Kinesio Taping: New Age Tactics to Rehabilitation

Maybe you have seen the colourful stripes of tape that appear on athletes bodies during competition or training, or maybe you've even spotted the guy in your gym who sports these intricate shapes on his body. Well for those of you who aren't familiar, this is called The Kinesio Taping Method. According to the Kinesio Taping Association International, it is a rehabilitative taping technique 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. The tape works in a way that it prolongs the benefits of manual therapy received in a clinic by extending soft tissue manipulation. This latex-free product claims it can be worn for days after its application and successfully treats a variety of orthopedic, neuromuscular, neurological and other medical conditions.

Marketed as a therapeutic technique, claims are that it helps to rehabilitate the problem area or condition as well. So how does it work, specifically? Kinesio Tape is applied to the patient based upon their needs after in depth evaluation. It is a combination of the shape or direction with the amount of stretch placed on the tape at the time of application that provides relief. The Association's studies and beliefs are that this tape has the ability to reduce pain and inflammation, enhance performance, prevent injury and promote good circulation and healing.

After being proven to have “positive physiological effects on the skin, lymphatic and circulatory system, fascia, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and joints” 1 it's no wonder why athletes are following suit. It can also be used in combination with other methods of therapy. Whether this method is for you or not, it definitely shows how the the industry has evolved in it's methods for rehabilitation. If you are looking to try it out grab your gym partner and call around to find your local expert.

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