What does “Kinesio taping” mean?
Where cutting edge technology meets old-school pain management, you’ll find an innovative remedy, known as kinesio-taping or sports taping. The process uses elastic therapeutic tape, which is exponentially more stretchable than traditional types of elastic bandage. Once this tape is stretched out and then secured around the problematic area, the tape will exert a therapeutic pulling force, while still allowing you free range of motion.
The acrylic adhesive component in kinesio tape is activated by body heat, meaning that as soon as your physical therapist applies the taping system. Yet the cotton fibers that also comprise the material wick moisture away. That means that sweating and getting the area wet isn’t as much of an issue as it was with the “ace” bandages injured athletes and other patients were once given.
What is the science behind Kinesio taping?
The pulling action achieved through Kinesio taping helps hold the problem joints and muscles in place as you move through your daily routines. As you’re doing so, the tape draws skin away from the muscles, allowing crucial fluids and blood to circulate more freely. This improved circulation lessens swelling and speeds healing. Some evidence suggests that the tape’s exceptional holding abilities also help to correct misaligned muscles and ligaments.
Of course, it’s not just the fabric itself that results in these benefits. Physical therapists are trained in various wrapping techniques, depending on the site of the injury or chronic pain, as well as the specific problem. Determining the exact placement and shaping of the Kinesio tape, along with which direction the “pull” should go, are all part of the skill needed in order to promote healing. For example, certain injuries call for Y- or X-shaped applications, while smaller, more fragile areas heal better with an I-shaped wrapping.
What problems can Kinesio taping treat?
When properly applied — and after the patient has been carefully evaluated — Kinesio taping often allows athletes to get back on the field. Other injured patients find their daily activities made easier, with the support of the taping holding tender areas in place, and preventing over-use of problematic joints and muscles. Use of kinesio-tape is also beneficial in facilitating proper spinal alignment and promoting better posture in patients with neck, back and shoulder problems. At Valley Rehab Center we utilize this technique for a multitude of issues, not just for sports injuries.
Common conditions our trained physical therapists often treat with sports taping include:
- Back sprains and strains
- Neck aches
- Shoulder injuries
- Knee pain
- Sports injuries
If any of these complaints sound similar to yours, contact us at Bellaire, OH Center for an appointment. Our expert team of physical therapists will evaluate you for the best therapies, including sports taping, to target your injuries.
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