Jennifer Patterson
If you watched any of the summer Olympic Games, you may have noticed a lot of athletes wearing colorful tape in various shapes and patterns on visible portions of their bodies. Sports like volleyball, gymnastics, diving, track & field, water polo, and more showed athletes from varying nations wearing the tape throughout the events. But what is it and why are they wearing it?
It is called Kinesiotape and was developed by a Japanese Chiropractor and Acupuncturist named Dr. Kenso Kase in the late 1970’s. The Kinesiotaping method is designed to aid the body’s natural healing process while providing support and stability to muscles and joints. Unlike traditional rehabilitative taping methods, kinesiotaping does not restrict or limit the body’s full range of motion and even enhances movement and function. It extends soft tissue manipulations (movement of bodily tissues, like muscle and fascia) to prolong the benefits of manual therapies, such as massage therapy, physical therapy or chiropractic care. As said by Dr. Kase, “You are walking out the door with the tape continuing the work of my hands.” Kinesiotape works to re-educate the neuromuscular system, reduce pain, optimize performance, prevent injury and improve circulation and healing. A famous cyclist even called it “magic tape” because it makes the pain go away.
Many have asked the question: Is the tape medicated? The answer is no. Deep in our skin are various receptors that detect and cause pain. On the application side (sticky side) of the tape is a series of striation patterns which, upon application, gently lift the skin to alleviate pain and facilitate lymphatic drainage. This lifting affect forms convolutions (kind of like microscopic contractions in the skin) thus creating more interstitial space and allowing for a decrease in inflammation and improved circulation in the affected areas.
The tape is latex-free and can be worn for up to 3-5 days. It comes in several colors: blue, pink, black and beige and is safe for ages ranging between pediatric to geriatric populations. I can tell you from both personal and working experience that kinesiotape works! If you are interested in trying the Kinesiotaping method, give me a call today at 859-494-5033. For further information, you can check out the website at www.kinesiotaping.com.
Jen Patterson, BA, LMT
“Massage 4 Sport, Health & Life”
