Rigid taping is the most common technique for joint support in sport. It is used primarily on joints such as ankles, knees, wrists, elbows and shoulders. The role of the tape is to physically support the joint by limiting movement. The tape is primarily used in returning to sport after a joint sprain by providing extra support and stability to prevent further injury and aid in healing, for example an ankle sprain.
Kinesio taping works entirely different to rigid. The tape is much more flexible and able to stretch and is applied in a stretched position. Due to its stretching nature, once applied it will lift up the different layers of skin, fascia and muscles on the area of application which encourages blood flow and lymph drainage within the area. It does not restrict joint movement and helps to reduce swelling and bruising.
The kinesiology taping method is based on the science of maintaining support to the body while allowing blood and other bodily fluids to move freely through and around the injured muscle. Kinesiology tape stabilizes the injured area by lightly adhering to the skin and applying pressure to the tissues the tape is wrapped around.
This tape allows the connective tissue surrounding the affected muscle or tendon to move along with the body. It gently allows the free flow of blood and lymphatic fluid to cleanse and heal the inflammation without the use of medications or surgery.
This special tape helps to improve circulation, support muscles, allow the internal injury to heal, and help prevent further muscle injury while still allowing motion.
Faris has been suffering from neck and shoulder pain due prolonged hours at work. We used rigid tape to bind down and limit activation of his upper trapezius muscle which he was doing unconsciously. This will help him become more aware and enable positive muscle memory.
Any soft-tissue injury or pain can benefit from kinesiology taping – everyone from a young athlete with overused or injured muscles to an elderly person with a degenerative joint disease.
Kinesiology taping can help:
Areas of the body where kinesiology tape is commonly used include:
The goals of kinesiology taping are to improve circulation, support muscles, foster healing, and help prevent injury or further injury.
Five of the top benefits of using this method are:
Trim or shave excess hair from the area to be applied.
Use rubbing alcohol to remove any lotions or oils on the skin. Allow the skin to completely dry.
If you need to make any cuts in the KT Tape® make sure you round the corners as this helps to avoid the tape from snagging on clothing.
Start by removing the backing paper from the center. Do not touch the adhesive part of the tape, keep your fingers on backing paper instead.
When applying the anchor on the first strip, do not allow there to be any stretch on the last two inches on either end. This can cause the KT Tape® to detach and pull on the skin.
To ensure a good stretch, use your thumb and index finger to apply even pressure across the width of the KT Tape® strip.
Stretch the strip to the desired length and then release about 20% of the stretch before applying. Please see our instructional videos for specific stretch recommendations.
For solid adhesion, rub vigorously for 10 seconds or more or use a hairdryer for additional heat. The heat activates the glue, allowing for a longer duration of use.
Kinesiology taping may provide support, increase circulation, reduce pain, and improve the way your joints and muscles work.
Before using it, you should talk to your Chiropractor, because it’s most useful when combined with other treatment methods.
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