Kinesiology Tape a Corked Thigh

Kinesiology Tape: How It Works

Kinesiology tape is gaining popularity not only among athletes but also among ordinary people. You might have seen it being worn by basketball players, gymnasts, runners, cyclists and olympic athletes. It’sthe beige, black, pink or blue-colored tape that looks so cool and trendy on their skin.

But really, what is Kinesiology tape all about?

How does it work?

Here’s another video from the Doctor K series, with Kinesiology taping expert Adam Collyer, from MCPhysio, talking about how this tape works.

How Can Kinesiology Tape Help You?

Kinesiology tape can help you in:

1. Removing lymphatic fluid congestion

How Kinesiology Tape Works

Once applied to an injured area, kinesiology tape pulls the skin’s upper layers, creating some space between the muscle and the skin.

That space eases the pressure to the lymph channels, allowing lymphatic fluids to flow more freely.

 

 

 

 

2. Relieving pain

How Kinesiology Tape Works

Kinesiology tape also reduces pressure on pain receptors that change how your brain and body respond to pain.

These small receptors stimulate the nerves in your skin. Those nerves consequently send messages to your brain that everything is alright.

 

 

 

 

3. Speeding up the healing process

How Kinesiology Tape Works

On the other hand, kinesiology tape’s properties also assist an increased healthy blood flow through the application area.

This enables the blood to carry oxygen and other nutrients to the injured area, causing it to heal faster.

 

 

 

 

4. Reducing Swelling and Bruising

Kinesiology Tape a Corked Thigh

Do you see the wave-like pattern on the adhesive side of the kinesiology tape? It’s there for a purpose – to gently lift the skin from the muscle in order to create a miniscule space in between.

This reduces the swelling and facilitates the healing of bruises.

 

 

 

5. Supporting muscles in movement

Hamstring Kinesiology Tape

How can such a tape support muscles?

It all boils down to the shape used in the application and the variety of tension strengths. Think of this application as a reinforcement of your anatomy.

You follow the natural curvature of the muscle involved, surround it with some tape so that when it pulls back, the muscle underneath contracts as well.

Thus, the muscle is supported and receives minimum stress. Perfect for people with weak muscles or those who are recovering from injuries.

 

 

6. Correcting joint misalignment

Elbow Kinesio Tape

Yes, Kinesiology tape can correct joint misalignments.

To make this application work, you need to balance the various structures that are tugging at the joints.

The aim is to balance the different structures pulling on the joint.

This may require facilitating one muscle and inhibiting another.

It may also require a correction to the joint itself to hold it in place for proper alignment. This will vary by joint and the underlying pathology.

 

7. Relaxing injured muscles

Back Kinesiology Tape

Athletes, specifically, are prone to muscle injuries due to the great deal of stress that they have to deal with on a frequent basis and the quick, abrupt movements they make.

Kinesiology tape, when applied to an injured muscle, restricts its movement, and supports it during activity.

 

 

 

8. Preventing recurrences

ankle

Resting, icing, compressing and elevating only provide relief to an injury.

Unattended, these injuries may recur anytime. Proper application of Kinesiology tape not only relieves pain and inflammation.

It can provide the right condition for faster complete healing, and even providing protection against re-injury to the affected area.

So, if you or any of your loved ones need relief from pain or help in recovering from injuries, consider using Kinesiology Tape. It might just do its wonders for you.

 

 

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Have a most outstanding day,
Cade Arnel


12 Golden Principles for Applying Kinesiology Tape

Olympic Sprinting KinesiologyIn the last article of the “Ultimate Guide to Applying Kinesiology Tape”, we covered how kinesio works and also why it’s becoming so popular.

Have you managed to spot any Olympic Athletes using Kinesiology Tape?

In case you missed it, it’s been popular in sports like, Beach Volleyball, Diving, Tennis, Judo, Rowing, Hockey, Handball, Gymnastics, 100m Sprint & Cycling event, here’s some of the Olympic Kinesiology Action:

Olympic Cycling Kinesiology

(Click images to Enlarge)

This week, before we jump into the specifics of taping each body part, I wanted to share a video covering the “12 Principles for Applying Kinesiology Tape“.

3 Main Application Methods

Sensory Application Method

Olympic Volleyball Kinesiology

Whether you are applying the Precut Kinesiology Tape ,or from a Roll, it is important to use the following method for a Sensory application:

  1. Apply the beginning of each section with no stretch in the muscle or tape (1-2 inches).
  2. Once the beginning of each section is applied.
  3. Stretch the muscle and not the tape during application, till the last section remains (last 1-2 inches).
  4. Apply the end of section with no stretch in muscle or tape.

Structural Application Method

Olympic Rowing Kinesiology

Whether you are applying the Precut Kinesio Tape, or from a Roll, it is important to use the following method for Structural Support:

  1. Apply the beginning of each section with no stretch in the muscle or sports tape.
  2. Once the beginning of each section is applied.
  3. Stretch the tape and not the muscle during application, till the last section remains.
  4. Apply the end of section with no stretch in muscle or tape.

Microcirculatory Application MethodOlympic Volleyball Kinesiology

When you are applying the Lymphatic Spider it is important to use the following method for increased blood flow and improved healing:

  1. Stretch the  muscle and not the tape during application.
  2. Apply at the top of affected area following along lymphatic pathways.

The Best Kinesiology Tape Application Principles

Preparing the Skin

  • Before applying the tape, the skin will need to be dry, and free of hair, creams and oils for best adhesion.
  • Clipping or shaving the intended area of application may be necessary.

Skin Condition

  • Do not apply the tape over broken, damaged or sun burnt skin.
  • For sensitive skin, a test piece may be applied to determine if any skin sensitivity will result.
  • If itching or irritation occurs, remove the tape immediately.
  • No increased discomfort should be experienced while wearing the tape.

Tape, Exercise & Water

  • Before exercise or bathing, apply the tape for approximately 1 hour to allow glue to properly activate.
  • The tape is both waterproof and breathable.
  • It may be worn during showers and baths.
  • Do not rub the tape while bathing.
  • After showering, pat the tape dry with a towel.

Duration of Wear.

  • A single tape application can be worn for up to 5 days.

Applying the Anchor & Adhesion Points.

  • Apply the start & end sections, as well as any anchor points  (approximately 1 to 2 inches) with no stretch on the tape or in the muscle.

Keeping the Adhesive Clean.

  • Avoid touching the adhesive side of the tape during application.
  • Like strapping tape , touching or contaminating adhesive will decrease the holding strength on the skin, and may lead to premature peeling.

Removing the Backing (Pre-Cuts Spiders).

  • To remove the paper backing from a Precut Spiders, peel it back in small amounts and lightly apply the tape to the skin.
  • Repeat this method until tape is fully applied to the skin.

Activating the Adhesive.

  • After tape is fully applied, lightly rub over the top of the tape from the start to the end of each section. This will activate the glue & smooth out any creases.
  • Apply one section at a time before applying the following sections.

Removing the Tape.

  • The kinesio tape is best removed in the direction of the hair growth (usually away from the centre of the body).
  • Gently roll off the tape as the skin is stretched under the tape.
  • Avoid removing the tape while wet.

Other Articles in the Ultimate Guide To Kinesiology.

Other Kinesiology articles:

Next Article: >> “How to Kinesiology Tape a Knee”.

 

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  • Leave a comment below, to let me know:
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    • Or any questions you have about it!
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Why Athletes Rave About Kinesiology Tape?

Have you ever noticed athletes competing with colored strips of kinesiology tape on their body?

Kinesiology Tape

Who’s Using Kinesiology Tape?

Athletes around the world are part of a growing trend, wearing therapeutic applications of Kinesiology Tape to relieve pain and reduce inflammation, and to relax tired & overused muscles. It is also widely used for stabilizing muscles & joints that have been strained or sprained, and even speeding up recovery from muscle or joint surgery.

International athletes including Serena Williams, Lance Armstrong, Novak Djokovic, Justin Henin, Lleyton Hewitt, David Beckham, and in particular many Olympic Athletes at the 2008 Beijing Olympics use this technology to assist recovery, keeping their bodies in the best shape to perform at their best.

Athletes using Kinesio tape

Now 1000’s of Health Professionals, and Sports Trainers across Australia are trained in using Kinesio Tape.

So lets take a closer look at what Kinesiology Tape is, and how it works.

What is Kinesiology Tape?

Kinesiology Tape was first invented back in the 1970’s by Japanese Chiropractor/Acupuncturist, Dr Kenzo Kase. He was looking for a new method of sports taping that would assist in the healing of injured or overused muscles & tissue.

Kenzo KaseHe noticed that standard sports taping methods, using Rigid Strapping Tape, provided excellent joint support, but tended to limit range of movement and did not support the fibrous tissue surrounding the muscle.

He also found in some cases, that regular taping techniques inhibit the healing process of muscles and tissue in this condition.

In 1973, after several years researching into muscle taping, tape elasticity, tape breathe-ability and tape adhesion, he developed a new therapeutic tape and application method, which is now known as Kinesiology Taping.

How Does It Work?

Kinesiology works on a simple philosophy of returning the body, and mind to balanced healthy state. So this taping method works on the body in 3 key areas.

Structurally – Correct Muscle Function & Faster Healing

  • Provides great joint support and stability, by restricting harmful range of movement without the harsh end feel of rigid tape.
  • Promotes normal muscle activation and function, by helping reduce inflammation and promote proper nerve balance within the affected area.

Neurologically – Inflammation & Pain Reduction

  • Decreased perception of pain.
  • Promotes peripheral neuroplasticity.
  • Stimulation of the skin’s nervous system pathways.

Microcirculatory – Improved Circulation for Improved Healing

  • Wave pattern formation.
  • Improve flow and function in muscle surrounding tissue.
  • Improved lymphatic flow.
  • Improved micro blood vessels flow in tissue.

Fast Facts:

  • Kinesiology Tape RollsMade from 100% cotton
  • A good quality tape should be latex free
  • Up to 30-40% elasticity from resting length (applied to only 10% stretch)
  • 100% acrylic adhesive that is a medical grade and hypoallergenic
  • Kinesio Tape allows the skin to breathe
  • Manufactured to be the same weight, thickness and elasticity of the skin
  • Allows range of motion and does not restrict like conventional athletic tape
  • Elastic properties to help to support and reduce muscle fatigue
  • Single application can be worn for 3-5 days without re-application
  • Normally 6-10 applications per roll
  • Can be bought in application specific pre-cut shapes for easy application to affected areas

More Kinesio Articles

This has been the first article in our Ultimate Guide to Kinesio Taping series, next article I will take a closer look at the “12 Core Principles of Kinesiology Tape Application”.

If you found this article helpful please complete the following:

  • Subscribe to our Newsletter below to receive more articles as released.
  • Leave a comment below, to let me know:
    • Your experience with Kinesio Tape,
    • Or any questions you have about it!
  • Add your “Like” via your favourite social media buttons below 🙂

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