Have you ever watched a sporting event and noticed the weird color stripes on the athlete’s back, shoulders, or legs? Well what you’re seeing is a form of athletic tape that has been designed for therapeutic reasons called kinesio tape. Originally developed by a Japanese chiropractor over 20 years ago, KT taping has recently become a huge fad amongst many chiropractors and competitive athletes. With limitless ways to utilize Kinesio Tape it can easily be seen why it is so popular.
How is Kinesio tape different than regular athletic tape?
Conventional athletic tape is designed to restrict the motion of muscles and joints and thus several layers must be applied causing the fluid in the area to build up due to the amount of compression which is why it should only be applied right before activity and then removed immediately after. KT tape on the other hand is thinner and stretches which allows it to support muscles and joints through their natural biomechanical movement patterns. The way the wave-like pattern of the glue causes the skin to lift and massages the area during motion allowing for drainage of inflammation.
I’m not an athlete so why do I need to be taped?
Kinesio tape can be used by virtually anyone. Whether you’re a high performance athlete or a mama-to-be everyone can benefit from Kinesio tape. Even animals can be taped. Many chiropractors utilize taping to facilitate the body’s natural healing process and to prolong the benefits of treatment after they leave the office. By applying tape in certain directions it assists and supports different movement patterns as well as lifting the skin to allow for drainage of inflammation.
If you have any questions or are interested in learning more about utilizing kinesio tape to benefit your athletic performance or to relieve any aches or pains feel free to speak to any of our knowledgeable staff here at Whole Health Chiropractic.