Recently, the use of kinesiology tape in Australia has increased. It isn’t a relatively new method of healing injuries, as it has come a long way since its first development in the 1970s.
Kinesiology tapes first went mainstream at the 2008 Summer Olympics after an athlete used them. Now, kinesiology tape doesn’t only cater to athletes’ injuries but to any treatments that need muscle support, reduced swelling, and movement facilitation.
But before diving into its uses, types, and benefits, let us first understand what kinesiology tape is and its origin.
In 1973, Japanese chiropractor Dr. Kenzo Kase was looking for a new way to support old arthritis patients. The then-medical tape was no longer an option as it restricted movement and was harsh to the skin. This prompted his development of kinesiology tape, a flexible, thin, and water-resistant tape that supports muscles and joints without restricting movement.
Physical therapists and rehabilitation specialists use kinesiology tape to aid in therapies and treat injuries. It’s a tape made of cotton and elastic fibres that can stretch more than twice its original length. This tape facilitates muscle movement with the least restriction and reduces pain and swelling, among its many benefits.
Today, you can commonly see these tapes in various colours wrapped around athletes’ shoulders and ankles during training or competition.
How Kinesiology Tape Works
Many people are still unsure how kinesiology tape works or heals. Still, many studies have found that these medical-grade adhesive tapes do work.
When you apply kinesiology tape to an injured area, its gentle lifting creates microscopic space between the skin and other tissues. This relieves pressure and thus reduces pain.
Kinesiology tape also improves blood flow and reduces inflammation. Accumulated lymphatic fluids usually cause inflammation. The tape’s gentle lifting allows accumulated lymphatic fluids to flow, draining swelling.
The skin has nerve receptors that alert your brain about what is going on in your body. When kinesiology tape induces decompression by lifting the skin over sore muscles, pain signals to the brain change. The brain receives a different signal and thus responds differently.
Ultimately, kinesiology tape is designed to mimic a therapist’s hand, or at least to have the elasticity of human skin. You can leave it on your skin for up to four days, and it stays in place even while working out or taking a bath.
Uses and Benefits of Kinesiology Tape
As time went by, the uses for kinesiology tape grew from supporting arthritis patients, pregnant women, and competitive athletes to working adults with sore muscles and body pains.
There are at least five ways to use kinesiology tape and benefit from it today.
Helps Heal Injury
Kinesiology taping isn’t a cure, but it aids in the healing of injuries. Physical therapists use kinesiology taping in combination with other treatments when treating injured individuals. It helps reduce swelling and manage muscle, tendon, or joint pain.
Provides Support
Kinesiology tape promotes movement while remaining supportive. It holds your muscles, tendons, and ligaments enough so as not to worsen pre-existing injuries or to quicken recovery.
These tapes also help pregnant women support the belly and reduce pressure.
Re-trains Muscles
Some of your muscles tend to sleep and not function for a while. With kinesiology tape activating these muscles through interaction with the skin and other issues, they wake up and engage in a full range of motion. One good example is correcting neck posture.
Reduces Risk of Injury
Specifically for athletes, kinesiology tape can prevent muscle cramps and spasms. This helps prevent the risk of injuries during training or in competition. Consequently, it also helps boost an athlete’s overall performance by supporting weak zones and awakening the muscles.
Improves Comfort
Wraps and braces function to help heal injuries and support muscles or joints. However, it lacks mobility and comfort. Kinesiology tape specialises in flexibility, which allows a full range of motion while also assisting in healing and recovery.
Types of Kinesiology Taping
You can apply kinesiology tape in different ways and shapes. The best way to use it depends on your condition. That’s why it’s crucial to consult an expert first before proceeding to use kinesiology tape.
Nonetheless, here are some of the ways you can apply kinesiology tape to your body:
“I” Tape
Perhaps the simplest and most popular kinesiology tape cut, the “I” tape supports muscles, tendons, and ligaments. People mainly use this cut to help heal acute injuries. They also use it to make other taping patterns.
“Y” Tape
The “Y” tape cut targets more sensitive areas of the body or when there’s a target muscle. It must be 2 inches longer than the targeted muscle. It also controls the position of the knee cap and generally facilitates muscle stimuli.
“X” Tape
You can also use this cut when covering sensitive injured body parts, but it is more suited for larger areas. An example would be when covering hamstrings or multiple joints.
“Fan” Tape
The “fan” cut application helps reduce swelling. It’s applied to an area with accumulated lymphatic fluid. The “fan” cut allows lymphatic drainage, thus managing lymphedema and reducing swelling.
“Web” Tape
The “web” and “fan” taping techniques generally work the same, except that the former has its ends more intact.
Summation
There may have been debates on the effectiveness of kinesiology tape despite its popularity worldwide, but overall, it does have some known and proven benefits. To know more about its uses and how it works best, read here.
Still, before you find the best kinesiology tape in Australia, consult a specialist so they can advise you on how to use it and what works best for your condition.