KINESIO TAPE/
SPIDER TECH TAPE

The Kinesio Taping® Method is taking the rehabilitation and sports therapy world by storm. You may have noticed some of the Olympic athletes recently sporting K-tape! This amazing taping method was developed by a chiropractor, Dr. Kenzo Kase over 25 years ago in Japan. Since then it has become the gold standard for therapeutic rehabilitative taping. This proprietary method of taping uses a uniquely designed and patented tape for treatment of muscular disorders and lymphedema reduction.

The Kinesio Taping® Method involves taping over and around muscles in order to assist and give support or to prevent over-contraction. The first technique gives the practitioner the opportunity to actually give support while maintaining full range of motion. This enables the individual to participate in their normal physical activity with functional assistance.

The second technique, which is the most commonly used in the acute stage of rehabilitation, helps prevent overuse or over-contraction and helps provide facilitation of lymph flow for an entire 24 hour period. Correctional techniques include mechanical, lymphatic, ligament/tendon, fascia, space and functional. Postural taping is one of Dr. O’Donnell’s favorites and she has found that it is invaluable in teaching a patient how to improve posture and begin re-training their muscles. Kinesio Tex Tape can be used in conjunction with other therapies, including cryotherapy, hydrotherapy, massage therapy, electrical stimulation and Graston Technique to optimize treatment. It is also used in cases of bruising in which case it accelerates the healing time and reduces pain. (Refer to list of conditions treated)

Kinesio Taping affects the activation of the neurological system, the body’s information processor and the circulatory system. Muscles are not only attributed to the movements of the body, but they also control the circulation of venous and lymph flows, body temperature, etc. Therefore, the failure of the muscles to function properly induces various kinds of symptoms. Consequently, more attention was given to the importance of muscle function, that the idea of treating the muscles in order to activate the body’s own healing process came about. Using an elastic tape, such as Kinesio Tex Tape, it was discovered that muscles and other tissues could be helped by outside assistance. Employment of Kinesio Taping creates a completely new and innovative approach to treating nerves, muscles and organs.

Since the introduction of Kinesio Taping into the US, many healthcare practitioners have recognized and embraced this effective, safe and best of all, easy-to-use modality. The method and tape allow the individual to receive the therapeutic benefits 24 hours per day with both comfort and ease, because it can be worn for several days per application. Currently, Kinesio Taping is used in hospitals, clinics, high schools and by professional sports teams.

Content reprinted with permission from Kinesio Holding Corporation (www.kinesiotaping.com)