Kinesiology Tape

Kinesiology tape has been utilized for over 30 years but more recently became popular due to media exposure during the past 2 Olympic games. Nowadays, more and more athletes from all sports are wearing kinesiology tape as a means of pain control, proprioception, and joint support.

Kinesiology taping is a definitive rehabilitative tool that is designed to facilitate the body’s natural healing process while providing support and stability to muscles and joints without restricting the body’s range of motion as well as providing extended soft tissue manipulation to prolong the benefits of manual therapy administered within the clinical setting. The tape is latex-free, hypoallergenic, and wearable for days at a time, making it safe for populations of all ages. It successfully treats a variety of orthopedic, neuromuscular, neurological and other medical conditions.

By targeting different receptors within the somatosensory and mechanoreceptors, kinesiology tape aids in alleviating pain and facilitates lymphatic drainage by microscopically lifting the skin. This gently lifting affects and forms convolutions in the skin thus increasing interstitial space and allowing for a decrease in inflammation of the affected areas. It has been proven to have positive physiological effects on the skin, lymphatic and circulatory system, fascia, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and joints. It can be used in conjunction with a multitude of other treatments and modalities within the clinical setting and is effective during the rehabilitative and chronic phases on an injury as well as being used for preventative measures.

*Disclaimer. Some parts of the above mentioned statements are direct quotes from Kinesio Taping.