What exactly does kinesiology tape do?
Kinesiology tape is a thin, flexible tape that was developed to aid muscle movement and enhance athletic performance. It is often used to relieve pain, reduce swelling and inflammation and provide support to joints and muscles. Kinesio tape may assist with improving joint biomechanics and alignment, reducing protective muscle guarding and pain, facilitating ligament and tendon function, and enhancing kinesthetic awareness.A new approach for the treatment of NSCLBP is to support the affected area, relax the muscles, and reduce pain sensation and is referred to as Kinesio taping (KT). Unlike conventional athletic tape, Kinesio tape is thin and has elastic mechanical properties, similar to the skin, to allow a normal range of motion.Risk of Skin Irritation and Allergic Reactions While kinesiology tape offers many benefits, it’s essential to be aware of potential skin reactions. Some individuals may experience irritation, rashes, or even allergic reactions due to the adhesive, particularly with prolonged use.The application of Kinesio tape can enhance blood flow to the affected area, delivering more oxygen and nutrients essential for tissue repair. This increased circulation can speed up the healing process and reduce recovery time.KT Tape: A World-Famous Brand for Kinesiology Tape Trusted by professional athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and everyday users, KT Tape has become the go-to brand for kinesiology sports tape.
Does kinesiology tape really work?
Typically, we have found kinesiology tape to be most effective in the treatment of patellofemoral (knee) injuries, plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, and shoulder pain. Many clients prefer taping over bracing or splinting, when indicated, because of its comfort and minimal restriction. Is it effective? As the popularity of kinesiology tape has grown, there have been numerous studies and several systematic reviews that have investigated its merits. In general, the quality of evidence is insufficient in supporting the use of taping as a stand-alone treatment.We cannot overstate its uses but kinesio taping can be used to help a variety of aches and pains, from spine pain to shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee and ankle pain. We typically will use it as an adjunct to our hands-on therapy and/or rehabilitation exercises. Kinesio tape works differently for different injuries.By improving blood flow and lymphatic drainage, kinesiology tape can also aid in reducing your swelling and inflammation, which can be particularly helpful after minor injuries, long flights, or intense physical labor.The major downside is skin irritation. The tape may create blisters and skin damage, so it should not be put on open wounds or used on people who have very frail skin, like older patients. The tape is supposed to be hypoallergenic, but between 5% and 15% of users are allergic to the material.
When should you not use kinesiology tape?
KT tape can change blood flow in an area, so infection or cancer could be possibly spread. There are other conditions where it may or may not be a good idea to use Kinesio tape which includes skin sensitivities, thinner skin, Diabetes, Congestive Heart Failure, renal Insufficiency, and pregnancy. There are also other benefits to KT taping besides pain relief and reducing inflammation. KT tape is also used to support injured muscles or joints without restricting full range of motion in individuals with neurological disorders.Kinesio tape may assist with improving joint biomechanics and alignment, reducing protective muscle guarding and pain, facilitating ligament and tendon function, and enhancing kinesthetic awareness.KT taping is based on the principles of kinesiology and biomechanics, and its effects are backed by scientific research. Here’s how it works: Muscle Support: KT tape provides support to muscles, tendons, and ligaments without restricting movement.Athletic tape is ideal if you’re seeking more excellent stability, similar to a temporary brace. Compared to kinesiology tape, sports tape is stronger, stickier, and decreases the range of motion at a joint more. For active injuries or hypermobile joints, it is the ideal option.Short-term, KT tape helps with pain, swelling and more KT tape is not a long-term solution, notes Deng. But used correctly, it can help reduce pain, manage swelling, increase circulation and lend extra support to muscles and joints.
Can I wear kinesiology tape every day?
Subjects should never wear kinesiology tapes for more than a day [3]. There are several reasons for this time limitation. Skin troubles are the most frequent problems that arise due to excessive wearing of kinesiology tape [3]. Kinesiology tape is designed to be worn 24/7, including during sleep. In fact, overnight wear can be beneficial, especially for reducing morning stiffness or pain. However, always check for signs of irritation. If you wake up with itching, redness, or discomfort, remove the tape and give your skin a break.The kinesio tape can be left on the skin for 3-5 days on average. When the tape is applied to the affected area, it begins working immediately, and continues to do so until the affected structure (muscle, joints, ligaments etc.Risks of Kinesiology Tape Kinesiology Tape is generally applied to the skin for multiple hours to days at a time and this long exposure period could cause some skin irritation or allergic reactions. Deep Vein Thrombosis: Deep vein thrombosis is a blood clot that forms in the veins of the arm or the leg.CLEAN, DRY SKIN Moisturisers, oils or balms are the devil’s juice when it comes to Kinesiology Tape. They stop the glue from sticking, so it’s essential to make sure your skin is clean and dry before applying. We’d actually recommend that you don’t apply any creams up to 24 hours prior to you applying your tape.
How quickly does kinesiology tape work?
The tape can usually stay in place for three or four days even while showering or exercising. Positive results are reported to be felt within 24 hours for many users of kinesiology tape. Kinesiology tape works through a combination of mechanical support, neurological feedback, and circulatory benefits: Micro-Lifting of the Skin: The elastic properties of the tape gently lift the top layers of skin, creating small spaces between the skin and the tissues underneath.The tape can usually stay in place for three or four days even while showering or exercising. Positive results are reported to be felt within 24 hours for many users of kinesiology tape.Yes! Kinesiology tape is designed to be worn for multiple days, including while you sleep. It helps reduce pain and stiffness overnight. Provides continuous support to injured muscles and joints.The application of Kinesio tape can enhance blood flow to the affected area, delivering more oxygen and nutrients essential for tissue repair. This increased circulation can speed up the healing process and reduce recovery time.Something as simple as where you start and stop the tape can mean the difference between activating a muscle vs. Applying Kinesio Tape in the wrong pattern, direction or with the incorrect amount of tension may result in severe bruising, increased swelling or even further soft tissue injury.
How long to wear KT tape?
We recommend that you do not wear it for more than 5 days. Generally, the length of time it lasts depends on where the tape is applied. For example, when applying to a knee or foot which is naturally a harsh environment for tape, the tape will generally stay on for 2-3 days. KT tape usually lasts around three to five days. You can still swim or shower with the tape on during this time. Try not to wear your tape for longer than five to seven days, depending on tape type.We recommend that you do not wear it for more than 5 days. Generally, the length of time it lasts depends on where the tape is applied. For example, when applying to a knee or foot which is naturally a harsh environment for tape, the tape will generally stay on for 2-3 days.