Kinesio Taping May Ease Pain & Aid Lymphatic Drainage

What Is Kinesio Taping Used for Today?

Kinesio tape, or Kinesiology tape, has been around since the 1970’s, and its performance is based on older Asian and other alternative medical therapies. The tape itself is made from cotton fiber tape that is hypoallergenic and latex-free for safer application on skin.

The tape is backed with a special acrylic backing that is heat-activated and designed to only stretch on the longitudinal axis. This tape can stretch approximately 40 to 60 percent of its resting state length and has no real other medical properties as such.

The weight and thickness of this tape is designed to replicate the weight and thickness of normal skin. The tape is often used in tandem with other physiologic therapies and is thought to expand or prolong the beneficial effects from other therapies and treatments.

Body Systems Thought to Be Helped by Kinesio Taping

Many physiologic therapists, sports medicine therapists, doctors, nurses, rehab therapists and other healthcare professionals use this therapeutic taping method to treat many physical related discomforts and dysfunctions of the body. It is used today to treat a wide variety of conditions from relieving arthritic joint pain to providing support and a boost to fatigued muscles by initiating normal body healing processes. This therapy should only be performed by those healthcare professionals that have the necessary training to help ensure greater success of the therapeutic results.

The body systems thought to be helped by Kinesio taping includes:

  • Circulatory and lymphatic systems
  • Neurological system
  • Muscle and Fascia
  • Joints

Some ways in which Kinesio taping is being used today include:

  • Moving lymphatic fluids
  • Correcting posture and body movement in dysfunctional areas
  • Changing muscle tone for the better

Overview of Targeted Therapeutic Results After Kinesio Taping Therapy

There are many different uses and targeted therapeutic results that may be triggered after Kinesio taping therapy. This is a less invasive and less constricting method of supporting muscles and joints or to help diminish pain during physical exercise or when participating in many sports and other intense motion activities.

Treatment for Sports & Other Injuries

This taping method is being used to treat sports and other injuries. It is recommended to be used along with other treatments like massage and manual therapies.

Supports Weakened Body Zones

Injuries and certain health conditions result in body area weaknesses. This includes conditions like Achilles tendonitis, patellofemoral stress syndrome and IT band friction syndrome among many others. Kinesio taping is often a better alternative to traditional white tape due to the person being able to retain fuller range-of-motion after application.

Enhance Body Performance Levels

Some studies suggest that when Kinesio tape is applied to fatigued muscles, there may be an improvement on muscle performance in some cases. The taping technique is also thought to increase the person’s natural abilities by enhancing movement and endurance. The tape is less constrictive than other types, and this is ideal for athletes and others that are highly active in their daily lives.

Re-Educate Damaged Muscles

Kinesio taping method is used to help re-educate muscles by helping them relearn the correct positioning and movement when used alongside other treatment modalities. It is often used today for stroke patients, and it is less cumbersome than constrictive braces and other medical contraptions. This taping process is helping stroke patients and others to recover faster in many cases. This therapeutic measure helps patients to relearn correct posture and movement during their recovery phase.

May Help Diminish or Prevent Scar Tissue

Many professionals use Kinesio taping to help diminish or prevent unwanted scar tissue. It is especially helpful with keloid scars which traditionally are more difficult to treat due to the thickness of the scar tissue.

Contraindications for Not Treating with Kinesio Taping

There are some cautions and contraindications for the use of Kinesio taping that include:

  • DVT – deep vein thrombosis
  • Open cuts or wounds
  • Allergies to adhesive
  • Active cancer
  • Diabetes
  • Those with frail or thin skin
  • Following lymph node removal and others

How to Properly Apply Kinesio Tape

It is essential to know how to apply Kinesio tape for the best results. This should only ideally be performed by a professional that is trained in the use of this taping method.

Kinesio taping is a beneficial treatment for many muscular, joint, soft tissue and other body ailments especially with regards to problems involving motion and flexibility. Learn whether this therapeutic treatment option is right for you by getting in touch with Denver Sports Massage. Phone (303) 630-9603 or access info@denversportsmassage.com online anytime for further information.

Frequently Asked Questions

There are many listed potential beneficial results after Kinesio taping that include possible decrease of pain and discomforts of the body, may help decrease inflammation of muscles and surrounding soft tissues after an injury or strain and may help promote post-surgical, or other treatment, healing processes.

This treatment method might also aid in increased blood circulation to specific taped areas, and this therapeutic measure may help improve posture and correct body positioning during physical activities or during recovery periods. Kinesio taping may help prevent injuries among many other potential and beneficial uses.

This therapeutic taping method is more economical over other treatment modalities. The correct taping method is easier to learn and apply than some of the more complex past taping and other treatment measures. Less tape is needed than other treatments of similar uses, and the tape can be applied and used for longer periods of time.

Kinesio taping is designed to mimic the skin’s natural elasticity. This allows the treated person to have full range of their muscles with regards to motion. The tape is also water-resistant so that it will adhere longer during certain intense activities where perspiration is usually present.

The tape may be left on for three to five days depending on use. The tape can usually remain intact during showering and bathing as well as during heavy workout sessions.

When the tape is applied to skin, it tends to recoil slightly. This is thought to increase space microscopically between upper skin layers and the tissues located directly underneath.