Kinesio Tape
Kinesio® Tape was developed by a Japanese chiropractor, Dr. Kenzo Kase, over 25 years ago. It is used to improve the movement of the injured muscle or joint, reduce pain, aid in the removal of swelling, and to improve healing.
Normal sports tape is used to stabilise a joint like an ankle sprain where the tape would restrict motion of the joint to prevent further injury, and would be left on for the duration of the game. Kinesio® Tape on the other hand would give support and assist the natural movement of the joint rather than restricting it, aiding circulation. The Kinesio® Tape could also be left on for a few days (generally about 3-5 days) as it allows the skin to breathe. A water-resistant tape is also available.
The Kinesio® Tape mimics the elastic properties of the skin and can have different benefits to the patient depending on the amount of stretch applied to the tape and the method of application. Correct evaluation of the injury and correct application of the tape are critical factors for improvement.
Kinesio® Tape could be seen being used by many elite athletes from tennis star Serena Williams and cycling champion Lance Armstrong, to the Japanese volleyball team and Olympians.
Since the introduction of Kinesio® Tape, practitioners, including chiropractors, ATCs, MDs, physiotherapists, hospitals and professional sports teams are all using Kinesio® Tape.
Kinesio® Tape can assist in treating:-
- Muscle injuries
- Joint swelling
- Tennis elbow
- Shoulder injuries
- Ankle sprain
- Knee injury
- Bursitis
- Rotator cuff injury
- Back pain
- Hamstring injury
- Tendonitis
For more information, visit these websites: