K-Tape

We've all seen those bright colors of tape worn by athletes at the 2012 summer Olympics. Kinesiotape has taken the athletic population by storm as a modality to minimize pain and soreness after injury to muscles.

Kinesio tape differs from other forms of athletic taping, in that it does not restrict ones movement. Some injuries cause a joint to be unstable and require taping to immobilize a joint to restrict motion and prevent further damage. However, where this is not the case, kinesiotape is gaining popularity as it allows for free and full movement.

Traditionally, it was common to advise an injured athlete to restrict movement of an injured area. However, research shows that when an injury is muscular in nature, keeping it moving can be beneficial as this allows for improved circulation which in turn reduces pain and speeds up the healing process. Based on this theroy, Dr. Kenzo Kase developed the Kinesio Tape Method in 1979. This taping technique works at the layer of the fascia (connective tissue surrounding muscle). When you move, the tape gently lifts the skin and fascia away from the injured muscle/tendon. This creates increased space so that blood and other lymphatic fluids/nutrients can flow freely around and to the injured area.

Take an example - if you had a strained thigh, you could tightly tape it to immobilize it. Yes, this would prevent further damage by restricting movement and in turn, further strain. However, this would also limit circulation, slowing down the bodies natural healing mechanisms.

Kinesio tape is perfect for athletes and those who do not want their mobility to be restricted, as it is made from a thin cotton material with elastic properties similar to skin. It is porous in nature which allows for tissues to breathe. It sticks to the skin with acrylic adhesion, and is latex free. Its adhesive side is water-repellant (great for sweaty athletes!) and the tape is heat activated. It can stay on for as long as 5 days. Kinesiotape needs to be applied correctly, based on the goals you are trying to achieve. Certain applications allow for the inhibition of muscles, while others allow for their facilitation. Also, because kinesiotape has an elastic property (has the potential to stretch up to 140% of its original length), the amount of stretch required is also of importance, and varies depending on the goals of application. Thus, it is best to have someone who is adequatley trained in the application of kinesiotape apply it to you.