Kinesio tape is a thin, elastic cotton strip with acrylic adhesive backing designed to be identical to human skin in elasticity and thickness. Often used by physical therapists and in sports medicine, taping is used to help position and stabilize muscles and joints, relieving pain and promoting better health.
Kinesiology tape is an evidence based method to help treat orthopedic, neurological, and neuromuscular conditions by providing soft tissue manipulation without restricting range of motion or binding the user’s movement. Kinesiology research suggests taping muscles can be an effective method of relieving pain and promoting effective recovery.
Kinesio tape is an elastic tape used by therapists to treat neuromuscular conditions, especially in sports medicine and chronic pain. The tape treatments gently correct mechanical and circulation functions, while the taping process helps to prevent injury and enables current injuries to heal.
Kinesio tape can be designed for specific body areas or for general use, and it is applied with different tension strengths. Research has determined that by applying elastic tape to the origin and insertion sites of affected muscles, it was discovered that movement improved while inflammation and pain decreased.
When applying kinesiology tape, therapists often place single strips along the muscle pathways in a Y or X shaped pattern to provide a stabilizing effect for the area. This technique is used for acute and chronic injuries and also during rehabilitative exercises.
The goal of kinesio taping is to reprogram the neuromuscular system in order for normal function to return. Since the treatment does not restrain or inhibit physical movement, the tape is typically worn continuously for 2 to 5 days, regardless of moisture exposure or physical activity.
Kinesio tape is available in different widths, lengths, and colors, depending on individual needs and goals. Skin prep tape can be utilized under the elastic tape to protect the skin from any irritation which may occur from the tape.
Kinesio tape stabilizes specific muscles and muscle groups in order to help relieve pain and promote healing. Basically, the tape produces the same effect as a compression brace, holding the soft tissues in place so that it can heal, but offers a much more targeted method.
Kinesiology is the study of body mechanics and movement. Based on research in this field kinesio tape was developed as a solution for athletes and sports medicine as a way of improving physical health after an injury. Shortly afterward, this method of treatment expanded into a solution for chronic pain.