Kinesio Tape: What Is It And What Are Its Benefits
Traditional athletic tapes provide support but limit the movement. Kinesiology tape is the solution to this dilemma of athletes. It is a therapeutic tape that athletes apply to parts of their bodies. It provides support, lessens pain, reduces swelling, and improves performance.
How does it work?
Kinesiology tape is a blend of cotton and nylon. By mimicking the skin’s elasticity, you can use your full range of motion. The medical-grade adhesive is water-resistant to let it stay on even when you take showers. It is strong enough to last three to five days. The tape recoils when applied to the body and gently lifts the skin. It helps create a microscopic space between your skin and the tissues underneath it.
Kinesiology tape may help improve circulation and reduce swelling. It can improve blood flow in the skin, and improve lymphatic fluids. The lymphatic fluid contains water, proteins, bacteria, and other chemicals. The lymphatic system regulates swelling and fluid buildup in your body.
Kinesiology tape creates extra subcutaneous space. It changes the pressure gradient in the area underneath your skin. Because of that, it enhances the flow of lymphatic fluid. Changing the flow of lymphatic fluid can also let bruises heal faster.
What are the benefits you can get?
Kinesiology tape provides benefits for athletes who play badminton, basketball, and other sports.
Injury treatment
Kinesiology taping is part of most physical therapists’ treatment plans for injured people. Kinesiology taping is most effective when used with other treatments like manual therapy. It mitigates pain and swelling.
Support for weak zones
It also adds extra support to muscles or joints. Kinesiology taping is helpful for those who have patellofemoral stress syndrome, IT band friction syndrome, or Achilles tendonitis. It lets you move as you would normally do. It can even enhance movement and endurance in some cases.
Muscle re-education
Muscles sometimes lose function or get used to an unhealthy way of working. Kinesiology tape can help train these muscles again. It can correct posture in your head and neck. Stroke patients who use this improve the way they walk. Having the strange sensation of tape on your skin can make you more aware of how you stand or move.
Performance enhancement
Kinesiology taping helps achieve peak performance. It also protects athletes against injury when they compete. Runners use this tape when they run a marathon.
Scar management
It is not good to put kinesiology tape on an open wound. But, there are scientific studies that suggest it can improve the long-term appearance of scars after surgery or injury.
It is best to discuss with your physician before you use kinesiology taping. It is most effective when used with conventional treatment methods. There are also circumstances where you should not use kinesiology taping. Some of these are when you have open wounds, diabetes, allergy, fragile skin, and active cancer.
