The Kinesio Taping® Method is a rehabilitative taping technique that is designed to facilitate the body’s natural healing process while providing support and stability to muscles and joints without restricting the body’s range of motion. It also assists in providing extended soft tissue manipulation to prolong the benefits of manual therapy administered within the clinical setting. Latex-free and wearable for days at a time, Kinesio® Tape is safe for populations ranging from pediatric to geriatric, and successfully treats a variety of orthopedic, neuromuscular, neurological and other medical conditions.
The Kinesio® Taping Method is widely used as a therapeutic taping technique for professional and amateur athletes. It not only offers patients and athletes the support they are looking for, but it also rehabilitates the affected condition as well. By targeting different receptors within the somatosensory system, Kinesio® Tex Tape alleviates pain and facilitates lymphatic drainage by microscopically lifting the skin. This lifting affect forms convolutions in the skin thus increasing interstitial space and allowing for a decrease in inflammation of the affected areas.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What does Kinesio Taping® do?
Kinesio Taping® Method is applied over muscles to reduce pain & inflammation, relax overused, tired muscles, and to support muscles in movement on a 24hr/day basis. It is not a restrictive type of taping, and allows for full range of motion. In contrast, traditional sports taping is wrapped around a joint strictly for stabilization and support during a sporting event. Kinesio® tape is used for a wide range of problems. Examples include: carpal tunnel syndrome, plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, lower back strain/pain, knee conditions, shoulder conditions and sports injuries.
2. Why is Kinesio® Tape used so much more than other tapes?
It has a number of benefits that are not achievable with other tapes. It's made of 100% high grade cotton for comfort and breathing, one hundred and forty percent elasticity – same flexibility as human skin, heat activated adhesive – although it is very light, mild, hypo-allergenic and latex free. It is durable – average usage 3-4 days per application and more economical – usually 6-7 applications per roll of tape.
3. Is it the tape or the technique that gives such great results?
Without a doubt, the technique is the most important aspect, however, the full benefits were not possible until Kinesio® tape was developed. The taping method requires a tape that is patient and skin friendly, possesses optimum elastic qualities, the same thickness as the skin, and is durable enough to stay on multiple days even through persperaton, sweat and showers.
4. How is the tape applied?
Without getting too technical, the tape is applied over the affected area with the muscles in a stretched position. Then the tape is applied from one end of the muscle to the other with very little stretch of the tape. The tape is applied from the ORIGIN to INSERTION of the muscle for SUPPORT and from INSERTION to ORIGIN for muscle relaxation.
5. What are the concerns or difficulties with Kinesio Taping®?
A.) Skin needs to be free of oil, sweat, or lotion prior to application
B.) After application rub down tape to activate heat sensitive glue
C.) Avoid extreme stretching of the tape during application to avoid skin irritation
D.) Apply approx. 1 hr prior to activity or shower to allow glue to adhere properly
E.) Skin irritation is extremely rare, but special care should be taken with hypersensitive skin patients.
For more information on Kinesio Taping®, please contact Dr. Tew
at 907-770-6683