Kinesio Taping

In the late 70’s, a taping method was developed to facilitate the body’s natural healing process.  While it’s been around for a long time, it gained popularity and credibility in the 2008 Summer Olympics when many of the athletes were sporting the tape to enhance their performance including the unbeatable sand volleyball team of Walsh and May.  The original product, called Kinesio Tape was developed to have a similar texture and elasticity to human tissue.  The misconception is that this tape is designed to support or limit motion of the joints or tissues.  On the contrary, the tape works by increasing range of motion and increasing circulation thereby promoting healing.

By stretching it on the skin, the Kinesio Tape pulls the upper layers of skin, creating more space between the skin and the muscle. The space created is believed to relieve pressure on the lymph channels in the area between the muscle and the skin, creating more space for lymph flow and better lymph drainage through an affected area.  This drainage is beneficial for nearly any injury because it allows the swelling and inflammation involved with the injury to drain out of the injured area back into the circulation.  This, in turn, takes pressure of the muscles and off the nerve receptors that carry messages of pain back to the brain.  Likewise, by reducing pressure and friction on the muscles, the taping procedures also improve muscle performance and reduce muscle fatigue.  As a result, the Kinesio Taping method is thought to re-educate the nerves and muscles to enhance the healing process, reduce pain and inflammation, enhance performance, improve circulation, as well as prevent injuries of overuse and repetitive trauma.  Each application of the tape is only good for a few days and many times must be repeated, but if the inflammation can be resolved, the resulting relief can be long-lasting.

We utilize this procedure often in our office, and we see results with new and older injuries.  I must admit that, initially, I was reluctant to provide this service, simply because it sounded too good to be true.  However, the taping is being used by all health professions from orthopedists, to physical therapist, chiropractors, and medical doctors.  Everyone seems to agree that this stuff works.  What I like most is that even on the occasions that it doesn’t work; it can do no harm or cause any side effects.  Research the tape and the technique yourself and if you’re dealing with a new or even chronic injury, look into Kinesio Taping as a possible method of relief.