A rehabilitative taping technique applied over muscles to reduce pain and inflammation, relax overused tired muscles and support muscles movement. Kinesiology taping is designed to improve the body's natural healing process by helping to increase blood flow around the muscle. It is non-restrictive, allowing for a full range of motion; the wave pattern adhesive backing moves with the skin and muscles.
Kinesiology Tape was developed in the 1970s by a Japanese chiropractor, Dr Kenzo Kase who wanted to develop a way of assisting the natural healing of damaged tissue by encouraging lymphatic drainage while also providing support to the joints and muscles without reducing range of motion. However, it wasn't until the 2008 Beijing Olympics that it gained international recognition and is now used for treating and rehabilitating sports related injuries from professional athletes through to fun runners. Clinical trials have shown that Kinesiology Tape helps with the natural response to inflammation. When correctly applied, it will help alleviate pain and encourage lymphatic drainage by microscopically lifting the skin which in turn allows for a decrease in the inflammatory process for the affected areas.
Kinesiology Tape has several uses:
- Provides support for weak or injured muscles without affecting the normal range of movement.
- Minimises risk of developing compensatory injuries while recovering from injury
- Stabilises the area without restricting movement
- Relaxes overused and overstrained muscles
- By accelerating blood flow to the injured area, speeds up the healing process
- Helps to reduce pain
- Reduces swelling by removal of lymphatic fluid
- Helps prevent injury
Trials have shown that correct application of Kinesiology Tape can increase overall mobility in the affected area with a decrease in tenderness and pain. However, bear in mind that Kinesiology Taping treats the symptoms only and not the cause of pain. Always have an injury investigated by a professional.
Each roll measures: 50mm x 5m.