Kinesiology Taping Method

What Is Kinesiology Tape?

Kinesiology Taping Method uses a special tape called Kinesio Tex Tape. It's made from a combination of cotton and medical-grade acrylic adhesive. Kinesio tape is latex-free and hypoallergenic with heat-activated backing.

It is water-resistant and can stay for as long as 3-5 days, even if you take showers. The Kinesio Tape was designed to mimic the skin's elasticity, allowing you to use your full range of motion.

Kinesiology Taping Method is one of the modes of treatment a trained physical therapist might use. It's designed to expedite the body’s natural healing process while providing support to muscles and joints without restricting body movements. It's also used to prolong the benefits of any physical therapy treatments administered on a patient.

For Safe And Effective Physical Therapies and Treatments

CALL US AT (813) 392-2164

How Kinesiology Taping Therapy Works

Kinesiology Tape can be applied in numerous ways. It is used to help rehabilitate the neuromuscular system, reduce pain and inflammation, enhance physical performance, prevent injury, promote good circulation and healing. Its ultimate purpose is to aid in returning the body to homeostasis. When applied, Kinesio Tape microscopically lifts the skin from the underlying muscle. This lifting effect relieves pressure on the lymph channels located between the skin and muscle. This allows a more effective flow of the lymphatic fluid.

The space between the dermis and the muscle also accommodates the several nerve receptors that send information to the brain. When space is compressed, such as during an injury, the receptors are also compressed. They send information to the brain about the continuous pressure. In turn, the brain then sends signals to the body on how to react to such stimulation. In this case, the brain would tell you that the injury hurts a lot. Applying Kinesio Tape on the affected area alters the information being sent by the receptors to the brain. Since the receptors don't feel compressed, the brain wouldn't react aggressively.

Since the receptors don't feel compressed, the brain wouldn't react aggressively.This means that the pain is reduced, allowing the body to work normally and have a faster healing process. Evaluation is key to any clinical condition treatment. Kinesio Tape is applied to the patient based upon their needs after the evaluation. The information gained from these evaluations will dictate how the Kinesio Tape will be applied and what other treatments are possible.

What is Kinesiology Tape Used For?

There are many different uses for the Kinesio Tex Tape. Once the assessment for your condition has been done, your therapist will then let you know how to best use the tape. They will also teach you how to manage and cut the strips. Here are some common uses of the Kinesiology Tex Tape.

Facilitation

Kinesiology tape can be used to help enhance muscular firing and contraction patterns. This can lead to a normalized muscular tone and helps improve athletic performance.

Relieving Pain

Kinesiology tape can be used to help reduce pain and muscle spasm that may occur after injury. It can help decrease pain input to the brain which, in turn, helps in reducing muscle guarding and protective spasm.

Support

If you have a condition that requires a specific joint to be held in place, Kinesiology Taping might help you. The tape can support your joint without hindering your movements.

Inflammation Management

Kinesiology Tape may help decrease swelling caused by injury or surgery. It decreases pressure between the skin and tissues, allowing the lymph to flow freely.

Scar Tissue Management

Having a scar tissue can sometimes limit your movements. This is caused by the tissue underneath the scar which binds your skin and the fascia. Kinesiology tape can be used to gently pull on scar tissue and provide a low-intensity, long-duration stretch.

When Not To Use Kinesio Tape?

Although Kinesio Tape is used to aid in the healing of a patient, there are instances in which it should not be used.

Active Cancer. Increasing blood supply to a malignant growth could be dangerous.
Diabetes. The effect of the tape might not show due to reduced sensations in some areas.
Open Wounds. Using the tape over an open wound could lead to infection.
Deep Vein Thrombosis. Increasing fluid flow could cause a blood clot to dislodge, which could be fatal.
Allergy. If your skin is sensitive to adhesives, you could trigger a strong reaction.
Lymph Node Removal. Increasing fluid where a node is missing could cause swelling.
Fragile Skin. If your skin is prone to tearing, you should avoid placing the tape on it.

Injured from work or from An accident?

Let us help you! You'll get access to comprehensive physical therapy and treatments, advanced medical equipment, and professional and caring healthcare doctors and staff. At The Right Spinal Clinic, we are more than ready to provide you with high-quality healthcare.