Kinesio taping, what it is and how to use it!

The kinesio taping method consists of applying an elastic adhesive bandage to the skin to reduce symptoms and improve muscle function.

This type of ligation acts on the muscular and fascial tissue, under the joints and in the systems: circulatory, lymphatic and nervous.

The physiotherapist puts kinesio taping to alter muscle tone, stimulate lymphatic drainage, correct movement patterns and improve posture.

Kinesio taping

This bandage is economical, easy to apply and can take up to 3/4 days.

Banding can be purchased at a pharmacy and online stores like MipMed

This bandage can be applied even in pregnancy and in all parts of the body, even the most delicate ones like the groin.

The effect of this method is to bridge injured areas so that athletes can perform certain movements without pain.

The traditional elastic tape is removed after the end of a sporting event, while the kinesio tape is applied for 2/3 days.

Kinesio taping is a new technique that is becoming very popular in recent years (especially in the world of sports).

The kinesio tape is a non-latex hypoallergenic cotton fiber tape that extends longitudinally (up to 100% of its length at rest).

The tissue is porous and allows the skin to breathe.

The adhesive part of the tape contains an impervious acrylic glue that is activated with heat.

Thanks to these features the tape can stay in the body for 3-4 days (even in case of perspiration and contact with water).

The tape contains no medications. The thickness and weight of the tape are designed to resemble that of the skin as closely as possible.

It is important that the bandage is very adhesive because it should withstand even in training (therefore with sweat) and during bathing.

What is kinesio taping for?

Kinesio taping has been used by physiotherapists, occupational therapists, athletic instructors, chiropractors, physicians, and osteopaths for many dysfunctions.

The field of application is very large: from the temporomandibular joint to foot diseases.

Today, thanks to its simplicity, kinesio taping tape is widely used by both ordinary people and top-level athletes.

How does it work?

The kinesio taping tape can be used to allow full movement of the joints while the elastic bandage reduces the range of motion.

The application of the tape on the skin not only has a local effect, but also on the underlying tissues and muscles.

By working better muscles, promoting better blood and lymphatic circulation, stimulating body defenses and promoting healing of nerves, muscles and organs.

The tape uses its elasticity to lift the skin from the underlying tissues, forming the 'wrinkles'.

By this property, the skin is lifted from the dermis (subcutaneous layer), improving circulation and absorption of fluids.

Because the tape is in contact with the skin, it sends important information to the brain (sensory stimulation and proprioceptive information) that causes a reflex reaction of the muscle.

The main effects of Kinesio taping are four:

• Muscle support - improves the muscle's ability to contract, even when it is weak. Reduces the sensation of pain and fatigue. Protects muscles from cramps or excessive stretching.
• Eliminate congestion of body fluids - improves blood and lymphatic circulation, also reduces tissue inflammation.
• Activation of the endogenous analgesic system - means that the tape should facilitate the body's self-healing mechanisms. This is also an important point of osteopathy and chiropractic.
• Correct joint problems - the goal is to improve bone alignment and movement by regulating the activity of weak or contracted muscles.
• In the case of sciatica (inflammation of the sciatic nerve), cruralgia or cervico brachial neuralgia, kinesio taping is not indicated because the symptoms arise from the nerves that are in deep areas of the body and not in the tissues that are under the skin.

Method of Application:

• Identify the affected region.
• Make sure the skin is clean and dry, with no moisturizing Substances.
• The muscle should be elongated.
• Remove the protective paper from the Kinesio bandage.
• Apply the bandage on the skin tightly tensioned according to the method,
• Rub the bandage to activate the glue.
• For sports activities it is recommended to apply the bandage, 20 minutes earlier for a more effective result.