Kinesio® Tape 101
The Lowdown on Kinesio® Tape
Taping in rehab became more visible as people around the world noticed athletes like Olympic swimmers and professional volleyball players sporting tan, black or brightly-colored tape on shoulders, knees, and other joints. More than a cool fashion accessory, athletic tape like Kinesio® Tape offers many benefits when used on the right patient. Though there are different types of tape used in sports and rehab, in this article we will introduce you to the concept, benefits and indications for Kinesio® Tape specifically.
ROLL TAPE!
Methods of taping in rehab and athletics have a long history. In 1979, Dr. Kenzo Kase developed a method of taping known as the Kinesio® Taping method. This method of taping was designed to facilitate the body’s natural healing process, provide stability and support to muscles and joints, prolong the benefits of manual therapy and allow for normal ranges of motion. Dr. Kase viewed Kinesio® Taping as an adjunct to other rehabilitation techniques for addressing physiologic dysfunction and rehabilitating injuries. Rehab professionals evaluate their clients’ specific needs and impairments in order to determine the location, shape, direction and stretch of each taping application. In other words, the application of Kinesio® Tape requires thorough knowledge of the client’s case and strong clinical decision-making.
Kinesio® Tape is used by clinicians to address many different medical conditions and impairments. When the tape is placed on the skin, it lifts the skin microscopically forming what are called convulsions, or small spaces beneath the layers of skin which allow for increased lymphatic drainage and a reduction in inflammation. Additionally, depending on the shape, stretch and direction of the tape, it can help re-educate muscles, reduce discomfort, prevent injury and promote good circulation. As research on Kinesio® Tape has continued over the years, an application in many different populations and medical conditions has been discovered. Let’s take a look at some of these.
THE MANY APPLICATIONS OF KINESIO® TAPE
While therapists are often trained in the use of taping methods for rehabilitation while undergoing training in school, many will opt to take continuing education courses to enhance their knowledge and skill level. This gives them in depth training in the application of Kinesio® Tape to different areas of the body and for different conditions.
While the applications of Kinesio® Tape are too numerous to list here, let’s review some of the conditions for which Kinesio® Tape is thought to be helpful. Kinesio® Tape has been used to reduce discomfort and promote healing in overworked muscles and joints, conditions like achilles tendonitis, chronic neck and back discomfort, plantar fasciitis, frozen shoulder, and knee pain. It has been used to support the bellies and backs of pregnant women, reduce discomfort in migraines and reduce pain caused by arthritis. It is often used to support and protect pre-existing injuries in athletes. Finally, Kinesio® Tape is used by therapists to control swelling and edema, facilitate posture and muscle activation in conditions like stroke and cerebral palsy, address lymphedema, and even treat conditions like TMJ and Bell’s Palsy. As you can see, the potential use of Kinesio® Tape is great.
WHAT MAKES KINESIO® TAPE SPECIAL?
Kinesio® Tape produces several different lines of tape, each with their own special properties. For instance, Kinesio Tex Classic was designed for multi day wear and to withstand participation in sports and events. The Light Touch+ tape, on the other hand, was designed for single day use and is more breathable and comfortable. This type of tape was designed for use in those with sensitive skin like the pediatric or geriatric population or for use on the face. Each line of Kinesio® Tape is designed to function in a special way. There is even a line of tape specifically designed for use in canines and another for use in equines.
If you are looking to buy rehab or athletic tape online you will quickly notice that there are many types and brands of tape. The properties of the tape determine how it affects the body so it is important to ask your therapist what type of tape you should use before purchasing it yourself. Kinesio® Tape has several unique properties that make it useful in many clinical and athletic situations. First, this type of tape is made of medical grade acrylic adhesive with 100% cotton fibers or cotton/polyester mix. It is also latex free and hypoallergenic so those who are more sensitive to fabrics and adhesives are more likely to tolerate Kinesio® Tape. Second, this tape is water resistant and has multi day wear capabilities which means your therapist can apply the tape at your appointment and you can wear it for several days through normal hygiene and recreational activities. This allows for a prolonged therapeutic effect. Alternatively, for those with more sensitive skin, a lighter and more breathable line of tape exists for single day use.
Unlike the tape you use to secure a box for the mail, Kinesio® Tape is elastic. The elasticity of the tape mimics the elasticity of your skin so wearers do not feel their range of motion is being restricted. Additionally, the elasticity of the tape allows clinicians to apply it in a way that helps stimulate or relax muscles and promote the movement of fluid.
TAPING IS ALL I NEED…RIGHT?
Like most tools in the therapist’s toolbox, Kinesio® Taping is a modality that should be used as part of a larger rehabilitation program. Your physical therapist will speak with you about how long and how often they plan to use this modality during your care but rarely is it the only intervention used. One of the goals of the Kinesio Tape, however, is to facilitate recovery and shorten the amount of time needed for rehabilitation. It is likely that this modality will be combined with treatment like hands on manual therapy as well as therapeutic and neuromuscular re-education exercises.
Individuals can purchase Kinesio® Tape on their own and without the guidance of a medical professional. It is a good idea, however, to first work with one to determine exactly how to apply the tape to address your specific concern. As we have discussed above, there are many different types of tape and ways to apply the tape and your success and safety will depend on applying it in the right manner.
FINDING A THERAPIST TO HELP
At Evolve Physical Therapy, many of our therapists use Kinesio® Tape as a part of their care plans. If you are dealing with any kind of pain, discomfort, musculoskeletal injury or neurologic injury and are curious about how physical therapy and Kinesio® Taping can help you, call our clinic to schedule an initial evaluation today.
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