Southwest Florida's Health and Wellness Magazine Health and Wellness Articles
By Lindsey Hornbeck, DPT
When watching the latest sporting event, you may have noticed a product called Kinesio Tape on your favorite professional athlete. Well here is the good news! Kinesio tape is not just for athletes. The Kinesio Taping Method can be used on almost everybody. When combined with other therapies and treatment techniques, Kinesio tape can allow for quicker recover after injuries and surgeries. The tape can even aid in injury prevention.
According to the Kinesio Taping Association, Kinesio tape is developed with wave technology, designed to activate nerve endings on the skin’s surface that signal the brain to block discomfort and pain. The tape mimics the elasticity of human skin to help protect muscles and tissues during recovery and allow for safer range of motion during exercise. The elastic woven material lifts the skin to allow for improved circulation to remove painful fluid buildup, reduce pain, and improve overall function (Kase).
The benefits of Kinesio Tape include:
• Re-education of the neuromuscular system
• Pain reduction
• Increased circulation
• Injury prevention
• Improved performance and function
At The Life Care Center of Estero, our physical and occupational therapist are providing our patients with the benefits of Kinesio taping regularly. The tape is stretched and applied to the skin over injured muscles, tissues, and joints. When applied properly, the Kinesio Taping Method can also be used to activate weak muscle groups. Kinesio tape typically stays on for 2-3 days before needing to be reapplied, but there are no negative benefits to leaving it on longer. The tape is made of 100% cotton and stays on in the shower. It is important to assess the skin prior to application and after removal for any redness or skin irritation.
