Kinesio Tape
It’s likely you have seen Kinesio Tape marked onto the body of a pro-athlete, Olympian or even the neighbor down the street. You may have even thought it was fad or trend. Turns out, Kinesio tape is so much more than cool trend, it is growing in popularity because of its widespread success. Kinesio tape is a helpful tool in the rehabilitation of all age groups from pediatrics to geriatrics and in a variety of conditions including orthopedic, postsurgical, neurologic and lymphatic conditions.
What is Kinesio Tape?
- Kinesio Tape is an elastic adhesive tape:
- 100% cotton
- 100% medical grade acrylic adhesive
- Latex-Free
- Hypoallergenic
- Water resistance
- Multiple day wear time
Kinesio Taping Method
Dr. Kenzo Kase, a Japanese native who now resides in Albuquerque New Mexico, created this special tape and the method for its use in 1979. Kinesio Tape is a unique therapeutic taping method used as a treatment modality. Unlike traditional athletic tapes, this tape supports the muscles and joints without restricting the body’s natural range of motion. It also has a unique fingerprint design that intertwines the adhesive and fibrous properties that allows the tape to lift and stimulate the skin.
At Hands on Physical Therapy, we use Kinesio tape as a helpful adjunct to our treatment. The tape manipulates the soft tissue for an extended amount of time and can be worn between physical therapy visits, allowing the clinician to prolong the benefits of the treatment. In a way it allows us to keep our hands on the patient longer.
How Does Kinesio Tape Work?
- Kinesio tape can restore space and alleviate discomfort by lifting and separating the tissue layers of the body.
- The tape microscopically lifts skin allowing movement of lymph and blood to flow more freely in the expanded area, helping to decrease inflammation.
- Trapped fluid in the tissue is release back into the system, which causes a cooling effect.
- Stimulates the nervous system through receptors on the skin.
- The major physiological systems affected by Kinesio Tape include the skin, nervous, fascia, muscle, joint and circulatory/lymphatic system.
Kinesio Tape Uses
- Muscle stimulation/activation
- Muscle inhibition/relaxation
- Posture Corrections
- Pain reduction
- Edema reduction
- Facilitates lymphatic drainage
- Scar management
Is Kinesio Tape for me?
There are a variety of taping methods that can be used depending on the patient’s unique needs. The therapist will determine the indicated method for each patient after a thorough assessment and treatment in order to determine how the tape can to augment the clinician’s treatment. It’s important to realize that Kinesio taping is not a cure all. It is just one possible component of your rehabilitation process.