Kinesio tape - not just pretty colours!

During the Olympics and Paralympics in Rio, you may have seen some brightly coloured tape used on the athletes, which is Kinesio tape!

Kinesio tape is an incredible elastic adhesive tape developed by Dr. Kenzo Kase in 1979, he wanted something his clients could use between sessions to increase the efficacy of manual therapy. It is so versatile and can be used to help so many different ailments, so here’s a little more info on it!

The tape:

It’s latex free, hypoallergenic and water resistant; it acts like a second skin so doesn’t limit movement and depending on the tension applied to the tape, it can relax or stimulate muscles. Kinesio tape is extremely strong so can also be used to stabilise areas to prevent further damage.

And the different colours? There is no difference between the colours, the brightness allows for instant brand recognition and the therapist may use multiple colours to distinguish which technique they have used where.

How it works:

The wave-like pattern on the tape actually helps to decrease discomfort and swelling and facilitates lymphatic drainage, therefore aiding the healing process. It does this by lifting the skin away from the tissue below, thus increasing interstitial space and reducing pressure while enabling a more effective flow of fluid in and out of the injured area.

What is can be used for:

Depending on what specialized shape is used, the direction and amount of stretch placed on the tape during application, Kinesio tape has the ability to re-educate muscles, reduce inflammation, prevent injury and promote good circulation and healing.

1. Kinesio tape and rehabilitation

This tape can help to open up fascia, which in turn makes manual manipulation easier. Post rehab sessions, the tape can be used to support an area, giving the surrounding soft tissue some time to rebuild.

2. Kinesio tape and posture

By stimulating or inhibiting certain muscles, Kinesio tape can help to re-align a client. Being in the correct alignment reduces stresses placed on the surrounding soft tissues and joints and therefore decreases pain in the area.

3. Kinesio tape and pain

After a manual sessions with your therapist the area that’s been worked on can be sore and feel a little bruised; application of Kinesio tape after a particularly tough session can help reduce pain and help you get back to normal faster!

Excessive bruising and swelling can be a huge hindrance to clients, using the tape to aid fluid drainage into lymphatic ducts and decrease swelling and actually get rid of the bruise quicker.

4. Kinesio tape and competition

Many athletes will know or will be told if they have any ailments that can lead to injury. Kinesio tape can be used to re-train muscles around those areas to prevent injuries.

Due to the many different ways Kinesio tape can be applied and the multiple effects it can have on individuals, it is important you see a therapist who has been trained in how to apply Kinesio tape and has a background in anatomy and physiology.