What is Kinesio Taping?
Developed by Kenzo Kase, D.C. kinesiology taping is a therapeutic taping method that utilizes a latex-free elastic tape. Whereas most athletic tape is stiff and is used to hold muscles or joints in one position, kinesiology tape is stretchy and serves as a gentle reminder to your body to hold your shoulder in a certain way or to keep a kneecap in line while breaking or running. Kinesiology tape can be left on for several days at a time and can even be worn in the water, as it is water resistant. Kinesiology tape is usually worn 4-5 days, but should only be left on geriatric and infants for 24hrs.
While kinesiology tape is very effective, it shouldn’t be relied on permanently. Experts agree that the tape isn’t a cure. Instead, it should be seen as a component of the rehabilitation process; its not meant to replace a brace or cast.
What is Kinesio Taping good for?
1. Correcting muscle function – Kinesiology tape supports muscles during movement, and research has shown that it can provide a bit more stamina than the muscle alone.
2. Improving circulation of blood and lymph – Studies show that the tape increases the flow of both blood and lymph, which can help in the treatment of lymphedema, mastectomy recovery, and swelling, to name a few
3. Correcting joint movement – The tape can be used to keep a joint, such as a knee, gliding and tracking smoothly while in use.
4. Relieving pain – The tape has an analgesic effect, similar to what has been described as the “mother’s hand effect.”