What’s all of that colored tape about? The world of kinesiotaping
February 16, 2016Kinesiotaping is a relatively new concept to the general public, but it has actually been around for more than 40 years. For me, Kinesiotaping first came out in the media in the Olympics when Kerri Walsh & Misty May-Treanor won their gold medals. Kerri Walsh was sporting this bright blue or black tape across her shoulder. “What is that?” seemed to be the world’s question. Although pictures may show the brand KT, this was the spark that lit my interest for kinesiotaping. Since then, I have taken 3 courses for kinesiotaping & have had significant results in the neurological environment, where individuals with strokes have benefited from kinesiotaping, as well as in the outpatient setting, where clients have had support & relief from diagnoses such as low back pain & plantar fasciitis or tendinitis.
As mentioned before with Kerri Walsh having KT on her shoulders, there are other brands of “tape” for purchase at retailers, but they do not have the therapeutic advancements that kinesiotape offers & has research to verify its affects. Unless you have been instructed by a trained professional, this tape is usually not beneficial when applied because of the lack of understanding & improper technique. The professionals who use kinesiotape have been to at least one class & can go to up to three then taking a test to become certified in kinesiotaping. If they have not attended a course, they at least have been instructed on each technique to provide the appropriate use & technique for the specific problem.
Kinesiotape comes in only 5 colors: white, black, blue, beige & pink. All of the colors are plant derived & the tape is latex free. Very seldom is there ever a reaction to the tape once it is applied. It is designed to assist in helping the body heal naturally on its own “while providing support & stability to the muscles & joints without restricting the body’s range of motion” (www.kinesiotaping.com). The application depends on the “direction and amount of stretch placed on the tape at the time of application” and can be utilized “in hundreds of ways and has the ability to re-educate the neuromuscular system, reduce pain & inflammation, optimize performance, prevent injury and promote good circulation and healing, and assist in returning the body to homeostasis” (www.kinesiotaping.com).
If you are interested in more information regarding kinesiotaping, please visit their website: www.kinesiotaping.com. And don’t forget to ask your therapist if they are trained or are educated in kinesiotaping! We look forward to helping you & your impairments.