by What is Kinesiology Tape?
Kinesiology taping, also known as KT taping or kinesio taping, is a technique that uses elastic therapeutic tape applied to the skin over muscles and joints to provide support to areas of injury or soreness. The tape is applied to the skin while gently stretched, which creates wrinkles in the tape that lift the skin when relaxed. This helps reduce inflammation while still allowing full range of motion of the taped area.
History of Kinesiology Tape
Kinesiology taping was developed in the 1970s by Dr. Kenzo Kase, a Japanese chiropractor and physical therapist. Dr. Kase observed that the skin and fascia (dense connective tissue underlying the skin) were key factors in muscle and joint function. He theorized that by gently lifting the skin, pressure could be taken off of inflamed muscles and joints underneath while still allowing movement. This insight led Dr. Kase to develop the kinesiology taping method as an alternative to rigid sports taping or bracing techniques.
How Elastic therapeutic tape Works
Kinesiology Tape rigid sports tape that restricts movement, Elastic therapeutic tape is elastic and moveable. When taped to the skin with tension and lifted edges, it provides micro-movements of the skin that mimic the natural movements of muscles and fascia. This micro-movement:
– Reduces swelling and lymphatic congestion by manually activated lymphatic drainage under the skin.
– Lifts the skin to take pressure off of sensitive muscles and joints below.
– Proprioceptive input—the tape provides sensory signals to the brain and encourages proper muscle firing patterns.
– Supports weak or injured muscles but still allows full range of motion.
– Improves blood and lymph circulation in the taped area to speed healing.
Common Uses of Elastic therapeutic tape
Some common uses for Elastic therapeutic tape include:
Muscle Strains/Pulls
Elastic therapeutic tape can be applied over muscle strains, pulls or muscles in spasm to provide support, take pressure off the area, and encourage proper muscle firing. This helps reduce pain and speeds healing.
Tennis Elbow/Golfer’s Elbow
Tape is often used wrapped around the elbow joint to disperse tensile forces on the tendons and reduce pain from conditions like tennis elbow.
Shoulder Issues
Tape can be used on the shoulder to support rotator cuff muscles or lift the skin around the shoulder joint area to reduce pain.
Lower Back Pain
Tape applied to the lower back, specifically at attachment points of lower back muscles, can take pressure off inflamed muscle areas and support the spine.
Plantar Fasciitis
Tape is frequently used on the bottom of the foot to take tension off the plantar fascia ligament running below the foot. This reduces heel pain.
Pre/Post-Surgery Support
KT tape is sometimes used pre-and post-surgery to support repair sites, disperse forces on surgical areas, and speed the recovery process.
Benefits of Kinesiology Taping
Some key benefits of kinesiology taping include:
– Reduces pain from muscle strains, injuries, tendonitis conditions and more.
– Speeds healing time by improving circulation and lymphatic drainage.
– Supports muscles without restricting motion like rigid bracing would.
– Can be worn during exercise or daily activities for ongoing support.
– Provides a low-cost, easy to use alternative or addition to other therapies.
– Has few side effects – tape does not usually cause skin irritation if applied properly.
– Tape can last 3-5 days before needing replaced for ongoing support.
– Prevents compensatory movements by encouraging proper muscle firing patterns.
– Helps manage pain from arthritis, bursitis, and other chronic joint conditions.
Who Benefits Most from Kinesiology Taping?
While kinesiology taping can benefit most active individuals recovering from muscle strains or joint issues, some who seem to benefit the most include:
– Athletes recovering from injuries to get back in the game faster. Tape allows exercise during recovery.
– Weekend warriors or those with sedentary jobs prone to overuse injuries.
– Patients averse to bracing who want motion during rehabilitation.
– Older adults managing arthritis, tendonitis or chronic pain.
– Dancers, yoga practitioners or those whose careers involve repetitive motions.
– Pre/post surgical patients as an adjunct to physical therapy.
– Those seeking an alternative to medications for muscle pain management.
kinesiology taping is a simple, skin-lifting technique developed in the 1970s that has gained popularity as a drug-free method for pain relief and injury recovery support. By gently lifting the skin over muscles and joints, KT tape can reduce swelling and inflammation while encouraging proper muscle firing patterns. It allows full range of motion unlike rigid bracing. When applied by a trained individual, kinesiology taping provides benefits for athletes, active adults, and chronic pain sufferers by speeding healing and managing symptoms from injuries to joints and muscles. As a low-cost, accessible solution, it complements traditional therapies well.
*Note:
1.Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2.We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
About Author - Ravina Pandya
Ravina Pandya, Content Writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemical and materials, etc. With an MBA in E-commerce, she has an expertise in SEO-optimized content that resonates with industry professionals. LinkedIn Profile
