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!

25 Random Facts about Sara...

Sara is a graduate of University of Hertfordshire and a member of the Society of Sports Therapists.

Sara has experience working a season at Brumbies RFC (Super 15 rugby team) and with competitors at the Virgin London Marathon.

Sara's full profile is up on the main website's 'about us' page.

Below is a less formal introduction - Sara has written a similar blog post to this one that I wrote in early 2011, 25 random facts about me.

So with out further ado here are the 25 random facts that Sara wanted to share with us...

1) I have a younger sister called Helen and a younger brother called David 

2) My degree in Sports Therapy was 4 years instead of 3 because I did a placement year in my 3rd year in Australia with the Brumbies

3) For my education - I went to a private primary school in Eastleigh; Bournemouth School for Girls for secondary school and sixth form and went to the University of Hertfordshire to get my degree

4) My favourite subject at school was PE and my least favourite were English and Science. Ironically, my best subject in pub quizzes is now the science round!

5) I have completed Bronze, Silver and the majority of my Gold Duke of Edinburgh Awards

6) I have been horse riding from the age of 4

7) I have two horses called Jaffa and Nutmeg

8) I have visited, on holiday, places including the East and West coasts of the USA, Canada, Mauritius, Zante, Corfu, Menorca, Portugal, France, Malta, Ireland and Australia, however I have never been to Scotland

9) I used to have a bad phobia of snakes, however I forced myself to watch TV programs such as 'Venom Hunter' before going to Australia as I thought I would be coming across snakes regularly...however I didn't see a single one! It did make me less scared of snakes.. but I still don't like them very much

10) I was born with little toes that crossed over the top of my 4th toes and didn't have this rectified by surgery until I was 18

11) I was born in Poole Hospital and have lived in the same house with my parents for my whole life (except for when I'm at uni)

12) I love the countryside and when I'm in London can't wait to get back home again!

13) My favourite film is Love Actually, although I can only watch it at Christmas time!

14) I joined the kayaking club at uni and enjoy paddling on white water/rivers (however I don't have a boat so can't paddle very easily currently!)

15) I own a yellow mini which is called 'Custard'

16) I love to bake cakes and other sweet treats in my spare time - some are more successful than others!

17) If I had a super power I would be able to fly because I hate sitting in traffic jams (especially on hot days!)

18) I met my boyfriend Matt at the kayaking club at uni and we have been together ever since

19) I like playing netball and have played in the Northern and Southern Hemisphere!

20) My favourite sport to watch is rugby

21) My favourite colour is pink but I love all pastel colours!

22) Christmas is my favourite time of the year

23) I am still really close to my friends from secondary school even though we all went to different universities across England and Wales

24) I love talking about injuries to other therapists or to members of the public - I find it really interesting and could talk for hours

25) My favourite ride at Thorpe Park is 'Saw' and at Alton Towers is 'Air'!

If you would like to book in with Sara please either call 01425 480030 or use our online booking system. 

11 things I learnt in 2011

At the end of each year I like to spend a bit of time to reflect on how my year has gone. As always I would like to have 'achieved' more than I did, but none the less I'm always surprised at how much I DID get done.

Reaching January 2012 means that I have completed one full year in my new clinic. This is obviously a significant mile stone to me and I thought it would be a shame not to mark it here on my blog.

2011 will be a special year to me for a number of reasons but most significantly it's the year I got engaged to my girlfriend Gemma. We're getting married this year (2012) in early November which we're both very excited about.

Along with reflecting on my previous 'achievements' I also like to write down some of the things I've learnt.

Here are 11 'Sports Therapy' related things I learnt (or have been reminded of) in 2011:

1) Everyones body is unique and will respond to treatments differently. For example one stretch may work well with 7 out of 10 people, however the other 3 out of 10 will require a very different approach.

2) The most common 'problem' I see in the clinic is related to shoulder and neck tension (or stiffness). The majority of this is due to poor posture. Fix your posture!

3) Writing this blog is enjoyable AND a useful tool for attracting new clients. I've had a number of people book in after reading one of my blog posts. Remarkably I had a mother bring her daughter on a 7 hour round trip from Suffolk after they read this blog post. Incredible!

4) Increasing your mobility, range of motion or flexibility in many cases is easier than most people think. It just takes a consistent (daily) approach with the right exercises or stretches.

5) Look after your body, because there are some structures and tissues that once damaged cannot be put back to 'normal'.

6) Deal with your injuries as early as possible - This really is important. Doing nothing and leaving an injury to 'settle down for a few weeks' is not a good approach.

7) When injured the majority of my clients don't know when to use ice vs when to use heat.

8) Normal people can complete extraordinary things with the right dedication. I've had a number of 'normal' clients do some extraordinary things from endurance horse riding events (100 miles) to first time iron man events. Very inspiring.

9) If you have an on going knee problem you MUST look at the joints above and below the knee (i.e. the hip and ankle).

10) The foam roller is a great self massage and treatment tool.

11) If you work in a desk job you must take time to stretch - see point 2.

And one bonus: Many people have very weak and under-active glutes that are causing back pain.