The Benefits Of Kinesio Tape
You have probably never heard the term Kinesio Tape before. However, you may sometimes have seen someone on the street with some colored strips of tape on one or more areas of their body.
What are these strips? What are they used for? How do they work? Can everyone use them?
These adhesives and hypoallergenic cotton strips are used to treat injuries and other physical ailments. They constitute the so-called Kinesio Tape technique, which was invented in 1970 and has been very well received in countries like Japan.
Let’s look at why this technique has proven useful in various treatments and why it is not just for professional athletes.
What is Kinesio Tape?
Kinesio Tape is a technique that involves placing cotton strips that are hypoallergenic, waterproof, and elastic, on certain damaged areas of the body. To facilitate movement, the strips are made of a type of fiber that can extend up to 140% of their original length.
When an expert puts them on, they can stay on the skin for several days. But they need to be replaced after a while (usually after 3-4 days, all depending on the nature of the damage).
Clearly, the strips do not affect flexibility or impede movement. On the contrary, they promote the acceleration of the healing process. Therefore, they are a great addition to various types of treatments (such as massage).
The color of the tape
Kinesio Tape is used to treat muscle tension.
The color of the tape varies depending on where it is placed, the traction, the nature of the damage and other factors. For example, the blue and black strips are used to relax the muscles (they also have an analgesic effect), while the pink and yellow strips are supposed to stimulate the muscles.
How do they work?
Once the tape is placed, it activates a heat generated by the body’s own movements that (so to speak) creates a kind of massage that removes discomfort.
Benefits of Kinesio Tape
Although clinical trials have not shown its effectiveness yet, some professionals say it is a technique that provides the following benefits. That:
- Facilitates drainage of the lymphatic system.
- Activates the body’s circulation.
- Helps improve posture (corrects the adjustment of weak muscles).
- Gives joints and muscles a form of extra support.
- Reduces muscle fatigue.
- Reduces inflammation and relieves pain.
- Is useful in reducing the intake of anti-inflammatory drugs that have side effects such as ibuprofen.
What issues can Kinesio Tape remedy?
Professional therapists use this type of treatment under the following conditions:
- Contractures
- Back pain
- Localized pain
- Sports injuries
- Overloaded muscles
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Muscle cramps
- Circulatory and drainage problems (cellulite, lethargy, edema, etc.).
How does it work?
A specialist must apply tape to the given area, and adjust the treatment by applying different types of tape, with more or less flexibility (depending on the case). They stretch it out so that it has an “accordion” effect. Kinesio Tape promotes a small microscopic elevation of the skin, due to the flexibility and wavy shape of the ribbon fibers. This reduces the pressure on the injury and prevents stimuli that can be painful.
How to apply the tape
- The skin should be clean, dry, clean-shaven, and free of cream or oil (as these prevent the tape from adhering properly to the skin).
- In addition, the edges of the tape should always be rounded so that it sticks better.
- When the physiotherapist places the tape, they should gently rub it so that it sticks to the skin.
- You can take a shower with the tape on. However, try to avoid touching or washing the taped areas.
- In case of irritation, consult your physiotherapist to have it removed immediately. Remember, however, that it is normal to experience something tingling or itching. This is due to increased blood circulation in the area.
Things to keep in mind
It is best if a physiotherapist uses tape after a physical evaluation. It may seem like Kinesio Tape is easy to apply yourself. However, you should avoid using it yourself at home because it could be counterproductive for your body.
