What Is Kinesio Taping?
Kinesio Taping is a therapeutic method used to heal soft tissue pain and injury. The tape used, called K Tape, is not rigid like older styles of tape used to inhibit movement after an injury. K Tape is designed to mimic the pliability of the skin and restore movement and range of motion. The Kinesio Taping Association International says, “The Kinesio Taping® Method is a definitive rehabilitative taping technique that is designed to facilitate the body’s natural healing process while providing support and stability to muscles and joints without restricting the body’s range of motion as well as providing extended soft tissue manipulation to prolong the benefits of manual therapy administered within the clinical setting”. Coupled with massage therapy, K Taping can produce amazing, lasting results!
K Tape is latex-free, comes in many colors and is waterproof. If the tape is applied correctly, it should last over a week. You can buy K Tape and attempt to tape yourself however it is not typically a successful venture. It is better to have someone tape your injury who is trained in the technique and has practice doing it. Let me explain why…
How Does K Tape Work?
K Tape is applied to an affected muscle and the application will depend on whether the muscle is overly tightened or overly lengthened. The tape can be applied differently to support either issue.
When applying K tape, a certain amount of tension is put on the tape when it is applied. Depending on your goal for that particular application, different amounts of tension can be used. The tension on the K Tape allows the skin to lift enough to allow the uninhibited passing of blood and lymphatic fluid which enables proper and faster healing. Kinesio Tape is used to reduce edema, treat pain and preventative maintenance.
RockTape is the preferred brand at The Anatomy of Wellness due to the company's high quality standards. The tape has an adhesive that will keep on giving for the better part of a week.
Our therapists are proudly RockTape certified. One taping application is $15 on its own, or included at no additional cost when you come in for massage therapy, CoreEx, and assisted stretch therapy sessions!