Kinesio taping is a therapy using elastic tapes, a technique based on the body’s natural healing process, developed in Japan in the 1970s. It follows the principles of kinesiology (the science of movement) and facilitates the free mobility of the body: by supporting the muscles and following their movements, it helps the body to heal itself.
In its characteristics (weight, thickness, elasticity) the special tape is very similar to skin. It contains no pharmacological agents, the adhesive is hypoallergenic, the skin beneath the tape can breathe, and the tape is waterproof, so showering is unrestricted. It is worn for 3–5 days and can be used indefinitely, without harmful effects.
As much as 75% of this tape’s use is in physical therapy (treatment of muscles, nerves and organs), and it is also very popular in sport: tennis players, cyclists and swimmers use it for faster recovery and to heal injuries. Its basic action is to speed up the flow of lymph and blood, improve the nourishment of tissue, reduce irritation of the receptors and raise the local temperature of the skin. The tape creates micro-folds on the skin, so the treated segment works „24 hours under therapy”.
Effects
- support for the muscles, improved contraction of weakened muscles and reduced fatigue
- reduction of excessive stretching and contraction, as well as reduced cramps and muscle injuries
- increased range of motion and elimination of pain
- elimination of blood and lymph stagnation, better circulation and reduced inflammation
- reduced hypersensitivity and pain in the skin and muscles
- correction of joint problems, lymphatic drainage and functional problems
- reduction of scars and prevention of keloids
Each patient is treated individually, and the taping fits into the therapeutic protocol, most often when a patient does not come in every day and therefore wears the tape between visits. The tapes do not limit movement but support it, so it is advisable to exercise while they are applied. The therapy is carried out exclusively by specially trained physiotherapists.
