Have you ever watched a sporting event and seen colorful tape that’s woven around parts of the athletes body? Ranging from blues and greens to pinks and purples, and are all cut and laid in zigzags and crosses? More than likely, that athlete is wearing Kinesio Tape (also referred to as K-tape or KT).
A Japanese doctor developed Kinesio taping over 30 years ago, however the art of Kinesio taping used on high profile athletes has only become prevalent in the past decade. “Kinesio taping (KT) is an elastic therapeutic tape used for treating sports injuries and a variety of other disorders,” (1). The tape’s form and function is completely unique and applying the tape has to be taught through special training courses.
Taping has long been used as a treatment method to protect and support joints and muscles during physical activity. Normal, traditional taping is meant to act as a temporary cast or compression at the sigh of injury or discomfort. However, the science behind Kinesio taping is completely different. “This specific elastic and adhesive tape – Kinesio® Tex – was created mimicking skin’s properties in terms of flexibility, weight and thickness,” (2).
Starting with the structure, the physical tape has different properties than a traditional roll. Being able to stretch on its longitude axis, Kinesio tape has “the ability to stretch to 120-140% of its original length and, following application, recoil back towards its unstretched length,” (3). Secondly, the inside of the tape is covered in what appears to look like a wave pattern, which allows the tape to breathe and be worn during physical activity.
The science and function of Kinesio taping was designed for treatment and injury prevention that offers enough support without restricting movement. “As you move, the tape, skin and connective tissue (or fascia) over the muscle or tendon also move, pulling slightly away from the muscle and creating space for lymphatic fluid to flow around and cleanse the inflamed tissue,” (4). The more blood flow around an injury, the faster it will heal. “Your blood contains oxygen and promotes cell growth and repair to the affected area so you can heal,” (5). To put it simply, once the tape is applied it’s properties will help the regeneration of injured tissue all without restricting your movement allowing you to perform at your highest potential.
Although rolls of Kinesio tape are affordable to purchase, if you don’t know the proper taping technique, you’re not going to get the results you’re looking for. If it’s so you can apply the tape to yourself, or if it’s in you’re line of work to apply the tape to others, application is key. Starting in September, The Center for Athletic Performance and Physical Therapy will be hosting various Kinesio taping seminars open to anyone (no medical background necessary). The Certified Kinesio Taping Technician (CKTT) workshop will be instructed by Sun Seminars very own Kinesio expert Judee Macias.
The class will include learning the fundamentals of this method:
Call today to reserve your spot! Contact Judith Macias-Harris for information on the Kinesio classes and registration: Logopediasts@logopediaspeechtherapy.com
or Adrianne Gers at The Center For Athletic Performance: (480) 585-6810.
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We are still open and providing in-clinic service at a case-by-case basis as well as providing telemedicine and other channels for remote treatment/training. Call your nearest Center location for more details.
