KINESIO TAPING
KINESIO TAPE
You can see taping as a form of constant massage! It supports microcirculation (transport of nutrients via capillaries), stimulates lymphatic drainage, prevents the attachment of connective tissue and improves the mobility of muscles and joints.
Unlike traditional, rigid sports tapes – which are very immobilizing to prevent further injury – kinesiology tape will direct and encourage the muscles and fascia (connective tissue) to move! Kinesio tape is almost identical to human skin in both thickness and elasticity. Therefore, kinesiology tape can be used without restricting freedom of movement.
OPERATION
Nerve receptors are located both in the skin and in the deep(er) layers of, among other things, the fascia and muscles. The combination of the correct tension with which the tape is applied and the wave pattern on the inside of quality kinesiology tape lifts the skin, as it were, and loosens it from the underlying muscle tissue. There is a relief or decrease in pressure on the injured muscle, causing the nerve receptors to send a reduced number of pain signals to the brain.
TAPE TENSION
Tensions can activate and stimulate muscles; the elasticity and tension of the tape are primordial:
• In the case of an ACL injury, the quadriceps muscle will be significantly weakened. If these muscles are taped with maximum tension, the muscle fibers will be brought closer together, essentially causing a contraction of the muscle (and the muscle will become stronger).
• On the other hand, with plantar fasciitis (inflammation in the heel area) the calf will experience more pressure. This pressure can be reduced by applying the kinesiotape with (very) limited tension in order to reduce the reception of pain signals.
HELPS KINESIOTAPING?
YES!
Studies have shown that kinesiology tape helps with chronic musculoskeletal pain - lasting longer than 4 weeks (1) lasted – had a better outcome compared to other typical interventions such as ice, painkillers, etc.).
As with any treatment, taping is not for everyone and is part of a broader treatment plan. Kinesiology taping should be considered as an adjunct to other “evidence-based” treatments such as therapeutic exercises.
WHEN TO USE
Depending on how (under what tension) the kinesio tape is applied, it can be used for, among other things: supporting muscles, proprioception (muscle stability during/with mobility) and relieving the fascia:
SUPPORT
Taping prevents muscles from over-stretching or over-contracting. Kinesiology tape is used to provide extra support to the affected muscles or joints without restricting mobility.
RE-EDUCATION
Kinesiology tape can help to “retrain” muscles that have become accustomed to incorrect positioning, causing them to lose all or part of their function.
IMPROVE
Some people use kinesio tape because they think it helps them perform better. However, there are no medically substantiated studies on this and it is thought that it is more of a psychological aspect.
HOW TO APPLY
You certainly don't have to be a specialist to apply kinesiology tape correctly. There is no evidence that all kinds of patterns and specific techniques contribute to a better result! Apply the tape to the painful area with a slight stretch (approx. 25% but never more than 50%). If the tape does not reduce the pain by 50% after application, the kinesiology tape will not be effective for this specific situation.
APPLICATION TIPS
The first and last 4 cm of the tape should be applied without any tension.
• Avoid wrinkling the tape and do not touch the adhesive side.
• Cut the ends into a rounded shape to prevent the angular sides from coming loose more quickly.
• Apply to the painful area and, if necessary, place several strips along both sides of the affected muscle.
• Remove immediately if skin rash (allergic reaction) occurs.
• Kinesio tape can be worn for between 3 and 5 days.
• Contact with water affects the wearing time.
Kinesio tape
Sources
(1) Lim, EC and MGTay, Kinesio taping in musculoskeletal pain and disability that lasts for more than 4 weeks: is it time to peel off the tape and throw it out with the sweat? A systematic review with meta-analysis focused on pain and also methods of tape application.Br J Sports Med, 2015. 49(24): p. 1558-66.
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