Kinesiology Taping
What is kinesiology tape and what is it used for?
Kinesiology tape is a thin, flexible tape that was developed to aid muscle movement and enhance athletic performance. It is often used to help facilitate muscle function, stabilize joints, or keep muscles from contracting improperly. It can also be used to help decrease pain, swelling, and muscle spasms.
The elasticity, or stretchiness, of kinesiology tape allows for movement. This makes it different from the more rigid rehabilitation tape or support adhesives that have no stretch to them. Those are used to keep muscles and joints from moving and provide support after a sports-related injury, and for people who have conditions that make it difficult to activate muscles or control muscle contraction.
What Kinesiology Tape Does
While kinesiology tape seems a lot like elastic athletic tape, there are differences between the two. Among them are:
- Kinesiology tape is used to help with motion and reduce pain and spasm. Athletic tape is used for support and to limit motion, typically because of existing pain.
- Kinesiology tape is a flexible material that moves when you move. Athletic tape is relatively inflexible.
- Kinesiology tape helps to improve lymph transport and increase circulation. The tight binding nature of athletic tape serves to decrease circulation.
