So, what is Kinesio Tape? Kinesio Tape is an advanced form of taping that was developed by Dr. Kenso Kase. He created it in the 1970s after frustration with standard tapings’ inability to support structures yet allow them to function normally. Dr. Kase had a strong background in kinesiology and he knew that much musculoskeletal pain resulted from dysfunction of the joints and their surrounding tissues. In light of this, he created Kinesio Tape to address skin, fascia, muscles, ligaments, joints, and the circulatory/lymphatic system. Kinesio Tape is about the thickness of skin and this makes it very comfortable, as the user is many times hardly aware that the tape is even on! Kinesio Tape is a specialized cotton weave with acrylic glue used to adhere it to skin. There is no latex and due to this, very few people have allergic reactions. The tape ‘breathes’, and it is waterproof. It is unique in its ability to virtually simulate fascial and muscle movement by its wave-like pattern that runs through the acrylic glue. The tape is also able to stretch a large amount and this helps with certain applications. Kinesio Taping can be used for the following conditions:
Most of us are familiar with the ‘black tape’ that was used on the volleyball players during the 2008 summer Olympic Games. The tape used was Kinesio Tape. This is not the first high profile usage of Kinesio Tape. The tape has been used for years and is gaining in popularity with all levels of athletes. Please read the following article that discusses Lance Armstrong in 2005 and his experience with Kinesio Taping. Please click here for USA Today article about Lance Armstrong and Kinesio Tape. It is important to note that only a Certified Kinesio Taping Practitioner® has the proper training to know how to fully utilize the tape for all types of injuries and conditions. Kinesio Taping has profound effects on the function of your musculoskeletal system. It is not advisable for anyone who is NOT certified to apply tape (of any kind) as they could do a significant amount of harm. Dr. Manison has seen all too many injuries made worse due to the improper application of tape! Tape application is a science and requires a complete knowledge of anatomy, kinesiology, and physiology. There are now many other brands of tape that compete with Kinesio Tape. One that Dr. Manison has found to be superior in quality and hold is RockTape. There are a couple of reasons for this. First, the standard tape is simply stickier. A new version of the tape makes it even more sticky and waterproof as well (whereas Kinesio Tape and standard RockTape are just water resistant). In addition, RockTape is available in a 4 inch width (Kinesio Tape is not) that allows for a stronger hold and coverage of larger areas. Dr. Manison primarily uses RockTape now. In fact, he has been asked to write a chapter in an upcoming manual about his experience with the 4-inch Rocktape. |
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