You might have seen athletes having some colorful bandages applied to their legs, neck, or anywhere else. It may look interesting from a distance, but actually, they are “Kinesiology tape”, also known as K-tape.
It is a modern physiotherapy therapeutic taping method that is applied to relieve pain, reduce swelling, support muscles, and joints. This guide outlines a detailed explanation of Kinesio taping, its types, history, applications, and more.
A Glimpse at Its History
The KT method was first developed from 1973 to 1979 by Dr. Kenzo Kase, a Japanese chiropractor. The idea behind its introduction was to fill a void in the treatment options of that time.
Ideally, the intention was to provide athletes as well as patients with joint or muscle problems with support for the musculoskeletal structure without overimmobilization. Therefore, the purpose was to control Edema, support soft tissues, protect joints, and relieve heat produced from active inflammation.
In the mid-1990s, the Kinesio Taping Association attracted 18,000 website-registered practitioners from PTs, OTs, DCs, MDs, ATCs, and, more recently, LMTs. All of these together embraced this safe, effective, and easy-to-use modality.
What is Kinesio Taping Therapy?
Kinesio Taping Therapy is a rehabilitative technique that uses a stretchy tape made of cotton and nylon. It encourages the body’s natural healing process while providing support and stability to muscles. The wide use of this tape began with physical therapists in 1997. Since then, it has been used by physiotherapists to correct movement patterns, move Lymphatic fluids, improve posture, and change muscle tone.
What is the Principle of Kinesio Taping?
Kinesio Tape works on several principles, and those are as follows:
➔ Lift the Skin Slightly: Basically, it lifts the Skin gently by recoiling, which creates space between the Skin and the underlying tissues. As an outcome, it improves blood circulation and lymphatic drainage.
➔ Reduce Pressure on Pain Receptors: Placing Kinesiology tape strips in specific directions decreases discomfort and improves mobility.
➔ Support Muscles and Joints: The tape stabilizes the area and helps with natural movement.
➔ Promote Faster Recovery: Finally, it decreases pain, reduces swelling, inflammation, and bruising.
Types of Kinesio Tape
Not all tapes are the same for Kinesio tape therapy. Although they have the same goal, they differ in the materials they are made of, their sticking power, elasticity, and their intended use. Some common types include:
➔ Cotton Kinesio Tape: Made of 100% and allows good air flow. This tape can stretch up to 140% and is best for everyday use, sensitive skin, or extended wear.
➔ Pre-Cut Kinesio Tape: Pre-cut tapes are ready-to-use strips for specific body parts that are easy to apply.
➔ Extra-Strong Adhesive Tape: Comes with stronger sticking power to be useful for high-intensity workouts, heavy sweating, or long wear.
➔ Synthetic Kinesio Tape: It is made from nylon or polyester blends. Synthetic ones are more durable and water-resistant compared to cotton, which is great for athletes or swimmers.
➔ Pediatric and Sensitive Skin Tapes: Such Kinesio tapes generally have weaker glue as they are made for the soft or touchy skin of kids, old people, and people with skin woes.
➔ Uncut Roll Tape: It comes in a roll, which can be customized and cut into desired lengths and shapes. Physiotherapists mostly use uncut roll tapes.
Application Of Kinesiology Tapping
Kinesio tape is not that easy to apply; it involves different application methods based on the condition, muscle group, or therapeutic goal. For better effectiveness, physiotherapists ensure proper preparation.
Since many patients now prefer professional Physiotherapy on Call At Home, they can literally invite a trained expert to apply Kinesio tape in the comfort of their own space. This is possible simply because there are no tools or machines required; all they need is a Kinesio tape.
This section covers the process a patient may expect to go through, from initial preparation to final taping.
Initial Preparation:
A practitioner starts by cleaning and drying the area where taping is to be done. Then, they trim the excessive body hair for stronger adhesion, measure and cut the tape, take off the backing paper, and start applying it by stretching it 75%.
Note: K tape is applied to the body by allowing a full range of motion.
Once the tape is applied, the practitioner then rubs the strip vigorously for about 5–10 seconds. The rubbing is important because it creates heat, which activates the glue and enables the tape to stick properly.
Common Cuts or Shapes:
Kinesiology tape is applied in different shapes and patterns. With each shape and pattern, the physiotherapist aims to target specific muscles, joints, or therapeutic needs.
➔ “Y” Tape: It is used to cross-sensitive areas like behind the knee or in front of the elbow to target specific muscles and inhibit or facilitate muscle stimuli.
➔ “I” Tape: I strips are generally ideal to support muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Moreover, it is applied to lower Edema, pain, and correct the alignment.
➔ “X” Tape: Since both ends cut to create an “X” shape, it is used where the intersection of the target muscle changes, like what happens with Rhomboids.
➔ “Fan” /“web” Tape: Fan or web tape is trimmed in multiple strips, created by cutting lengthwise. It is used to cure swelling, Edema, or bruising by enhancing lymphatic drainage. Commonly applied regions include thighs or calves.
➔ “Donut” Tape: It is a strip with a circular cut-out in the center, which is applied around painful or swollen areas to offload pressure.
Mindful Precautions for Kinesiology Taping
When providing a kinesio taping therapy, a therapist must pay attention to precautions, which include:
➔ It isn’t suitable for patients with a fever.
➔ Kinesiology tape should not be applied to fresh injuries. Therapists are advised to apply it after a proper diagnosis.
➔ The therapist should not paste this tape over broken or damaged skin.
➔ Using kinesiology tape during pregnancy requires consultation with an obstetrician or gynecologist.
➔ Patients with thrombosis should refrain from undergoing Kinesio Taping Therapy, as there are higher chances of the thrombosis being dislodged into the bloodstream.
Common Issues Kinesio Tape Can Help With
Since taping has taken the rehabilitation and sports medicine world by storm, it is now a highly adaptable technique. In addition, it is proven to be a valuable tool in Kinesio physiotherapy.
Here are some common issues Kinesio Tape can help with:
➔ Hamstring and Quadriceps Strain
➔ IT Band Friction Syndrome
➔ Patellofemoral Stress Syndrome
➔ Bunions
➔ Tibialis posterior dysfunction
➔ Rib or Intercostal Muscle Strain
➔ Swelling after surgery
➔ Heel spurs and Plantar Fasciitis
➔ Shoulder impingement
➔ Lymphatic drainage and Lymphedema
➔ Calf pain and shin splints
➔ Neck and upper back pain
➔ Achilles Tendonitis
➔ Plantar fasciitis
➔ Turf toe
➔ Ankle instability
Who Shouldn’t Get Kinesio Taping Therapy?
Kinesiology taping should be avoided in medical circumstances like:
➔ Patients with active cancer
➔ Congestive heart failure
➔ Diabetes
➔ Individuals with swollen lymph nodes
➔ Infection or cellulitis
➔ Skin problems
➔ Fracture
➔ Deep vein thrombosis
To Wrap Up
In a nutshell, Kinesio Taping Therapy has evolved into a trusted physiotherapy technique for athletes, patients, and individuals willing to get relief from everyday aches and pains. This therapy has an extended list of benefits, including better blood circulation, great support to muscles, little to no swelling or inflammation, and faster recovery.
However, it must be done under the guidance of a trained physiotherapist to ensure safe and effective results. For that, Kinesio Taping Services in Anand Vihar offers this great modality of physiotherapy to help individuals recover faster and move better.
Overall, it is a scientifically backed therapy that can make a real difference in terms of flexibility, pain relief, and overall recovery.
