Although Kinesio taping was invented in the 1970s, it was not widely used until much later. However, the world began to notice it when athletes began sporting the colorful tape during the Olympics. Today, Kinesio taping, sometimes referred to as KT taping, is used by chiropractic care centers worldwide to improve healing and alleviate pain.
What Is Kinesio Taping?
Using tape to support injured or inflamed joints is nothing new. However, traditional athletic tape is meant to immobilize joints. KT taping works to protect joints while allowing them to move and flex. In other words, conventional athletic taping techniques work like a tight bandage or soft cast. KT tape acts as a protective exoskeleton, taking over some of the functions of the internal ligaments to support the affected area. The Kinesio tape is applied to pull gently on the outer layer of the skin, creating a suction that allows space for blood flow and fluid drainage beneath the epidermis. The light touch of the Kinesio tape on the skin also triggers sensory points. When these nerve fibers are activated, the sensations from them reach your brain faster than pain messages.
Benefits of Kinesio Taping
What’s Kinesio taping going to do for you? That depends on your condition. The Kinesio tape must be applied using a precise technique in order to deliver actual results. When a professional applies it at our chiropractic care center, the Kinesio taping method provides the following benefits:
- Improves blood flow to affected body parts
- Promotes lymph drainage
- Supports soft tissues
- Protects joints
- Relieves heat generated by inflammation
- Reduces pain
- Decreases muscle fatigue
- Provides sensory awareness of the area, which may improve posture and positioning issues
- Improves range of motion in damaged or injured regions of the body
- A non-invasive, drug-free approach to healing
What Is Kinesiology Tape Used For?
Kinesiology tape is used for a variety of injuries and afflictions. For example, patients with athletic injuries might use it to improve their condition or recover from surgery. The method is also beneficial for pregnant women, people with other pain problems, and patients with work-related or overuse injuries.
Kinesio Taping the Shoulder
The shoulders are susceptible to sprains, bursitis, and soft tissue injuries such as rotator cuff damage and tendonitis. Healing from a shoulder injury requires stabilizing the area. However, it’s essential to maintain mobility to protect the joint’s function and strengthen the surrounding muscle. Kinesio taping the shoulder is ideal for managing pain and facilitating healing in this area. Our chiropractic care center is experienced with Kinesio taping the shoulder and will customize the technique for your injury.
Kinesio Taping the Knee
Kinesio taping the knee provides stability and an appropriate range of motion. Some conditions that benefit from Kinesio taping the knee include:
- Patella tracking disorder
- Runner’s knee
- Patellar tendonitis
- Meniscus tears and sprains
- MCL injury
Kinesio Taping the Ankle
Kinesio taping the ankle provides support, comfort, and stability to this weight-bearing area. You can use the technique after a sprain or strain. It is also helpful for combating pain and inflammation from Achilles tendonitis. At our chiropractic care center, we use a specialized technique that allows for plenty of mobility while preventing an inversion sprain, which can happen when you roll your ankle.
Kinesio Taping for Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is often caused by impaired biomechanics in the foot. We use Kinesio taping for plantar fasciitis to support and protect the soft tissues that run beneath the arch. When the tape is applied precisely, it keeps your natural arch in place and promotes the proper function of the surrounding muscles and ligaments. Kinesio taping for plantar fasciitis can help you heal from this painful condition and prevent it from recurring.
Kinesio Taping for Pregnancy
You might wonder what Kinesio tape is used for in pregnancy. Kinesio taping in pregnancy replaces the need for belts or bands. The tape supports the increasing weight of a growing belly, taking some pressure off the soft tissues and muscles in the abdominal and pelvic regions. Kinesio taping can help reduce back pain during pregnancy. Kinesio taping during pregnancy can also be used up to 12 months after delivery to reduce rectus abdominis diastasis. This condition, otherwise known as diastasis recti, occurs when the muscles in the abdominal wall separate during pregnancy. Kinesio taping brings the muscles together, allowing the connective tissue to heal and the abdominal muscles to activate correctly.
Which Kinesiology Tape Is Best?
The best kinesiology tape must be elastic, breathable, and lightweight. It should stay on your skin comfortably, without pinching or tugging. Because the tape is flexible, it moves with your body. As a result, most patients don’t feel it after the tape is applied. At our chiropractic care center, we use the TheraBand kinesiology tape. We have found that this product contains the perfect amount of adhesive to stay in place without irritation or discomfort. In addition, it offers better support than many drugstore brands. It also features XactStretch technology, which gives users a visual reference for consistent applications. If you’re interested in using Kinesio tape for your condition, visit our chiropractic care center before attempting the techniques yourself. An assessment will be necessary to identify the problem and develop an effective treatment plan. With the right approach, you can speed healing and avoid future injury.
We’re Looking Forward to Helping You at Our Chiropractic Offices in NJ!
At the Bergen Chiropractic and Sports Rehabilitation Center, our chiropractic team, led by Dr. Gregory Doerr, follows the highest and most professional medical standards to provide superior chiropractic help. After all, our mission is to provide unparalleled patient care and services in a comfortable healing atmosphere. Contact us to learn more about our chiropractic services! Our chiropractic offices in Cliffside Park, NJ, and Hackensack, NJ, are ready to welcome you!
