What is Kinesio® Taping?
Kinesio Taping® is a technique based on the body's own natural healing process. This Kinesio Taping® exhibits its efficacy through the activation of neurological and circulatory systems. This method basically stems from the science of Kinesiology. Hence the name "Kinesio" is used. Muscles are not only attributed to the movements of the body but also control the circulation of venous and lymph flows, body temperature, etc. Therefore, the failure of the muscles to function properly induces various kinds of symptoms.
Consequently, so much attention was given to the importance of muscle function that the idea of treating the muscles in order to activate the body's own healing process came about. Using an elastic tape, it was discovered that muscles and other tissues could be helped by outside assistance. Employment of Kinesio Taping® creates a totally new approach to treating nerves, muscles, and organs. The first application of Kinesio Taping® was for a patient with articular disorders.
For the first 10 years, orthopedists, chiropractors, acupuncturists and other medical practitioners were the main users of Kinesio Taping®. Soon thereafter, Kinesio Taping® was discovered by Olympic volleyball players in Japan and word quickly spread to other athletes. Today, Kinesio Taping® is accepted by medical practitioners and athletes in Japan, the United States, Europe, South America and other Asian countries as well.
Kinesio® Concepts
Muscles constantly extend and contract within a normal range; however, when muscles over-extend and over contract, such as when lifting an excessive amount of weight, muscles cannot recover and become inflamed. When a muscle is inflamed, swollen or stiff due to fatigue, the space between the skin and muscle is compressed, resulting in constriction to the flow of lymphatic fluid. This compression also applies pressure to the pain receptors beneath the skin, which in turn communicates, "discomfort signals" to the brain & emdash; the person experiences PAIN. This type of pain is known as myalgia, or muscular pain.
Conventional athletic tape is designed to restrict the movement of affected muscles and joints. For this purpose, several layers of tape must be rolled around and/or over the afflicted area, applying significant pressure; resulting in the obstruction of the flow of bodily fluids...an UNDESIRABLE side-effect. This is also the reason athletic tape is generally applied immediately before the sports activity, and removed immediately after the activity is finished. 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 bio-mechanically.
To ensure that the muscles have free range of motion, elastic tapes with an elasticity of 130-140 % of its original length are recommended for Kinesio Taping®. This specific elasticity also will not allow an over stretch of the muscles themselves. It may look like conventional athletic tape, but tape and Kinesio Taping® is fundamentally different.
View the Scientific Explanation of Kinesio® Tex Tape
View the Kinesio® Taping Method
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