Kinesio tape is a physical therapy tool that can help with a variety of issues like neck, back, shoulder, knee, and ankle pain. It was developed in 1979 by Dr. Kenzo Kase and uses heat-activated glue so it can stay on for a few days during exercise or showering. When applied properly by a trained professional, it can help reduce pain, improve muscle function, increase circulation, and prevent injuries. There are different application techniques for Kinesio tape depending on the desired outcome, such as relieving pain, reducing swelling, or supporting injured areas.

1. WHAT IS KINESIO TAPE
AND WHY DO PHYSICAL
THERAPISTS USE IT?
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2. So! Let’s talk Kinesio tape. I’m a recent convert as is our
clinic. As a result, most patients that come in leave with
some sort of taping.

3. Mummy jokes aside, Kinesio tape is a rock star physical therapy
tool because it can help a broad range of issues ranging from:
neck and back trigger points, improve shoulder posture, knee
pain, help in correcting ankle over-pronation or supination and
improving lymphatic drainage in injuries.

4. What is Kinesio Taping for Physical Therapy?
Chiropractor Dr. Kenzo Kase developed Kinesio taping in 1979. This latex-
free tape uses glue that is heat activated so it is wearable for a few days,
even when a patient exercises or showers. In a nut shell, it can be used to
help reduce pain, re-educate the neuromuscular system, increase
circulation, optimize performance and prevent injuries.

5. is a rehabilitative method and in order to be used properly should be
applied by a trained professional with appropriate knowledge of anatomy
and muscle fibers.
KINESIO TAPING
Since it’s a technique, the amount
of pull, the direction of the tape
and even the length of tape is
customized to specific physical
therapy goals. What’s cool about
the tape is that it’s not restrictive,
so it provides support without
inhibiting range of motion.

6. HOW TO USE KINESIO TAPE
Kinesiology tape can be applied in different ways to achieve
different results. There are three main techniques:

7. NEUROSENSORY
To relieve acute or chronic pain

8. To reduce swelling and bruising by enhancing
lymphatic drainage
MICROCIRCULATORY

9. STRUCTURAL
To support injured areas and encourage proper
postural and movement patterns

10. Each Of These Techniques Requires A Different
Combination Of Two Factors:
1.The amount of stretch in the affected muscle or muscle group
2.The amount of stretch in the tape as it is applied

11. With that in mind the following are general guidelines
for each of the three taping techniques:
1.Neurosensory – stretch the muscle, not the tape
2.Structural – stretch the tape, not the muscle
3.Microcirculatory – stretch the muscle and the tape

12. In a nutshell, the technique involves applying tape directly over an injured
area, including its perimeter. In most cases, the muscles should be held in
a stretched position while the tape is applied.
Unless the goal is to provide structural support, the tape itself does not
usually require additional stretching as it is applied.

13. The natural elasticity of the tape creates a gentle lifting action of the skin,
which activates both neurological and circulatory healing mechanisms.
Also reducing pressure on pain receptors can rapidly relieve acute pain,
while improving blood flow and lymphatic drainage which will reduce
swelling and facilitate healing.

14. But perhaps the thing that rocks most about Kinesio tape is that while
patients wear the tape, they are reminded to move in healthier ways to
improve posture and prevent injuries. This reminder is incredibly important
when trying to retrain patients to move in ways that sustain health and
wellness.

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