What is Kinesiology tape?
Kinesiology tape is a unique type of therapeutic tape with a wide variety of uses. You may have seen it on television while watching the Olympics or professional sports, as many athletes trust it to help them manage injuries or improve their performance. It is often brightly colored, although it is available in simpler tones like beige and black
What is special about it?
Kinesio tape was first developed in the 1970s by a Doctor of Chiropractic in Japan. Kinesiology tape is unlike the regular athletic tape you may be familiar with, in that it doesn’t restrict your movement in any way. Kinesiology tape is quite thin and soft, and it has an elastic quality that gently supports as it moves with you. Conventional athletic tape is typically removed immediately after activity, because its stiffness puts a person at risk for pressure points or problems with blood flow if worn for too long. Kinesiology tape can be worn for several days (including bathing), until it begins to peel off on its own.
How is it used?
The lines of tension in the tape can be skillfully applied by a trained practitioner for a variety of indications: to support weak or injured joints, encourage underactive muscles, relax tight muscles, improve circulation, relieve pain, or reduce swelling. Here are a few of the many reasons you might consider trying it:
- You are a serious or recreational athlete looking to support an injury or weakness, or correct an imbalance in order to improve your performance.
- You have a very specific area or pain or pressure from which you are seeking some relief.
- You have swelling due to either injury or circulation problems.
- You are a chiropractic patient who finds their adjustments are helpful but don’t seem to “hold” for very long. Taping, combined with therapeutic exercise, can be a piece of the puzzle in re-training your body into healthier positions.
Taping at Firestone Chiropractic & Wellness
Dr. Elise is our Kinesio tape specialist at Firestone Chiropractic & Wellness. We have a wide variety of colors to choose from to suite everyone’s’ taste. If you have questions on Kinesio tape or wonder if you would be a good fit, please check with your practitioner. Kinesio taping is an additional service. There is a nominal fee of $2 for small areas and $4 for large areas.
