The Kinesio-tape is made from tightly woven cotton and nylon fibers, the quality of these individual materials is essential to be comfortable in being worn and to be resistant to deformation.
The glue on the tape is acrylic, it must be durable and waterproof so that the tape can withstand vigorous movements, sweat and total immersion in water without irritating the skin.
Many people remain skeptical and doubtful, while others have seen and above all perceived its unique effect in reducing pain and improving performance.
Kinesio-tape is commonly used for:
Reduce pain
Drain the swelling
Improve posture
Improve functionality
Facilitate an early return to activity or sport
Improve sports performance
Some reliable studies also show that:
Increases power and strength in the recovery of muscle injuries
It reduces pain and improves functionality in conditions such as plantar fasciitis or patello-femoral pain
Improves pain, range of motion and functionality in people with shoulder impingement
Raise the anaerobic muscle threshold during an endurance exercise
HOW DOES KINESIO-TAPE WORK?
Basically kinesio-tape causes a form of decompression between the skin and the underlying tissues.
When an elastic membrane (the tape) is applied to another elastic material (the skin), often the result is a series of wrinkles on both surfaces.
3 main effects:
Fluid effect
The elastic properties of kinesio-tape induce the lifting of the skin (through the formation of wrinkles) from the underlying tissues, this decompresses the space between skin and muscles. Space (sub cutaneous space) that contains many important structures such as nerve endings, blood vessels etc
The decompression therefore promotes an increase in blood and lymphatic flow from the inside to the outside of the area where the tape was applied, allowing a rapid removal of the waste products of the lesion and of the substances that generate the pain.
Mechanical effect
Kinesio-tape has longitudinal elastic properties, similar to those of the skin, muscles and connective tissue, this helps the body’s stabilization system by adding a little more stability, elasticity and awareness of stretching muscles, ligaments and tendons .
Neurological effect
The presence of kinesio-tape on the skin helps to create a non-pain stimulus in the area, the decompressive properties of the tape reduce pressure and compression on the subcutaneous nerve endings limiting inflammation.
It is very important to apply the kinesio-tape with the right voltage, since the voltage changes its function. In fact, if the tape is applied with high tension, it facilitates the activation of the muscle; while if applied with moderate / mild tension it contributes to the stabilization of the joint through proprioceptive feedback.
Who can use this therapy?
Kinesio-tape can be worn by most people, from children to the elderly.
It can help in most pain or dysfunction of the musculoskeletal system.
Being the acrylic glue, it does not contain latex and therefore the tape can also be used by most allergy sufferers.
Furthermore, although the glue is very resistant, the tape can be removed easily and without leaving any residue on the skin.
Ipersonal Physiotherapy
Physio and Sports Massage Clinic