What is Kinesio Taping?
There
has been much attention given lately to the importance of muscle function and
to the idea of treating the muscles as a means of activating the body's own
healing process. It was discovered that muscles and other tissues could be
helped though external support, such as the use of an elastic tape. Application
of Kinesio Tape creates an innovative approach to treating nerves, muscles, and
organs. Certified Kinesio Tape Practitioners can most accurately and
efficiently assess and treat by encouraging the body’s natural healing
processes. Kinesio Tape can reduce the need for medication to assist with
tissue healing and management of the pain cycle.
Kinesio
Taping is a technique based on the body's own natural healing process that
offers a gentle and effective approach. Kinesio Tape can be used in the
re-education of the neuromuscular system, improvement of circulation, assistance
with pain relief, and providing support and stability. Muscles not only command
the movements of the body, but also control the circulation of blood and lymph
fluids. With irritation to a muscle group, the space between the skin and
muscle is compressed which results in constriction of lymphatic fluid flow and
pressure to pain receptors beneath the skin. Compression of these receptors
will communicate "discomfort signals" to the brain, which the person
experiences as PAIN. Conventional athletic tape is designed to restrict the
movement and compress affected muscles and joints. As mentioned, this pressure
will result in the obstruction of the flow of bodily fluids...an undesirable
side-effect. On the other hand, Kinesio Taping is based on a different philosophy
that aims to give free range of motion in order to allow the body's muscular
system to heal itself.
Kinesio
Taping gives support and stability to your joints and muscles without limiting
circulation or range of motion. It is also used for preventive maintenance,
edema control, and pain management within the joint. Kinesio Taping can benefit
beyond conventional taping techniques, without many of the drawbacks seen with
these same techniques. It is these benefits that have drawn athletes to seek the
assistance of Certified Kinesio Tape Practitioners.
The
Kinesio Taping method requires a tape that is skin friendly, possesses optimum
elastic qualities, is the same thickness as the skin, is durable enough to stay
on multiple days even through sweat and showers, and offers support 24 hours a
day. Kinesio Tape is made of latex-free, hypoallergenic materials that can be
used with almost all skin types. Kinesio Tape has many applications that
include but are not limited to: Carpal tunnel syndrome, shoulder impingment,
lower back strain/pain, hamstring and groin injury, rotator cuff injury,
whiplash, tennis elbow, plantar fasciitis, patella tracking, pre and
post-surgical edema, ankle sprains, athletic preventative injury, and as a
joint support.
For
questions and treatment options, feel free to contact one of the Certified
Kinesio Tape Practitioners at Kevin Snider Physical Therapy. Your local Anderson, Cottonwood, and Redding area PT office.
By:
Traci
Baseley PTA, CKTP
Certified
Kinesio Tape Practitioner
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