Kinesio Taping

Kinesio Taping….you’ve seen it on the Olympics athletes but no one has done a very good job explaining what makes it so unique.

Originating in Japan three decades ago Kinesio Taping gained popularity among athletes and trainers thanks to Lance Armstrong.  In his book, Every Second Counts, Lance noted his team used a new athletic tape from Japan that seemed to have “Magical Powers”.

The traditional approach to taping has been to immobilize the problem, Kinesio Taping is completely different. The elastic properties of the tape help to:

• Improve contraction of a weakened muscle
• Reduce muscle fatigue and spasm
• Reduce over-stretching and over contraction of muscle
• Re-educate muscles through sensory feedback
• Lessen edema (swelling) through aiding the lymphatic system
• Minimize post-traumatic or post-surgical bruising through improved circulation
• Help mobilize scar tissue by reducing adhesions between tissue layers
• Help correct joint mechanics through aiding muscle function around the joint
• Relieve pain by activating the natural analgesic system in our skin receptors

As a part of your therapy

I use Kinesio Taping as an adjunct to soft tissue therapy because it gives support and stability to your joints and muscles. It can dramatically speed the rehabilitation process by lessening pain and improving tolerance to movement.  I’d be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding Kinesio Taping.