The unique properties of kinesiology tape combined with kinesiology taping techniques allow it to affect the body in ways that cannot be duplicated by any other form of athletic tape, sports tape, medical tape or therapeutic tape. Following is a simplified explanation of the major mechanisms of action:

INFLAMED MUSCLE WITHOUT KINESIOLOGY TAPE	When a muscle or joint is overused or injured, that area becomes inflammed or swollen. This swelling is composed of blood (internal bleeding from the injury) and other fluids. The excess fluid should be removed by the lymphatic vessels in the area, but if the inflammation is great enough, the lymphatic vessels get compressed and can't do their job. This can lead to an ongoing cycle of inflammation and pain, which limits performance and slows the healing process.
INFLAMED MUSCLE WITH KINESIOLOGY TAPE	When kinesiology tape is applied to the skin over an inflammed area, the stretch in the tape gently lifts the skin, creating a space between the skin and the inflammed tissues below. This reduces the pressure on both blood vessels and lymphatic vessels, increasing circulation of both fluids. Improved blood flow enhances delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the injured tissues, accelerating the healing process. Improved lymphatic flow reduces swelling which relieves pressure on the pain receptors providing immediate pain relief.

BENEFITS OF KINESIOLOGY TAPING
The only function of traditional athletic tape is to provide rigid support to an injured area, limiting movement to protect it from further injury. Kinesiology tape, on the other hand, has unique elastic properties that allow it to provide dynamic support, protecting the muscles and/or joints, while still allowing a safe and functional range of motion. It is the only tape that actually has therapeutic benefits that include enhancing muscle function and accelerating the healing process. Following are some of the many benefits provided by kinesiology tape:

1. Pain Relief – reduced pressure on pain receptors under the skin can provide relief of either acute or chronic pain. This is especially effective for pain from a “hot” injury, where the intensity of the pain is out of proportion to the severity of the injury.

2. Reduced Swelling and Inflammation – reduced pressure on the lymphatic drainage channels allows better removal of fluids and other materials that collect in an injured area. This applies not only to sports injuries, but to other inflammatory conditions, including lymphodema (severe swelling of the extremities.)

3. Prevents and/or Relieves Spasms and Cramping – the same features that reduce inflammation can help prevent or relieve spasms and cramps in overused or injured muscles.

4. Speedier Recovery of Overused Muscles – fatigued, overused muscles contain byproducts of exercise (such as lactic acid) that contribute to pain and stiffness and limit the ability to continue exercising. When kinesiology tape is used over these areas, enhanced removal of these byproducts allows for more rapid recovery. This could translate into improved performance in an endurance event or more complete recovery between repetitive, high intensity events.

5. Provides Support without Restricting Range of Motion – the unique elastic properties of kinesiology tape allow it to provide support to an injured muscle or joint without restricting range of  motion .

6. Allows Athletes to Remain Active while Injured – this is one of the most important benefits of kinesiology tape for competitive athletes. When used as a therapeutic athletic tape, kinesiology tape can prevent either overstretching or over-contraction of injured muscles. Except in the case of severe injuries, this can allow athletes to continue training and/or competing as their injuries heal.

7. Enhances Strength and Muscle Tone in Weak or Poorly-Toned Muscles – certain neurological or muscular disorders can make muscles so weak that it is almost impossible to do the exercises that are critical to improve daily functioning. Kinesiology tape not only provides support to these muscles, but it can also improve muscle activation, allowing therapeutic exercises to be carried out more effectively. One of the major uses in this category is with infants and young children with hypotonia, poor muscle tone that limits their ability to learn to sit up, crawl, etc.