has evolved dramatically and became increasingly popular among athletes, physicians and the general public. Many sports trainers and coaches now use taping to treat injuries and provide joint support for their athletes in- and off-season. Physicians have also found kinesiology taping beneficial for patients that suffer from cerebral palsy, arthritis, chronic back pain and more.<\/span><\/p>\nAre you interested to learn more about kinesiology tape? Here’s everything you need to know about taping.<\/span><\/p>\nWhat Does Kinesiology Tape Do?<\/span><\/h2>\nWhen an injury or trauma occurs, the healing process begins with blood and other fluids rushing to the area to deliver oxygen, nutrients, and immune cells. This fluid build-up in the injury site often causes pain, swelling and redness, hence hindering many day-to-day activities.<\/span><\/p>\nThis is where kinesiology tape can help.<\/span><\/p>\nKinesiology tape is usually made with a cotton-nylon blend designed to mimic human skin elasticity and thickness. The tape’s elasticity is an important feature. When applied to the injured area, it recoils slightly and gently lifts the skin away from the tissues underneath to create a small space. This encourages lymphatic drainage, reduces swelling and alleviates pressure on local pain receptors. It also assists blood circulation, which, in turn, helps bruises heal and fade faster.<\/span><\/p>\nKinesiology taping is an excellent alternative to athletic taping. Most patients find kinesiology tape to be much more comfortable as it provides adequate support without restricting the range of motion and circulation.<\/span><\/p>\nSome Proposed Benefits And Specific Uses Of Taping<\/span><\/h2>\n\n- Relieving pain by reducing fluid pressure on peripheral nociceptors<\/span><\/li>\n
- Reducing swelling by creating space for increased circulation<\/span><\/li>\n
- Improving joint and muscle alignment by providing support<\/span><\/li>\n
- Re-educating muscles through increasing proprioceptive sense<\/span><\/li>\n
- Enhancing athletic performance by protecting against injury<\/span><\/li>\n
- Reducing scar tissue after surgery or injury<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
When Not To Use Kinesiology Tape<\/span><\/h2>\nDespite its many benefits, there are some circumstances when kinesiology cannot and should not be used, including:<\/span><\/p>\n\n- Open wounds, rashes or burns<\/b>– taping can lead to infections or skin damage<\/span><\/li>\n
- Latex allergies<\/b>– make sure the tape is hypoallergenic before use<\/span><\/li>\n
- Deep vein thrombosis<\/b>– increased circulation can cause the blood clot to dislodge\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
- Active cancer<\/b>– taping can increase blood supply to cancer growth<\/span><\/li>\n
- Diabetes<\/b>– patients with advanced diabetes can have reduced sensation and may not notice adverse reactions to taping<\/span><\/li>\n
- Fragile skin<\/b>– avoid taping skin prone to tearing due to medication, medical conditions or age<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
We recommend doing a 24-hour test patch on the patient’s skin if they are concerned about skin sensitivity.<\/span><\/p>\n