Kinesiology Tape

Kinesiology tape stabilizes the injured area by lightly adhering to the skin and applying pressure to the tissues the tape is wrapped around. This tape allows the connective tissue surrounding the affected muscle or tendon to move along with the body.

When KT tape is properly applied, the elasticity in the KT tape gently lifts the skin from the tissues below. This gentle lifting of the skin creates a space to improve blood and lymphatic flow which ultimately helps to alleviate pressure and reduce swelling.

Kinesio Tape is water resistant. You may shower, bathe and swim with Kinesio Tape on the skin. Let the tape air dry, or pat dry with a towel (do not use a hair dryer to dry).

What is kinesiology tape used for?

• Treating injuries: Physical therapists sometimes use kinesiology taping as one part of an overall treatment plan for people who’ve been injured.
• Supporting weak zones
  Kinesiology tape is also used to add extra support to muscles or joints that need it. If you have patellofemoral stress syndrome, IT band friction syndrome, or Achilles tendonitis, kinesiology taping might help you.
• Re-educating muscles
  Kinesiology tape can help re-train muscles that have lost function or that have gotten used to an unhealthy way of working.
• Enhancing performance
  Some athletes use kinesiology taping to help them achieve peak performance and protect against injury when they’re competing in special events.
• Managing scars
  Although you should never use kinesiology tape on an open wound, there is some scientific evidence to suggest that kinesiology tape can improve the long-term appearance of scars after surgery or injury.

When not to tape
There are some circumstances in which kinesiology tape should not be used. They include the following.

• Open wounds. Using tape over a wound could lead to infection or skin damage.

• Deep vein thrombosis. Increasing fluid flow could cause a blood clot to dislodge, which might be fatal.

• Active cancer. Increasing blood supply to a cancerous growth could be dangerous.

• Lymph node removal. Increasing fluid where a node is missing could cause swelling.

• Diabetes. If you have reduced sensation in some areas, you might not notice a reaction to the tape.

• Allergy. If your skin is sensitive to adhesives, you could trigger a strong reaction.

• Fragile skin. If your skin is prone to tearing, you should avoid placing tape on it.