Over the past decades, you must have observed that many of your favorite athletes or sports players have colorful tapes, taped to their shoulders, knees or backs. Ever wondered what these vibrant bands are all about? The tapes that are often seen taped to different body parts of sportspeople are known as kinesiology tapes. Kinesio tapes are therapeutic bandages that are strategically placed on injured or injury-prone body parts to facilitate healing, provide pain relief, reduce swelling and avoid reinjuries. 

 

Kinesio tapes also known as Kinesio tex tapes were invented by Dr. Kenze Kase, a Japanese chiropractor. Due to several advantages it offers, these tapes gained popularity amongst athletes and today several brands produce and sell these tapes. 

 

Several sportsmen have revealed that they have gained incredible benefits from Kinesio taping. However, there are several types of research being carried out to determine the effectiveness of kinesiology tapes and ascertain what this taping technique can and cannot do. 

 

This article has covered various applications of this physical therapy technique, its application, and its benefits. 

Types of kinesiology tape application 

 

Kinesiology taping is a versatile treatment technique that is used for various injuries and conditions. These tapes can be applied in different shapes depending on the size of the muscle you are targeting and the intensity of the injury. Most commonly KTs are applied in these shapes ‘Y’, ‘I’, ‘X’, ‘Fan’, ‘Web’ or ‘Donut’.  

 

Y Tape Application 

 

In the ‘Y’ application, the tape is 2 inches longer than the target muscle and is used for the following – 

 

  • Cover the target muscles 
  • Facilitate muscle stimuli 

 

 

‘I’ tape application

 

In the I Tape application, a single tape is used and it is applied for the following purposes- 

 

  • Oedema and pain (primary purpose)
  • Alignment correction

‘X’ tape application

 

Physical Therapist will generally use the ‘X’ tape application when- 

 

  • The origin and insertion of the target muscle changes depending on movement e.g. the Rhomboids. 

‘Donut’ tape application 

 

The Donut Tape application is favorable for the following purposes – 

 

  •  To inhibit overused or stretched muscles
  • To trigger the recovery of damages muscles 
  • Used to facilitate improved performance of the weak or underperforming muscles

 

Points to Keep In Mind While Applying Kinesiology Taping 

 

  • Do not apply the tape to skin areas that are damaged by scrapes, cuts, burns, or any other type of rash or irritation. 
  • Keep your skin dry and do not apply any oil or lotion before applying the tapes. 
  • If body hair is negatively impacting the adhesion of tapes, you may have to trim or shave the area. 
  • If the tape is applied after performing physical therapy exercises, the doctor should ensure that the perspiration has stopped. 
  • Round up the edges properly after application to avoid premature peeling of the tape. 
  • Once the tape is applied, rub the surface of the tape to activate the sensitive glue. 
  • Do not engage in any activities that cause sweating for at least one hour after the application.
  • Dry the tape after exercising, swimming, or taking a shower by gently tapping it with a soft towel. 

 

 

Benefits of Kinesiology Taping 

 

  1. Pain Relief 

 

Instant pain relief is the primary benefit of kinesiology taping. These tapes block the pain receptors in your brain and dissipate the path of pain, which gives you pain relief instantly. Once the pain signals are blocked, your muscles can relax. This way, your healing process becomes quick, comfortable, and pain-free. 

2. Decreased Inflammation

Kinesiology tapes remove muscle tightness and congestion, which facilitates free blood flow. When the injured or damaged area is supplied with ample blood and oxygen, the irritants will flush out and reduce inflammation. It will also reduce swelling and inflammation and promote faster healing. 

 

3. Joint Stabilization

Intense physical activities and strain can negatively impact joint stability. Physical therapists and sports therapists can use Kinesio tapes to support these overused and weakened muscles without disrupting the range of motion. Unlike other treatment devices such as plaster or bandages, Kinesio tapes do not restrict the movements and can even improve the range of motion. 

 

4. Improved Posture and Muscle Support 

Due to repetitive motions, some muscles lose the correct posture. When such areas are covered with Kinesio tapes, they get the required support to function efficiently. This also reduces the pain that is caused by the movement of weakened muscles. Supporting the damaged muscles with taping can also minimize fatigue and protect against cramping, over-extension, and over- contraction. 

 

Concluding Thoughts 

 

As a conclusion of the above-mentioned benefits, we can say that Kinesio Taping is one of the most effective ways to treat injured areas without restricting the movement and negatively impacting daily routine. A physical therapist will help you determine the severity of the injury or damage and curate a comprehensive treatment plan with kinesiology taping and other treatment modalities.