The low-down on kinesiology tape
Have you ever wondered why your physiotherapist is making you all colourful with stretchy tape during your appointment? Read on for some answers!
What is kinesiology tape?
As physiotherapists, we use a range of treatment methods to help increase your mobility as you recover from an injury, including therapeutic taping. Kinesiology tape (or kinesio tape) is an elastic, therapeutic tape that we use to provide your joint with support, without limiting movement. Originally developed in Japan as long ago as the 1980's, it only became popular in the West in the late 1990's.
Why is kinesio tape used?
We generally use kinesio tape to help reduce pressure on damaged muscles and joints, increase mobility, lessen pain, and reduce swelling. We also use it to reduce the chances of further damage to an area that is weak from injury. If you are prone to injury in a certain area, taping may also give you some protection.
How does it work?
During an appointment, we will assess your condition and determine if kinesio tape is necessary, and then work out the best way to apply it. We apply it in a pattern that will help to support your specific injury. Kinesio tape is stretchy and flexible. It’s designed to be elastic like your skin, so that you can move freely when it is applied. When applied, it lifts the layers of skin and tissue, encouraging blood flow. It has roughly 35% elasticity, whereas semi-rigid sports strapping tape is only around 6%.
There is also some research to suggest that using kinesio tape changes the signals between your brain and the skin over an injured area. The tape helps to strengthen the signals, increasing connectivity between the area and the brain.
Skin sensitivity
Kinesiotape seems to be better tolerated, by most skin, than the traditional sport stape. However, people have been known to have allergic reactions, to even this mild adhesive.
What about the colour of tape, does that matter?
No! We think the different colours look cool though, the brighter the better! However, some people suggest the darker colours absorb more heat and maybe better for areas which are feeling cold
Other forms of taping
Other forms of taping can be read elsewhere on this site : What we do : Taping and under Patellofemoral Taping or Tape Tape Tape
Uploaded : 27 April 2022
