What is Kinesiology Tape?

There are now more than 50 brands on the market for kinesiology tape. However, Dr. Kenzo Kase (a Japanese chiropractor) created the original Kinesio tape or Kinesio Tex Tape in the late 1970s. He wanted a tape that would support but not limit movement like traditional athletic tapes.

You’ve likely seen it at a competitive bike race or volleyball match: colorful strips of tape stretched across the shoulders, knees and backs. Kinesiology tape is a therapeutic tape used strategically on the body to support, reduce pain, decrease swelling and improve performance.

These are the goals of many enthusiasts, but there is still much to learn about what taping can or cannot do.

This is what we know about its benefits for sports and physical therapists. We also have some tips and tricks.

What is a kinesiology tape?

The kinesiology tape is stretchy.

Kinesio tape was created by Kase using a unique blend of nylon and cotton. The tape’s elastic properties mimic those of the skin so that you can move freely. The tape’s medical-grade adhesive can withstand water and stay put for three to five days.

The tape will pull back slightly when applied to the skin, lifting it gently. This is thought to help create a microscopic gap between your skin and the tissue beneath it.

Creates space in joints

Trusted Source Although the increase in space may seem small, and it can help reduce joint irritation.

May alter pain pathways signals.

Physical therapists believe that the tape alters the information your sensory nerve system sends about pain and compression in the body.

Dr. Megan Schooley is a board-certified clinical specialist for sports physical therapy and a certified strength and conditioning specialist.

Sensory receptors are found in all tissues, including skin, connective tissue and fascia. They can feel temperature, pain, and touch. All of these receptors contribute to proprioception, which is your brain’s ability to sense where your body is and what it’s doing. Kinesiology taping releases the underlying tissues. The brain can be affected by the decompression of these tissues. Schooley explains that if the brain gets a different signal, it will respond differently.”

Trigger points are an example. Physical therapists have used kinesiology tape to lift these tight, knotted muscles. The brain sends a new signal when the area is relaxed. Tension in the trigger points decreases as a result.

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May increase blood circulation and fluid exchange

Kinesiology tape can reduce swelling and improve circulation in areas where injuries have occurred.

According to a 2017 study, kinesiology tapping can increase blood flow and circulation. Although the lymphatic fluid is mostly water, it can also contain proteins, bacteria, or other chemicals. Your body controls swelling and fluid buildup through the lymphatic systems.

Kinesiology tape creates more subcutaneous space, which, in turn, changes the pressure gradient under your skin. This pressure change increases lymphatic fluid flow.

There have been mixed results from studies. Two recent studies found that kinesiology tape helped reduce fluid buildup in breast cancer patients and those with complete knee replacements.