Have you ever noticed a person walking down the street, or maybe seen one of your favorite athletes on TV, with some (usually) colorful tape on them and wondered what it is, and why they are wearing it? No, it’s not a new fad or a fashion statement. What they have on them is called Kinesiology Tape. You may hear it in its shortened name of K-Tape. It is a tape that helps enhance muscular, joint, and circulatory function.
What is Kinesiology Tape?
Kinesiology Taping has been a therapeutic taping method for 30 plus years, created by Dr. Kenzo Kase. The tape is designed to mimic the qualities of skin, to be able to stretch with your movements, is water/sweat proof, and is meant to be worn 3 to 5 days. There is no latex. The tape itself is 100% cotton and the adhesive is acrylic.
What are the main functions of Kinesiology Tape?
Muscle Support: K-Tape helps to support the muscle’s ability to contract. In turn, this can help relieve any pain or fatigue felt in the muscle and prevents cramping.
Joint Corrections: When using the tape properly, an increase in the range of motion in your joints can be achieved, as well as loosening your muscles.
Endogenous Analgesic System: There is no medicine or drugs in K-Tape, as it allows your body to heal itself, giving your body a self-originating form of a painkiller.
Allowing flow of body fluids: K-Tape promotes and improves the blood and lymphatic circulation systems. This leads to reducing any inflammation in your body’s tissue, and allowing it to heal more.
What Can Kinesiology Taping Do?
Kinesiology Taping has been used to help facilitate changes to return the body back to homeostasis for many common injuries and pain. The tape helps to normalize muscle function, to improve lymphatic and blood flow, decrease pain, and improve range of motion. Here are some common uses for K-Tape:
Knee instability
Shoulder instability
Tight IT Bands
Low Back pain
Tight hamstrings
Carpel Tunnel Syndrome
Headaches
Sprains
Shin Splints
Post Op scar management
So whether you are an athlete who needs some added muscle support, someone who is in pain, either acute or chronic, or need some postural or muscular stability, there are many uses for Kinesiology Tape to help you to continue to function the way your body intended. Use it to help aid you in proper muscular functions or the help alleviate pain in your body. Have a trained professional apply the tape for you to make sure that the correct amount of pressure, stretch, and the correct placement is done to achieve the results you are intending to achieve with the tape.