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Does Kinesiology Tape Really Work?
Does Kinesiology Tape Really Work?
If you're a sports fan, chances are that at some point you've seen athletes -- from basketball players to Olympic runners -- wearing the brightly colored adhesive known as kinesiology tape. The flexible tape is meant to support muscles and joints, and some brands claim it increases muscle mass and athletic performance. But does it work? In this article, we'll take a look at the research on this therapeutic tool to determine whether it can actually help relieve pain or improve injury recovery and performance.
Developed in the 1970s by a chiropractor named Kenso Kase, this elastic tape has since gained a following among professionals and amateurs alike. Its popularity stems from the claim that it promotes movement and helps to speed up healing by lifting skin to allow blood and lymph fluids to circulate more easily, reducing swelling and allowing for an increase in flexibility. Some studies have shown that kinesiology tape can help with many injuries and ailments, including lower back pain, plantar fasciitis, knee problems, shoulder issues, and even headaches.
Kinesiology tape can be found in many stores and online, sold by practitioners or in pre-cut strips. It is often applied to the area where support and stability are needed, and can last up to five days if properly applied. It's a one-time use tape, and it's recommended to apply the first two inches of the strip to the affected area, then gently stretch it over the remaining portion to ensure it's fully secured to the skin. After the taping, rub your hands along it to activate the adhesive and make sure it's secure and comfortable.
Although people can apply kinesiology tape at home, it's typically better to have a licensed physical therapist or trainer demonstrate proper technique and show you how to do it. The tape needs to be placed correctly, and it can be difficult for people without a clinical background or experience to understand how to use the tools to create the proper shape for each muscle and condition.
It's also important to note that kinesiology tape should not be used on open wounds or on fragile skin (like older patients with frailties). It may increase fluid flow, which could cause a blood clot in the vein and possibly be dangerous. Also, it's not a good idea to use kinesiology tape over areas where there is cancer or other growths, as increasing fluid in those areas could potentially dislodge them, causing swelling and possibly infection.
When a professional applies the tape, it's generally placed over the muscle that's most affected by an injury or condition. It's usually cut to a size that is slightly smaller than the muscle, and it's wrapped around it. Typically, the middle section of the tape is more stretchy, while the ends have less stretch to create firm edges that can hold the tape on the skin. Depending on why the tape is being applied, it can be placed in different directions, as each muscle has a specific orientation that is best for facilitating movement and improving flexibility.
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