Kinesio Tape: What it is and What to do with it.

What is the Kinesio Taping Method?

Kinesio taping helps the body’s natural healing process by supporting and stabilizing muscles without changing natural motion. Kinesio taping, also known as elastic therapeutic taping (ETT), was developed by Kenzo Kase, D.C. in Japan in the 1970s to use in chiropractic care.

How does Kinesio Tape work?

Kinesio taping creates a lifting effect on the skin that improves circulation and relaxes the muscles, which relieves pain. It is also helpful for reducing the edema and swelling that results from injury to any area of the body. The tape which is similar in texture and elasticity to living human skin, activates the body’s healing process by stimulating the neurological and circulatory systems. Because muscles help and support other areas of the body such as the circulatory system, lymphatic flow and body temperature, a muscular injury can cause many different types of symptoms.

What are the benefits of Kinesio Tape?

Kinesio Tape can be of help both pre and post-adjustment. Taping pre-adjustment can reduce pain making the adjustment much more comfortable for the patient, as well as reducing over-mobilization which can further damage tissue.  Post-adjustment taping can prolong the effects of the adjustment, help balance muscle tissue and speed local tissue healing. It can be viewed as an “on-going adjustment”, supporting muscle movement around the clock–long after the doctor’s hands are gone.

When is Kinesio Tape used?

Most often Kinesio Tape is used to treat acute and chronic injuries within the first 24 to 72 hours to increase lymphatic drainage and reduce swelling. After, it is used as support to keep tissue from moving in a direction that would cause further damage.

Kinesio tape has been seen on many athletes ranging from High School track stars to Olympians to protect a body part after surgery or to keep a weak joint stable. It is most popular among athletes and coaches because it is a non- restrictive taping that allows an athlete to perform normal movements but prevents the end ranges of motion that can cause pain and damage.  Conventional tape is still useful but it is restrictive to a joint. It should be used strictly for stabilization and support as it does restrict circulation flow.

What other conditions can be treated with Kinesio Tape?

Kinesio Tape is used for anything from headaches to foot problems and everything in between. Examples include: pediatric patients with muscular weakness, carpal tunnel syndrome, lower back strain/pain, knee conditions, shoulder conditions, hamstring, groin injury, rotator cuff injury, whiplash, tennis elbow, plantar fasciitis, patella tracking, pre and post surgical edema, ankle sprains, athletic preventative injury method, and as a support method.

Drs. Ho and Walker are trained in the proper use of Kinesio Tape and have experienced exceptional results with patients suffering from a wide array of symptoms.