What Is Kinesiology Tape?
Kinesiology tape is a thin, stretchy, therapeutic tape that can benefit a wide variety of injuries and inflammatory conditions. The benefits of kinesiology taping include:
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| ♦ Relief of Acute or Chronic Pain |
♦Supports without Restricting Range of Motion |
| ♦ Reduction of Swelling and Inflammation |
♦ Prevents Overstretching or Overcontraction of Injured Muscles |
| ♦ Improved Circulation |
♦ Restores Strength to Weak or Injured Muscles |
| ♦ Reduced Fatigue in Overused Muscles |
♦ Improves Mobility/Flexibility in Injured Areas |
| ♦ Prevention/Relief of Cramps and Spasms |
♦ Enhances Muscle Tone in Weak or Poorly Toned Muscles |
| ♦ Prolongs and Enhances Benefit of Other Therapeutic Modalities |
♦ Provides Therapeutic Benefits 24/7 for up to 5 Days
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While kinesiology tape is best known for its applications as an athletic tape or sports tape, it is also widely used in the medical community as a therapeutic tape for numerous medical conditions. Among these uses as a medical tape are reduction of severe swelling such as that associated with lymphodema, recovery from surgery, and structural support for infants with hypotonia and other neurological or muscular disorders.
Developed in Japan over 30 years ago, the use of kinesiology tape has exploded since the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where many of the world's top athletes sported colorful configurations on assorted muscles and joints. The most reputable brand names are Kinesio™ Tex Tape (aka Kinesio Tape) and SpiderTech® Tape.
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Kinesiology Tape Is Available In Rolls Or Pre-Cut Applications
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Rolls
– rolls are 2" wide by 16.4 feet long
– available in four colors - black, blue, pink and beige
– one roll of kinesiology tape can usually make several applications
– tape must be cut and applied piece by piece
– two brand names available, Kinesio®Tex Tape or SpiderTape (Nitto Denko Tape)
– both brands are similar in composition, thickness, elasticity and effectiveness
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Pre-Cut Kinesiology Tape for Specific Body Parts
– available only from SpiderTech Tape
– individually packaged, ready-to-apply applications for specific body areas
– applications are suitable for all average-sized adults
– each package includes simple, step-by-step application instructions
– videos show each product being applied by a medical professional
Not sure which format is best for you? Following are the advantages and disadvantages of each type:
|
ADVANTAGES |
DISADVANTAGES |
RECOMMENDED FOR |
| ROLLS |
Most cost effective
(more tape in a roll than in a pre-cut application) |
Requires specialized training or knowledge to apply effectively |
Health professionals or those with kinesiology taping training |
| PRECUT |
Slightly more expensive per application compared to buying tape by the roll |
Simple instructions in product packaging and on website allow anyone to apply tape without specialized training |
Professional or home users |
NOTE: It is important to know how to apply Kinesio®Tex Tape, SpiderTape or Rock Tape, if you purchase either in the roll format. A selection of training manuals and a DVD are available, with detailed information on designing and applying kinesiology tape for a wide variety of injuries and health conditions. It is highly recommended to purchase at least one manual if you are purchasing tape by the roll and do not have any training in proper application techniques.
