What is Kinesiology Taping?
Kinesio tape or Kinesio Tex Tape was developed in the late 1970s by Dr.Kenzo Kase. He was a Japanese chiropractor who invented a tape that provided support without limiting movement the way traditional athletic tapes do.
He designed the tape to be extremely stretchy. Kinesiology taping is perfect when used as a smaller part of a larger treatment plan for people who’ve been injured.
What makes Kinesiology Taping special?
Kase created Kinesio tape with a proprietary blend of cotton and nylon. It’s designed to mimic the skin’s elasticity so you can use your full range of motion.
The tape’s medical-grade adhesive is also water-resistant and strong enough to stay on for three to five days, even while you work out or take showers.
How does Kinesiology Tape work?
When the tape is applied to your body, it recoils slightly, gently lifting your skin. It is believed that this helps to create a microscopic space between your skin and the tissues underneath it. This can help improve circulation and reduce swelling in the area where you’re hurt.
Studies have also shown kinesiology tape can increase the space in certain joints in the body. Even though the increase in space is small, it helps reduce the chance of joint irritation.