Kinesio Taping

What is Kinesio taping?

Kinesio tape was developed in the late 1970s by Dr. Kenzo Kase, a Japanese chiropractor who wanted a tape that provided support but didn’t limit movement. It’s designed to mimic the skin’s elasticity so you can use your full range of motion. The tape’s medical-grade adhesive is water-resistant and strong enough to stay in place for three to five days, even while you work out or take showers.

When the tape is applied to your body it recoils slightly, gently lifting your skin. This helps create a microscopic space between your skin and the tissues underneath.

This changes the information your sensory nervous system is sending about pain and compression in your body. Dr. Megann Schooley, board-certified clinical specialist in sports physical therapy and certified strength and conditioning specialist, explains it this way:
“All of your tissues — skin, connective tissue, fascia, muscles — contain sensory receptors that feel pain, temperature, and touch. Those receptors all contribute to proprioception—your brain’s sense of where your body is and what it’s doing. Kinesiology taping creates a lift that unloads the underlying tissues. Decompressing those tissues can change the signals going to the brain. When the brain receives a different signal, it’s going to respond with a different coping mechanism.”

What is Kinesio taping
used for?

1.Treating injuries/ Trigger points

Kinesio tape has been used to lift the skin over these tense, knotted muscles. When the area is decompressed, pain receptors send a new signal to the brain and tension in the trigger point decreases.

2.Supporting weak zones

Kinesio tape is also used to add extra support to muscles or joints that need it. If you have patellofemoral stress syndrome, IT band friction syndrome, or Achilles tendonitis, kinesiology taping might help you.

3.Re-educating muscles

For example, Kinesio taping can be used to correct posture.

4.Enhancing performance

Some athletes use Kinesio taping to help them achieve peak performance and protect against injury.

5. Help with Lymphatic and Circulatory System

The application of Kinesio Tape facilitates the opening of micro valves due to a dynamic pressure variation caused by an alteration in skin density. This decompression activates lymphatics which clear out bacteria and toxins in the middle layer of skin, the dermis, in your body and improves lymphatic flow. The end result is a reduction in tissue inflammation and swelling.

If a speedy recovery from an injury and improving your fitness is a priority, then Kinesio taping is for you.