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What is Kinesio Tape & How Does it Help Heal?

Kinesio Tape placement for Plantar Fasciitis

This Kinesio Taping is being applied for Plantar Fasciitis. It is an art and a science.

Although Kinesio Tape has been around for over 25 years, Kinesio Tape has only recently become a serious therapeutic tool used by virtually every athletic trainer and sports injury chiropractor. In addition, Kinesio Tape is now a staple in treating a variety of non-sports-related conditions that chiropractors treat.

History of Kinesio Tape

Kinesio Taping, (aka: kinesiotaping, “k-tape”, “kt-tape”, “sport-tape”, “kinesiolgy-tape”) was invented over 25 years ago by Japanese Chiropractor Dr. Kenzo Kase. Frustrated by the results in his practice utilizing the traditional stiff sports taping methods, he invented Kinesio tape, which feels and has elastic properties similar to actual skin and muscle.

How does Kinesio Tape Work?

Kinesio Tex Tape is used to:

  • Re-educate the neuromuscular system
  • Reduce pain
  • Enhance performance
  • Prevent injury
  • Promote improved circulation and healing

How does Kinesio Tape Work?

Like traditional taping methods, Kinesio taping does, in fact, provide support, though not to the same degree. Unlike traditional athletic taping methodologies, the flexibility of the Kinesio Tape allows patients, particularly athletes, a degree of mobility heretofore unseen.

Kerri Walsh Shows off her Kinesio Tape

I’m guessing that Kerri Walsh, Olympic Sand Volleyball Gold Medalist, was suffering from deltoid and rotator cuff tendonitis based on her “k-tape” pattern.

How can K-Tape Help Heal Injuries?

The magic of “k-tape” though is in its healing properties. Research has shown that in its action of microscopically elevating the skin from the structures underneath, the Kinesio tape increases the interstitial space allowing for inflammation to escape the effected joint and muscles underneath. The elastic properties of the tape also stimulate certain types of nerve receptors which help with pain management.

How is Kinesio Tape Used in Chiropractic Care?

At Integrated Physical Medicine our doctors, use Kinesio Tape for the many benefits the research has shown it provides. After application, patients are advised to avoid getting it wet for at least one hour to allow the adhesive to cure properly. The Kinesio taping will last for three to five days of normal wear. Athletes generally require more frequent applications. The only negative is that some people are sensitive to the adhesive and develop a skin reaction after application. The reaction is usually mild and resolves quickly once the tape is removed.

Kinesio Tape is only one of the many unique and cutting edge tools our doctors use to help patients rapidly achieve their health goals. Learn about how we treat our patients suffering from a sports injury.

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