An Overview of Kinesiology - Kinesio Taping
Kinesiology is the study of body movement mechanics. Kinesiology or Kinesio tape is an innovative, widely used treatment tape that supports the body muscles and joints, unlike traditional athletic tape that limits the mechanics or movements. Dr. Kenzo Kase invented and developed the original Kinesio tape and method back in 1970 while practicing as a chiropractor.
The medical expert was searching for an effective way to extend the results of his treatment after they left the place. The tape is lightweight and hypoallergenic, which resembles the resilience and touch of human skin, resulting in healing in tissues. Undoubtedly, there is no shortage of kinesiology tapes in athletics, with strips of colorful tape crisscrossing ankles, shoulders, knees, and elsewhere in subtle patterns and placements. Science demands more research on the benefits of Kinesio tape, but many have applied the tap to their body to reduce pain, provide better mobility, and offer strong support.
The Kinesio treatment option is ideal if an injury or illness leads to mobility problems. The therapy involves placing strips of special tape on your body in specific directions to support your body joints, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. The treatment boosts muscle function, stabilizes joints, or inhibits muscles from improper contraction. It helps relax tired muscles and reduces pain and inflammation. Unlike elastic bandages, Kinesio tape does not restrict movement or provide stiff support. The tape helps treat injuries, supports weak body zones, reeducates muscles, enhances performance, manages scars, and so forth.
How Does Kinesiology Tape Work?
Kinesiology tape is a blend of cotton and nylon featuring high stretchability and durability. During the treatment process, the tape remains intact on the skin for three to five days at a stretch. Moreover, the tape is water-resistant and adheres through workouts or showers. After the medical professional applies the tape on the skin, the skin lifts slightly beneath the tape and creates some physiologic change in the area tissues. Some of the benefits of the Kinesio tape include,
The Kinesio Tape plays various roles. Before using it, your therapist assesses the best use of kinesiology tape for your condition.
The professionals determine whether you need the Kinesio tape. Different theories are prevalent as to how kinesiology tape works. The tape changes the proprioception (ability to sense your body movement in your environment) method of the sensory points in the muscles, joints, and skin. The tape improves the interactivity between the skin and its underlying structures, resulting in better muscular performance.
Offers Muscular Support
Kinesiology tape improves muscular stimulation and contraction patterns. The strip promotes a normalized muscular tone and boosts one’s athletic performance.
Boosts Joint Space
Studies have shown that when medical professionals apply the tape strategically around body parts like the knee or shoulder, the joint space increases. The irritation will be low with better joint space, resulting in reduced pain or better flexibility.
Covers Swelling Management
If you have had swelling or inflammation from an injury or surgery, the Kinesio tape helps treat the swelling by reducing the pressure between the skin and underlying tissues. The swelling management provides a pathway for the excess fluids to pass that have accumulated since you experienced the injury.
Treats Pain
Physical therapists, chiropractors, and athletic trainers apply Kinesio tape to treat pain and dysfunction. The tape might change how the sensory nervous system sends signals to the brain. Patients feel the tape on their skin, and the new input might change the signals about body pain. A fused treatment method of kinesiology tape and manual therapy lessens joint pain and better flexibility.
Works On Scar Tissue Management
After surgery or an accident, you may get scars over an injured body part. The tissue beneath the scar sometimes connects the skin and underlying fascia. The scar tissue limits your everyday mobility and activity. The tape can gently pull on scar tissue, offering a long-duration, low-intensity to the collagen to make up the scar tissue.
Boosts Fluid and Blood Circulation
Kinesiology tape might improve blood and lymphatic flow. High blood and lymph flow might improve the healing process. In addition, some medical practitioners apply Kinesio tape to treat inflammation.
What Are the Types of Kinesiology Tape?
The usages and applications of Kinesiology tape are different, depending on the needs. Our physical therapists can show you how to use the Kinesio tape and cut the strips into the proper configuration. The kinesiology tape types include,
1. “I”
Medical experts use the “I” strips to support muscles, ligaments, and tendons. The strips facilitate your rotator cuff, gluteus muscles, quadriceps, or Achilles tendon. You can use the tape on your low back and middle back to help you keep proper posture.
2.“X”
The specific kind of Kinesiology tape is essential to cross a large area or multiple joints. The medical experts cross the tabs of the “X” strip covering the sensitive areas such as the front of your elbows and the back of your knees. The tape usually eases your hamstrings that cover your hip joint and your knee joint.
3.“Y”
Medical professionals apply the strip over sensitive body areas, such as behind your knee or in the front of your elbow. The strip is typically not as long as the “X” strip.
4.‘Fan’
The ‘fan’ strip can help resist inflammation of your leg or arms. The strip plays a functional role in lymphedema management or superficial contusions.
5.‘Lift’
‘Lift’ strip is also known as a band-aid. The strip supports damaged tissues or treats muscle knots or trigger points. The strip helps lift the skin and tissues off sore muscles or pain points. The strip treats superficial bruises.
When & Why to Consider Kinesio Tape?
Using and applying Kinesio tape depends on the pain point and the person’s overall health. The tape helps alleviate the discomfort of shin splints, plantar fasciitis, general muscle pain, knee pain, Achilles tendon pain, etc. Physical therapists and sports medicine providers use the taping technique case-by-case as an effective treatment option for sports-related injuries. Skillful providers often use a combination of treatments and techniques to treat and relieve pain. Your therapists ensure that you place the tape in the right position and that the tape does not feel uncomfortable. The medical service providers inform you how long to wear the kinesiology tape.
It is crucial to observe and sense your body movements. If you feel a sharp pain during physical activity or the pain and stiffness prevail after the move, connect to your physical therapist and avail the best kinesiology taping therapy.