The Kinesio Taping Method developed by Dr. Kenzo Kase is quite different than conventional sports taping methods. It facilitates the body's ability to heal itself, while it provides stability and support to joints and muscles. Range of motion will not be affected as it is with traditional taping, and Kinesio Tape enables the extended manipulation of soft tissue, which prolongs the manual therapy benefits.

Sochi 2014 - Courtesy of Kinesio USA

What are the Properties of Kinesio Tex Gold Tape?

Kinesio Tape may be worn for several days, since it latex-free and hypoallergenic. The adhesive is heat-activated, so the tape does not loosen as the days go by. The tape is safe for everyone from young children to the elderly. It treats neurological, neuromuscular and orthopedic conditions.

How Does the Kinesio Taping Method Work?

The methodology used in Kinesio Taping is therapeutic and offers support as well as rehabilitation for the affected body parts. The system targets receptors in the body's somatosensory system, allowing it to microscopically lift the skin for pain alleviation and to facilitate draining of the lymphatic system. The comfortable lifting of skin creates more space between skin and muscles, allowing for inflammation reduction.

Based upon many years of clinical use, Kinesio Tape is applied to patients after they are thoroughly evaluated. The findings within that clinical evaluation dictate the specific ways in which these taping methods can help the patient.

Using “I” strips or “Y” and “X” modifications of these strips, and other shapes, too, there are many ways the tape can be applied to benefit patients. Also important is the degree to which the tape is stretched and the direction of taping. You can apply Kinesio Tex Gold FP tape in many ways, allowing it to promote healing and circulation, prevent injury, enhance performance and reduce inflammation and pain. In addition, the methods allow the body to return to a state of homeostasis, where the body uses its own power to heal itself.

What are the Benefits of Kinesio Taping?

To achieve the full benefits of the Kinesio Taping Method, an experienced clinician must be able to assess and evaluate the patient's needs. There may also be other conditions that require various other treatment regimens. The tests for evaluation include gait assessment, testing for range of motion and manual testing of muscles. The information gathered during the assessment will enable the clinician to lay out a comprehensive treatment plan.

Kinesio Tex Tape is a valuable addition to treatment. It has positive physiological effects not just on the skin, but also on joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia and the circulatory and lymphatic systems. Clinicians can use the taping methods along with other treatments, and it is especially effective in rehabilitating injuries and for preventing further injury.

Education is Key to the Kinesio Taping Methodology.

It is vitally important that the person using Kinesio tape be someone who has learned how to apply it properly. There are many certified Kinesio Taping practitioners (CKTP) worldwide and the standards of practice are maintained by consistent teaching prior to a practitioner becoming certified. Courses and seminars offered by KTAI allow the Kinesio Taping Method to be used properly by all of its practitioners.