The Kinesio Taping Method can stabilize and support affected areas. Athletes and patients have many choices when it comes to addressing problems of swelling, muscle support and rehabilitation. Conventional sports taping may decrease pain temporarily, but sometimes the side effects are more noticeable than the advantages.
What Taping Methods Are Commonly Used?
There are several main taping methods that are in common use today. They include white taping, the McConnell Taping Techniques, Mueller Taping and the Kinesio Taping Method.
White athletic tape is most commonly used today. It is a rigid tape and the joint or muscle is pre-wrapped before the white tape is applied. It can be used to prevent injuries or to treat acute injuries. White tape is usually only left on for a short time period, applied right before the activity and then removed immediately afterward.
Unlike Kinesio Tape, white tape may injure the skin if it is left on too long. The white athletic taping technique may cause irritation to the skin, since it traps moisture. In addition, the skin is compressed, as are the muscles and joints, and the high content of latex can irritate the skin. There are actually no rehabilitative benefits to be gained using white athletic tape, it is mainly used as a preventative.
The McConnell Taping Technique uses a cotton mesh tape that is quite rigid, and a method of strapping or bracing. This technique is used in limited cases, some of which involve hip, foot and lumbar impingement. Since it is not safe on skin like Kinesio Tape, it is not left on longer than 18 hours, to avoid irritation. McConnell taping affects the biomechanics of the patient. It is readily accepted by the medical and rehab community and is mainly used for neuromuscular training.
Mueller Taping kits are used mainly to support joints for athletic events. The process involves under-wrap foam tape and athletic tape. These kits are used for reinforcing ligaments after an injury to the wrist, knee ligament, shoulder or ankle.
The under-wrap is used so that sensitive skin won't be affected by the athletic wrap. The athletic wrap itself adheres equally well to the skin or under-wrap. It conforms well to the part of the body that you are taping.
Mueller athletic tape is high strength and its secure taping can give you maximum comfort and support. In addition, this tape is said to increase your awareness of the injury so that you don't over-use the joint while it is taped.
How Do These Methods Compare with the Kinesio Taping Method?
The Kinesio Taping Method is a technique that is therapeutic for the joints and muscles being supported. In addition to support, the method also helps to rehabilitate injured parts of the body. The tape, unlike others, allows for normal range of motion. Since it is hypoallergenic and latex-free, Kinesio tape can be used safely on virtually anyone.
Kinesio tape doesn't surround the joint and compress the skin; instead, it gently lifts the skin to help open up the lymphatic canals and allow for lymphatic fluid and blood to flow more freely. Most individuals can wear Kinesio Tape for days at a time without risk of irritation.
Kinesio Taping is done utilizing specific methods, known as the Kinesio Taping Method, that are taught to licensed practitioners of the technique, when they are certified. Unlike other sports tapes, only certified kinesio tape professionals (CKTP) should use Kinesio tape. How to get certified.
Learn more about Kinesio Tape at OrthoCo.
Contact Us:
Web: www.orthoco.com