Kinesio Tape
What is it?
Many of you have probably seen some sportsmen and women wearing brightly coloured tape in weird and wonderful patterns when running round a track or hitting a ball, but what does it do? Writes Tom Heeley
The tape was first designed in 1979 in Japan by Dr Kenzo Kase. Dr Kase was a chiropractor who soon realised that, although his work was effective, it was mainly short-term. He needed something that would help the effects of his treatments to be more prolonged after the patient walks out of the door.
What does it do?
Kinesio tape can be used for chronic pain through to cramps and postural stability. On the back of the elastic tape there are wave-like patterns which act as fingerprints to lift the skin as well as offer feedback to the central nervous system.
Some of the great things about Kinesio tape are:
- The adhesive lasts for days.
- The effects last for days.
- You can play sport in it – except swimming.
- Doesn’t come off in the shower.
- Is not too restrictive.
How does it work?
Some ideas suggest that over time, the tape reminds the muscles of the correct posture the joint should be in. For swelling, with the wave-like pattern and elastic fibres, the tape lifts the skin and gives a space between the dermis and the muscles for lymphatic drainage.
After a lateral ankle sprain or dead leg, Kinesio tape can help to elevate the skin and reduce recovery time by aiding in the drainage of swelling.
At Function Jigsaw, we use a brand called SportTape which can be bought from our online shop or at the clinic. It is simple to apply and SportTape have a great online instructional app to show you how to apply to your areas of needs.
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