Kinesiology taping
what is it?
Kinesiology tape is an elastic tape used to enhance sports performance in athletes and facilitates reduction in pain during physical activities in individuals with orthopedic injuries. The tape is designed to mimic the skins elastic properties. The flexibility of the tape allows you to move through your full range of motion. The stretch in the tape helps to lift your skin, creating a space between your skin and the underlying tissues.
How does kinesio tape work?
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A study found that when kinesio tape was applied over the knee and shoulder, it increased space. The findings were slight, but this could reduce this chance of joint irritation.
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Each tissue in your body contain sensory receptors that sense temperature, pressure, pain, position and many other sensations. These receptors all contribute to proprioception, the brains sense of where you are in space.
The tape decompresses your tissues and can take pressure off these receptors. This can be great for trigger points and tight muscles.
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Kinesio taping can help to reduce swelling to an area by improving blood flow. The tape can help create subcutaneous space which can change pressure and enhance lymphatic flow.
What Is it Used For?
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KT tape can be used to add extra support to muscles or joints that need it, especially after an injury.
It can enhance movement and endurance.
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KT Tape can help to re-train muscles that have lost function have been dysfunctional for a period of time. Dysfunctional muscles can occur after an injury, stroke or even postural changes over time.
It is Believed that the sensation of the tape on your skin makes you more aware of how your are standing and moving through space.
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KT tape is great for healing injuries in conjunction with manual therapies. The tape/ sensation on the skin help make you more aware of the injured area.