Discover The Exciting Benefits Of Kinesio Taping
You have probably never heard of the term ‘kinesiotaping’ before. But you may have occasionally seen someone on the street with some colorful strips in one or more places on your body.
What are these strips? What are they used for? How do they work? Can everyone use them?
These reinforcing and hypoallergenic cotton strips are used to treat injuries and other physical ailments. They constitute what is known as the kinesiotaping technique, which was discovered in 1970 and has been well received in countries such as Japan.
Let’s take a look at why this technique has been proven useful in many different treatments, and not just for professional athletes.
What is kinesio taping?
Kinesiotaping is a technique that involves placing hypoallergenic, water-repellent, elastic strips of cotton on certain damaged parts of the body. To facilitate movement, the strips are made of a type of fiber that can be stretched up to 140% of its original length.
Once the experts have placed them, they can remain on the skin for several days. However, they must be replaced after a certain time (usually after 3-4 days, depending on the case).
Of course, the strips do not affect flexibility or impede movement. On the contrary, they will actually speed up the healing process. Therefore, they are a great addition to various types of treatments (such as massage ).
The color of the tape
Kinesiotaping is used to treat muscle stress.
The color of the tape varies depending on the location, type of traction and damage. For example, they use blue and black strips to relax the muscle (in addition to having an analgesic effect ), while pink and yellow strips are stimulating.
How do they work?
Once they have placed the tape, heat is generated from the movements, which, so to speak, constitutes a massage that eliminates discomfort.
The benefits of kinesio taping
Although clinical trials have not yet demonstrated efficacy, some professionals have stated that this is a technique that offers the following benefits:
- Facilitates lymph drainage.
- Activates blood circulation.
- Helps to improve posture (corrects adjustment of weak muscles).
- Gives joints and muscles extra support.
- Reduces muscle fatigue.
- Reduces inflammation and relieves pain.
- It is useful in reducing the intake of anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, which have side effects.
What is kinesio taping good for?
They use this type of treatment for the following disorders:
- Muscle tension
- Back pain
- Localized pain
- Sports injuries
- Muscle overload
- Tendonitis
- Muscle cramps
- Problems with circulation or drainage (cellulite, lethargy, edema and so on).
How does it work?
A specialist applies the tape to an area with more or less flexibility (depending on the individual case). They stretch it out so that it has an astringent effect. Kinesiotaping promotes a small, microscopic lifting of the skin due to its flexibility and waveform on the fibers of the tape. This reduces the pressure on the injury and prevents stimuli that can be painful.
Requirements for application
- The skin should be clean, dry and hairless, and without any creams or oils (these can prevent the tape from working properly).
- In addition, the tips of the tape must always be rounded off for better grip.
- You must also massage the area gently after placing the tape so that it contracts.
- You can shower with it, but avoid touching or washing the taped areas.
- In case of irritation, you should go to a professional to have the tape removed immediately. But remember that it is sometimes normal to feel itchy or itch a little. This is due to the increased circulation.
Things to keep in mind
It is best if a physiotherapist applies the tape after a physical evaluation. It may seem like kinesio taping is easy to apply, but you should avoid applying it at home as this may work against its purpose.
