Kinesiology Tape - What is it?

Have you seen the brightly coloured tape that lots of athletes are wearing at the Olympics this summer and wondered what it is? It is called Kinesiology tape and comes in a variety of colours – blue, black, pink, beige and also in a variety of designs including a union jack one that has been worn by some of the GB volleyball squad and also by runner Dwain Chambers. Kinesiology tape was founded about 25 years ago by Dr Kenzo Kase and has become increasingly popular with other brands now being introduced including Rock Tape. All different types of kinesiology tape are very similar but vary on the application strategies that are taught on their courses.

What Does It Do and How Does It Work?

Kinesio tape is not restrictive like normal athletic tape, and plays a different role entirely. Kinesio is designed to support muscles and joints without preventing movement. The tape has patterns on the adhesive side (see fig. 1) that can help to lift the skin in different areas to assist with lymph drainage during inflammation and can relieve pressure on nerve endings, decreasing pain.  Also, because the tape is non-restrictive it allows athletes to fully engage in their sport and not focus on painful areas.

Fig. 1. This picture shows the adhesive side of some pink Kinesio tape. The lines wave horizontally along the tape.  

Kinesio UK suggest the tape can be worn for up to 3-5 days but should be applied an hour before exercise or showering.  There is limited research to show the effectiveness of the tape up to 5 days after the application date and in my experience, no matter how well I stick the tape down it usually starts to peel off and fray after the second or third day.

It can be used for injury prevention and relief from muscle tightness to allow freedom of movement during sporting or everyday activities.  Additionally it can be used to assist in the treatment of muscular strains, shoulder pain (see fig.2) and to reduce swelling by using a variety of application techniques.

Fig. 2. This picture shows how the tape can be applied to help treat biceps tendonitis.

In order to apply it effectively, practitioners need to go on a course which is run by the Kinesio Taping Association. Both myself and Alex have been on such courses that allow us apply the tape effectively to gain maximum benefits.

If you would like to know more about kinesiology taping visit www.kinesiotaping.co.uk or comment on this blog and we would be happy to answer any of your questions. Additionally, you can visit our facebook page www.facebook.com/theringwoodclinic and write on our wall!