Kinesiology tape how does it work

Rarely used as a standalone treatment, many practitioners will use tape to address pain, positioning, or swelling. In general, patients keep the tape on between sessions unless otherwise instructed. Generally, the active body is quite prone to injury, and when this occurs muscles or joints may benefit from extra support. When applied in these cases, patients often feel like they can move better.

Moving better often leads to getting better, so taping becomes a useful intervention. Many athletes rely on Kinesio taping to enhance their performance and optimize their endurance. Even if the exact science may be emerging, many high-level athletes utilize kinesiology taping as part of their training or rehabilitation. Every day patients with common dysfunction also find benefit in Kinesio taping when used appropriately. Practitioners may use kinesiology tape to help re-educate muscles that are weak or dysfunctional.

Abnormal movement patterns may decrease with regular and skilled taping procedures. Additionally, when patients feel the tape as they are moving, they may receive cues to change their posture, adopt a different stance or just become more aware of optimal movement strategies.

The subtle feedback from the tape can promote healthy, muscular movement over time. In the sports world, kinesiology tape may impact a variety of biomechanical findings or symptoms. Some athletes attribute their peak performance to kinesiology tape, and use it regularly, even without strong research to back findings.

Their proof is in their performance. Occasionally, patients use kinesiology tape to manage the appearance of scars; however, it is important to note that an open wound is a contraindication for the tape.

For this reason, discuss any tape application with your doctor prior to using it. According to many people, the answer is a resounding yes. No doubt, the intervention and application of kinesiology tape warrants further research to define and explore outcomes.

All in all, controlled research studies should be able to confirm or dispute outcomes, but the consensus is that kinesiology tape makes a difference for patients. That is part of the reason people use it so frequently.

Ultimately there are several conditions not compatible with kinesiology taping. These include the following: open wounds, active cancer, deep venous thrombosis DVT , lymph node removal, diabetes, allergy, and fragile skin. In general, patients should consult with a professional to ensure optimal results and avoidance of incompatible conditions. Rather than trying to figure out the proper technique, it makes sense to see a specialist at least for initial kinesiology taping.

Certainly, chiropractors are highly trained in anatomy and physiology, as well as injury rehabilitation, and can demonstrate how to properly apply the tape for your specific condition. Additionally, patients may need exercises or other interventions to recover fully, so consulting with a trained professional makes sense.

Some taping methods are complex, with stabilization and decompression strips needed. Indeed, your provider can assist you in learning how to apply and remove the tape properly.

Kinesiology views the body as machinery that is controlled by a complex computer — the brain — which constantly communicates with the hundreds of muscles and other tissues throughout the body. Healthy muscles are balanced; unhealthy, overstressed muscles are imbalanced and weak. Kinesiology aims to maintain balance in the muscles and adjoining tissues, and one of the methods of doing this is by simply wrapping the muscles and surrounding tissues with the supportive material called kinesiology tape.

Kinesiology tape is constructed of fine, breathable, stretchable material, usually cotton or a cotton blend. Its elasticity does not overly restrict the area of application, and it is designed to provide just enough pressure and support to facilitate strength in the muscles and tissues. This tape adheres to the skin with a medically approved, water- and sweat-proof adhesive.

It comes in latex-free and hypoallergenic varieties for people who may be allergic to latex. The tape can usually stay in place for three or four days even while showering or exercising.

The lymphatic system is the way your body regulates swelling and fluid buildup. The theory is that when kinesiology tape is applied, it creates extra subcutaneous space, which changes the pressure gradient in the area underneath your skin. That change in pressure enhances the flow of lymphatic fluid. Studies have had mixed results. In two recent studies, kinesiology tape reduced fluid buildup in women who underwent breast cancer treatment and people who had total knee replacements.

Malicka I, et al. Kinesiology taping reduces lymphedema of the upper extremity in women after breast cancer treatment: a pilot study. DOI: THUHPR Comparison of kinesio tape application and manual lymphatic drainage on lower extremity oedema and functions after total knee arthroplasty. Changing the flow of lymphatic fluid could help bruises heal faster. Study says therapeutic taping no better than other approaches to treat chronic musculoskeletal pain, disability.

Kinesiology tape is also used to add extra support to muscles or joints that need it. If you have patellofemoral stress syndrome , IT band friction syndrome , or Achilles tendonitis , kinesiology taping might help you. Unlike white medical or athletic tape, kinesiology tape lets you move normally. In fact, some studies show that it can enhance movement and endurance. Studies on athletes have shown that when kinesiology tape is used on fatigued muscles, performance improves.

Kinesiology tape can help re-train muscles that have lost function or that have gotten used to an unhealthy way of working. For example, kinesiology taping can be used to correct posture in your head and neck. Shih HS, et al. Effects of kinesio taping and exercise on forward head posture. Sung Y-B, et al. Effects of taping and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation for stance phase duration of stroke patients.

Although you should never use kinesiology tape on an open wound, there is some scientific evidence to suggest that kinesiology tape can improve the long-term appearance of scars after surgery or injury. Karwacinska J, et al. Effectiveness of Kinesio Taping on hypertrophic scars, keloids and scar contractures. A systematic review of the effectiveness of kinesio taping for musculoskeletal injury.

Phys Sportsmed. A systematic review of the effectiveness of Kinesio Taping--fact or fashion? Eur J Phys Rehabil Med. Epub Apr 5.

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