At the 2008 Olympic games, volleyball player Kerri Walsh sported special black tape on her shoulders and arms. Looking like a cross between angel's wings and fabric athletic trainer tape, the tape was more decorative than traditional taping methods. Known as Kinesio tape, this invention is a special cloth tape designed to support the skin without the restrictions typical athletic tape imposes.
History
Although many first became aware of Kinesio taping at the 2008 Olympics, it has been around since the mid-1970s. Japanese chiropractor and acupuncturist Dr. Kenzo Kase invented the tape as a method to mirror the body's own skin and facilitate healing. After examining many athletic tape types, Kase said he realized that to provide stability to an injured joint, you must first secure the muscles around it. To accomplish this, he created Kinesio tape, which also is known as Kinesio Tex Tape. The name originated from the kinesiology principles that were applied in inventing the tape.
Benefits
Kinesio tape can be stretched over the skin to offer a variety of benefits to the injured person. "You can apply this tape in such a manner that it will help aid the contraction of that muscle group," said physical therapist Christopher Stavres. "As the Kinesio tape recoils, what is does is that it then creates these convolutions along the skin, which relieves that pressure." In addition to muscular and pain-relief benefits, Kinesio tape can be applied preemptively to weaker areas of the body, such as the ankles or shoulders that may help to prevent injury. Because the tape also helps muscles contract, it can improve your athletic performance when administered the correct way.
Comparisons
Kinesio tape has emerged as an alternative to applying athletic tape to the skin. Athletic tape is a white or clear tape that is wrapped around a person's skin to enhance stability. However, the tape is not elastic, meaning if it was wrapped too tightly, the person may lose circulation and range of motion in the affected area. Kinesio taping is designed to help maintain range of motion without cutting off circulation. By allowing more blood flow to the area, athletes are able to heal while they move.
Application Method
The Kinesio taping method uses special physiology research to learn how to properly apply the tape. Strips can be placed singly, in I-shaped lines or layered over each other, such as in "X" or "Y" shapes. A physical therapist should evaluate your personal injuries and conditions to determine how the tape should be placed. Once the tape is applied, it can be worn for several days and exposed to water. However, seek education or instruction from experienced Kinesio taping professionals to best understand how to apply it properly.
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