Kinesio Taping For Injuries
Kinesio taping was created to give support and stability to your joints and muscles without affecting circulation and range of motion. It is also used for preventive maintenance, swelling, and to treat pain. Some athletes claim that it helped instantly, while others say it made no difference at all. For most runners though, taping is used with other treatments like physical therapy.
According to Runner’s World,
Kinesio taping was developed by Kenzo Kase in the mid-1970s. (Kinesio is just one of many brands, but has become to this type of taping what Q-tips are to cotton swabs.) As a chiropractor and acupuncturist in Japan, Kase created the tape in response to the limitations he encountered working with rigid sport tape. Traditional sport tape is designed to immobilize the joint it’s applied to. Kase wanted a tape that, according to Kinesio’s promotional materials, would “facilitate the body’s natural healing process while allowing support and stability to muscles and joints without restricting the body’s range of motion.”
A FEW KEY POINTS TO REMEMBER…
- The area taped must be clean, dry and free of oils or lotion. Otherwise, the tape won’t stick to your skin. If you’re very hairy, you’ll need to shave the area to be taped, or the tape won’t stick.
- The muscle or area taped should be put into a position of stretch before taping.
- The ends are always laid down with no tension.
- Once the tape is applied, rub the tape with the palm of your hand to activate the adhesive.
- Wait 30 minutes after applying the tape to exercise, or it might come off.
- Don’t go out in the cold immediately after applying tape, or it won’t adhere.
- Don’t shower or swim within an hour of taping. After an hour the tape can get wet and will stay on.
Taping for Common Injuries
(Always consult with your Dr. first)
Plantar Fasciitis
Inner Knee
It Band
Shin Splints
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- Source Runner’s World
