Kinesiology Tape Archives - Page 3 of 3

In 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:

(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

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

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

Structural Application Method

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

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

Microcirculatory Application Method

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

Stretch the muscle and not the tape during application.
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.

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.

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.

He 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:

Made 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

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12 Golden Principles for Applying Kinesiology Tape