The benefits of kinesiology tape

The kinesiology tape is also known as the K-tape is renowned in the world of physiotherapy. The physiotherapists most commonly prescribe and use these in the sessions with their patient. The idea is to support the athletes and other patients in the time of pain and musculoskeletal injury. The therapeutic taping technique it is used in not only supports the patients but also play an important role in their rehabilitation.

Before we find out more about the benefits of the tape, let’s look into its manufacturing style.

What is a Kinesiology tape?

The Kinesiology tape is designed using an elastic cotton strip and an acrylic adhesive. It comes in uncut roll form, in the shape of strips and as precut applications for different body parts. They vary in color, size, and style but are effectively used to treat pain caused by injury and chronic diseases. A Japanese Chiropractor Kenzo Kase came up with the idea and invented these tapes and they are used till now in a much-refined form.

Benefits of the elastic therapeutic tape:

The Kinesiology tape is also known as the elastic rehabilitative and therapeutic tape and benefits the users in the following ways.

1. Acts as a pain reliever

Though the tape is not medicated, it works according to a simple principle of competitive stimulus. When the tape is applied to the skin area, it lifts the skin a bit and relieves the pressure over the sensitive pain receptors. This competition blocks some of the pain signals from reaching the pain. It is highly efficient in dealing with pain from hot injuries. The K-tape can reduce both the acute and the chronic pain.

2. Reduces inflammation and swelling

By applying the tape, pressure present on the lymphatic channels is reduced. It allows improved removal of the fluids present in the injured area. This is used in sports injury, post-surgical and lymphedema patients.

3. Offers freedom of movement and no circulation restriction

Though the claim of improving sports injury within a few hours and improving the pain without affecting the movement lack sufficient scientific approval, it does work. The elastic material of the tape supports the injured joint or muscle and does not restrict joint mobility.

4. Recovers bruises and contusions

The Kinesiology tape uses the same lifting he skin mechanism in this use as well. The bruises are the accumulation of the blood and its products. By applying the tape in the bruised area, the blood trapped below is removed and the bruise dissipated. Special fan-shaped tape strips are available for this purpose.

5. Assists other useful techniques

The tape is designed in a way that it assists in other processes like acupuncture to target trigger points and reflexes. It is also used during lymphatic massage techniques and aromatherapy. Even nutritional guidance is paired with the use of these tapes.

6. Improves running injuries

Such types of injuries include plantar fasciitis, knee pains, runner’s knee, muscle pull, and shin splints. The tape helps in treating these injuries.

 

source https://www.healthy4lifeonline.com/the-benefits-of-kinesiology-tape/