Looking at the various major sporting events ,all of us we have noticed some athletes to have in the various parts of their body certain strange colored elastic tapes. Is this for reasons of fashion or beauty? None of these.

This is a new type of therapeutic flexible tape, of the Japanese dr Kenzo Kase who discovered it 25 years ago, under the name of Kinesiotape. Navigation for the improvement of circulation, elastic tape with therapeutic effect on the biomechanical natural healing process of the human body. The KTP has proven its effectiveness through the activation of the neurological and circulatory system, by offering to the muscles, not only the ability to control the function of the movement but the ability to control the proper blood - lymph fluids circulation and the temperature regulation as well, etc. In addition, its being used for therapeutic applications in Rheumatology-Orthopaedic-Sports medicine - also in neuro-pediatric- pneumonology and mastectomy.

Note: The tape for Kinesiotape contains no medicine, but its therapeutic action depends just on the expert’s correct way of application

Kinesio Taping

Kinesio taping is a new and effective treatment for lymphedema reduction muscle disoders and joint dysfunction. It is used extensively in Europe, America and Asia. Is ideal for physiotherapists, sport injury and palliative care workers, and lymphedema specialists. The method uses a special adhesive cotton tape, applied to stretched skins. Used with Kinesio Taping applications, it can greatly aid flow of lymphatic fluid, muscle disorders and joint dysfunction – alleviating pain, enhancing performance, and facilitating rehabilitation.

Kinesio taping Method

When a muscle is swollen, the area between the skin and the muscle is compressed, which constricts the flow of lymphatic fluid. This results in discomfort and pain. Kinesio Tex, when applied in conjunction with the correct application method, will lift the skin to ease the pain and absorb inflammation of the muscle. In addiction it will raise the area between the skin and the muscle to enhance circulation and lymphatic drainage. Stretching the skin and muscles before tape application is essential, due to the wrinkling effect that occurs when the skin is taped and in normal position.

As the body moves, the tape will function as a pump, continually stimulating lymphatic circulation.

As the technique relieves localised pressure on pain receptors, muscle pain should be reduced.

Physiological effects of the Kinesio taping

• Relieves pain

• Supports muscles in movement

• Removes lymphatic fluid congestion

• Corrects joint mis-alignment

• Assists in positioning a muscle or join into proper position

• Improves kinaesthetic awareness of posture and alignment.

Basic Kinesio taping functions

• Sensory function

• Muscle function

• Lymphatic function

• Joint function

• Corrector

List of conditions for which kinesio tape tex can assist:

• TMJ Dysfunction

• Headaches (tension)

• Whiplash

• Torticollis

• Shoulder Impigement

• Shoulder Subluxation

• Rotator Cuff Tear

• Bicipital tendonists

• Tennis Elbow (LatEpi)

• Compartment Syndrome

• Trigger Finger

• Jammed Finger

• Peritendinitis

• Para Spinal Spasm

• Low Back Sprain / Strain

• Sacroiliac Sprain / Strain

• Piriformis Syndrome

• Quadriceps Strain

• Chondromalacia

• Meniscus Tear (minor)

• Popleteal Q Angle Align

• Calf cramps

• plantar Fascitis

• Bunsions

• Post Operative / traumatic Oedema

• Bells palsy

• Headaches (Migraine)

• Forward Head Posture

• Tinnitus (SCM cause)

• Frozen shoulder

• Forward Shoulder

• Thoracic outlet Syndrome

• Cubital Elbow (MedEpi)

• De Quervains

• Ulnar Drift

• Radial Nerve Palsy

• Subluxing Verebrae

• Fractured Ribs

• Herniated Disk

• Sciatica

• Hamstrings Strain

• Subluxing Patella

• Collateral Ligament Strain

• Osteoarthritis of Knee

• Pes anserine Strain

• Shin Splits

• Foot Drop

• Sprained Ankle

• Toe Cramps

Notes:

KTP is designed to be worn for multiple days (3 to 4), is not medicated and latex free.

Kinesio taping is used 25% in sport and 75% in different ages and areas of rehabilitation (paediatric, respiratory, orthopaedic, neurology and so on)

KTP is a lymph correction technique that facilitates circulatory and lymphatic flow.  It is recommended that only practitioners trained in treating lymphatic disorders and the application of Kinesio tex use this technique as a treatment. It should only be applied under the guidance/ advice of a practitioner.