Kinesiology Taping

Kinesiology taping, developed in the 1970s by Japanese chiropractor Kenzo Kase, came to the U.S. in the mid-1990s. Now, a number of companies are competing with the tape created by Dr. Kase, called Kinesio Tex Tape. Unlike standard athletic taping, which often involves wrapping a joint for support and compression, kinesiology tape is placed in a variety of patterns depending on the injury. It is pulled to differing degrees of tension to create the desired effect and is typically worn for two to five days, unlike standard tape, which is used mainly during an activity. Kinesiology tape works in several ways to provide pain relief, reduce swelling, assist range of movement and give structural support: Take pressure off painful areas, this reduces the tension through weak or inflammed muscles and tendons reducing the pain and further damage caused if the patient has to continue to use the joints, for work, day to day activities etc. Relax muscles, depending how it is applied the tape is thought to activate stretch receptors in the skin which feed back to influence the control of the muscle tension under the skin or activate muscle spindles within the muscle which would increase the activity and endurance of the muscle. Promote blood and lymphatic. When applied to the skin with stretch the tape naturally wants to recoil. As a result it lifts the skin and fascia to allow blood and lymph flow to increase which is thought to speed up the heeling process. There are several brands of kinesiology tapes on the market available at specialty running, triathlon and cycling shops. Tapes are typically available in two-inch or four-inch widths and some brands, including Rock Tape, Spidertech and Kinesio, also have handy precut tape specifically made for certain body parts such as knees, feet, shoulders and backs. And unlike traditional sports tape, kinesiology tape comes in fun bright colors and patterns.