A study published in 2021 found that 74% of athletic trainers and physical therapists use kinesiology tape for post-injury treatment. Other popular uses for the elastic adhesive include pain modulation and increasing local blood flow.
But are these the only uses for kinesiology tape? This article looks at the applications in physical therapy and athletic training.
Read on to learn what kinesiology tape is and why so many athletes use it!
Kinesiology Tape: An Overview
Kinesiology tape, or Kinesio tape, has been popular with athletes since its invention in the 1970s by chiropractor Kenzo Kase. It shouldn’t be confused with athletic tape, which compresses joints to restrict movement.
Rather, kinesiology tape works by decompressing the skin you apply it to. The tape is applied in a specific direction to pull the skin away from the muscles.
Benefits of Kinesiology Tape
There are many benefits thought to result from kinesiology tape’s stretching and lifting of the skin. Rehabilitation professionals use it for athletic training and regular physical therapy.
Studies show that kinesiology tape can increase blood flow, but it is unclear if all claims about kinesiology tape are true.
Pain Relief
By lifting the skin away from the muscles, kinesiology tape often reduces pain. Physical therapists believe the tape minimizes pressure on muscles through decompression.
In addition to decompression, experts believe the tape also works by reducing pain signals sent to the brain.
Support
Physical therapists deal with more than just muscles; they also work with tendons, joints, and bones. If any of these body parts aren’t functioning properly due to injury or fatigue, kinesiology tape can provide extra support.
Common places to use kinesiology tape for support are the feet and knees. These complex joints often pose problems for athletes since they endure heavy use in most sports.
Swollen Joints
In addition to fatigue and pain, another nasty symptom physical therapy helps with is swelling. Swelling is often the result of an overused tendon or joint, but can also result from an injury.
By increasing blood flow, kinesiology tape can reduce swelling by helping your body get rid of trapped fluids.
How Professionals Use Kinesiology Tape
Before you buy kinesiology tape for any problems you’re experiencing, consult a professional. This can be a doctor, physical therapist, or chiropractor who has experience using it.
Professional athletes using kinesiology tape have it applied on athletic training taping tables.
If you’re comfortable with kinesiology tape and have the approval to use it, here are a few helpful reminders:
- Make sure your skin is clean and dry
- Consider shaving hairy spots before taping
- After applying, make sure the tape completely sticks
The Bottom Line on Kinesiology Tape
There are still some unanswered questions about how effective kinesiology tape is. But you should ask your physical therapist if it’s right for your symptoms.
Kinesiology tape increases blood flow and reduces pressure by pulling and lifting the skin. It offers several advantages for training and rehab.
Check out our blog page to learn about other fascinating topics!