If you're like us and watch a lot of sporting events, you may have noticed the increased appearance of some brightly colored tape adorned on many athletes' bodies. Whether it was the tennis players at Wimbledon, professional cyclists, Crossfit athletes at the Crossfit Games on ESPN or the volleyball players at the last Olympics, many professional athletes have embraced this new type of taping called Kinesio Taping. We have many patients coming into our office wishing to try the newest techniques that they see their favorite athletes using. This post will highlight the benefits of Kinesio Tape, how it works, what conditions it works best for and some other tips about the tape!
Kinesiology Tape, or Kinesio Tape, is a breathable, stretchable, and flexible tape designed to mimic the elasticity of our skin. It is applied over muscles to reduce pain and inflammation, support fatigued or overused muscles, and prevent muscle fatigue during physical activity. Unlike traditional taping, Kinesio Tape moves with the body, allowing for a full range of motion. Kinesio Rehabilitative Sports Taping is a therapeutic method designed to promote movement, rather than immobilizing an injured area. It helps alleviate pain, reduce swelling and inflammation, provide structural support to muscles and joints, and enhance athletic performance.
How does it work? When a muscle is injured or inflamed due to repetitive motion, strain, falls, or heavy lifting, the area between the skin and muscle becomes compressed. This compression traps swelling, preventing it from draining into the lymphatic system and putting pressure on pain receptors, which signals pain to the brain. Kinesio Tape helps relieve these symptoms by lifting the skin and reducing pressure on the affected area, allowing for better fluid circulation and reduced pain.
Kinesio Tape is also effective for relieving pain and strain during pregnancy. Dr. Phil uses it to alleviate back pain, reduce swelling, and provide belly support, offering comfort to expectant mothers and improving their overall experience during pregnancy.
These are some examples of Kinesio Tape application for pregnancy
According to the inventor of Kinesio Tape, Dr. Kase, there are four major benefits to using this taping method. First, the tape helps support the muscle by improving its ability to contract. Second, there is a specific way to apply the tape that helps remove swelling by improving circulation and lymphatic draining systems. This is known as a "fan-cut application". The "fingers" of the tape help lift skin away from the muscle and provide a massage-like motion to move any fluid into the lymphatic drainage ducts. Third, the taping activates the neurological pain pathway to reduce pain, similar to the way we innately know to "rub" a cut or bruise. Lastly, Kinesio Tape can be used to correct dysfunctional joint mechanics like in people with poor posture.
Above: An example of "fan-tape". This helps remove inflammation and swelling.
As mentioned, earlier Kinesio Tape can be used by athletes of any sport or anyone with muscle issues. Any muscle problems can usually be helped with the addition of Kinesio Tape to a treatment plan. It can also be applied immediately before a competition to help prevent muscle fatigue, as seen in huge increase in Crossfit athletes using this tape prior to competitions. Dr. Afghani has been trained in Kinesio Taping applications and has been using the tape on patients ranging all the way to elite and professional athletes. If you have questions about the tape or are interested in having a professional apply the tape for you, contact Atlantic Chiropractic and Wellness Center today at (386) 492-4881! We have several different tape colors so you can really stand out! Dr. Afghani is a Certified Kinesio Tape Practitioner, though this designation is not currently recognized by the Florida Board of Chiropractic.
