I” strips or modifications in the shape of an “X,” “Y” or other specialized shapes
- Applying base of tape with no tension to create pull towards the base
