An Introduction to Kinesiotape

In recent years, there seems to be many professional athletes sporting brightly colored tape on various parts of their body, in all configurations.  This method of using tape to treat almost any condition seems to be exploding in popularity.  However, does it have uses for those of us, shall we say, less athletic regular people?  Yes!!  Kinesio tape has been used to treat anything from low back pain to carpal tunnel syndrome to digestion upsets in patients of all ages and sizes.

As stated in the Kinesio Taping Association International KT1 Kinesio taping method book, “Kinesio Tex Tape was first developed and utilized by Dr. Kenzo Kase.”  The tape is a cotton and elastic tape that is designed to mimic the inherent properties of human skin.  The tape is applied to an area of the body in a very specific way, and then is left on the patient for three to six days for maximum therapeutic benefit.  Most people do not notice that the tape is even there anymore after a few minutes of wearing it, and can go about their regular activities (including bathing and swimming).  The tape is latex free, using natural plant dyes to color it.

Patients often complain of the chiropractic adjustment “not holding” as long as they would like, especially in the early stages of care or after an acute injury to the area.  Kinesio tape is a great way to continue stimulating the proprioceptors in that particular area between adjustments, as this method of care can provide effective neuromuscular retraining and overall support for the area.  There are also many advanced taping techniques for care of an acute injury, or to stimulate lymphatic’s, or for chronic conditions that need additional support.  The compressive forces of the tape also help to reduce inflammation, in some cases.

The tape comes in four colors.  The colors do not change the treatment in any way!  However, the pink tape is thought to draw energy, so it is mostly used to “turn on” or facilitate a muscles that needs to be strengthened.  The blue tape is meant to be cooling, so this is used for acute, inflamed tissues that need to be calmed down and relaxed.  The black tape is warming, so this is great for any chronic condition or for athletes using it to enhance their performance.  Finally the beige or neutral tape is best for those people who don’t want to have tape on their bodies in bright colors!  The neutral colored tape is especially great for anywhere very noticeable on the body, or for someone who works in an office with a strict dress code.  All four types of tape are identically made, with only the color of dye being a different factor.  They are all hypoallergenic as well.
Kinesiotape has been successfully used to treat many conditions, ranging from shoulder pain to headaches to low back pain and plantar fasciitis.  It has also been used very successfully on very small children and on animals.  If you are interested in how Kinesiotape can be added to your chiropractic care plan, please do not hesitate to ask us.

When I next have time, I will expand on using Kinesiotape on horses, as well as rider-specific uses.  Have a fantastic weekend everyone!