What is Kinesio Tape and what are the properties?
Kinesio tape is a rehabilitative tape that is designed to facilitate the body’s natural healing process while providing both support and stability to muscles and joints. Due to the elastic properties, kinesio tape does not restrict the body’s range of motion and aims to prolong the benefits of manual therapy administered within the clinic setting.
Properties of kinesio tape:
- Latex-free
- 180% elasticity
- Water resistant
- Strong adhesive
- Able to wear for up to 5 days
What are the effects?
- Fluid effect
- Elasticity induces vertical lift of skin from underlying tissues
- Improves blood and lymphatic flow into and out of area taped
- Mechanical effect
- Stretch properties mimic skin, muscle and connective tissues
- Adds stability, spring and awareness of stretch
- Helps to restore normal glide and slide between structures
- Neurological effect
- Helps create a non-painful stimulus and makes it harder for the body to feel pain in the taped area
- Can help alter the activity of either tight or weak muscles
What types of conditions is it used for?
Kinesio tape can be used for a range of conditions and impairments such as:
Impairments:
- Swelling
- Pain
- Poor posture
- Bruising/Haematoma
- Muscle weakness
Conditions:
- Tendinopathy
- Acute low back pain
- Muscle strains
- Patella femoral pain syndrome
- Plantar fasciitis
- Osteoarthritis
- Shoulder Impingement and many other conditions!
Our Physiotherapists are trained in applying kinesio tape. Make an appointment here or enquire whether kinesio is suitable for you!
Blog compiled by our Physiotherapist Rhian Davies