Kinesio Taping
What is Kinesio Taping?
Kinesio Tape is a specially designed, elastic tape first developed in 1973 by a Chiropractor, Dr. Kenzo Kase. The original brand of Kinesio Tape is made of 100% cotton (no latex) with a wave pattern woven into the cloth to mimic fingerprints. The original concept was to assist the practitioner in the carryover of a treatment. In other words, it works to continually manipulate soft tissues, activate or inhibit muscles to ensure proper muscle firing patterns and alignment of a joint, treat swelling/lymphedema, and decrease pain both acute and chronic after you have left your appointment. The lasting effect can be up to 3 to 4 days, which helps bridge the gap between treatments and reduce the possibility of re-injury in that time frame.
The Kinesio Taping Method is a "light modality" and so versatile it can be used for all ages and all activities. It is waterproof, latex free, and will not cause skin irritation if properly applied. That being said, it is worth noting there is a level of skill required for proper application; one must have extensive knowledge in anatomy and biomechanics in order to make a tissue specific diagnosis, choose the correct technique, and apply it in a way as to not irritate the skin.
Benefits of Kinesio Taping
Kinesio Tape is a specially designed, elastic tape first developed in 1973 by a Chiropractor, Dr. Kenzo Kase. The original brand of Kinesio Tape is made of 100% cotton (no latex) with a wave pattern woven into the cloth to mimic fingerprints. The original concept was to assist the practitioner in the carryover of a treatment. In other words, it works to continually manipulate soft tissues, activate or inhibit muscles to ensure proper muscle firing patterns and alignment of a joint, treat swelling/lymphedema, and decrease pain both acute and chronic after you have left your appointment. The lasting effect can be up to 3 to 4 days, which helps bridge the gap between treatments and reduce the possibility of re-injury in that time frame.
The Kinesio Taping Method is a "light modality" and so versatile it can be used for all ages and all activities. It is waterproof, latex free, and will not cause skin irritation if properly applied. That being said, it is worth noting there is a level of skill required for proper application; one must have extensive knowledge in anatomy and biomechanics in order to make a tissue specific diagnosis, choose the correct technique, and apply it in a way as to not irritate the skin.
Benefits of Kinesio Taping
- Relieve acute and overuse injury
- Promote circulation and healing
- Reduce pain
- Improve muscle function
- Re-educate neuromuscular system
- Provide support to a joint
- Prevent injury
