KINESIO TAPE
You can see taping as a form of constant massage! It supports micro-circulation (transport of nutrients via capillaries), stimulates lymphatic drainage, prevents the adhesion of connective tissue and improves the mobility of muscles and joints.
Unlike traditional, rigid sports tapes - which strongly immobilize to prevent further injury - kinesio tape directs and encourages the muscles and fascia (connective tissue) to move! Kinesio tape is almost identical to human skin in both thickness and elasticity. Therefore, kinesiology tape can be used without restricting freedom of movement.
OPERATION
Nerve receptors are located both in the skin and in the deep(er) layers of, among other things. the fascia and muscles. The combination of the correct tension with which the tape is applied and the wave pattern on the inside of high-quality kinesiology tape lifts the skin, as it were, and releases it from the underlying muscle tissue. There is a relief or decrease in pressure on the injured muscle, which causes the nerve receptors to send a reduced number of pain signals to the brain.
TAPE TENSION
Tensions can activate and excite muscles; the elasticity and tension of the tape are paramount:
• With a cruciate ligament injury, the quadriceps muscle will be significantly weakened. If these muscles are taped with maximum tension, the muscle fibers will be brought closer together which essentially causes a contraction of the muscle (and the muscle will strengthen).
• On the other hand, with plantar fasciitis (inflammation in the heel area), the calf will experience more pressure. This pressure can be reduced by applying the kinesio tape with (very) limited tension in order to reduce the reception of pain signals.
DOES KINESIOTAPING HELP?
YES!
Studies have shown that kinesiology tape has a better outcome for chronic musculoskeletal pain - lasting more than 4 weeks (1) - compared to other typical interventions such as ice, painkillers, etc.).
As with any treatment, taping is not suitable for everyone and is part of a broader treatment plan. Kinesiology tape should be considered a complement to other evidence-based treatments such as therapeutic exercises.
WHEN TO USE
Depending on how (under what tension) the kinesio tape is applied, it can be used for, among other things: Supporting muscles, proprioception (muscle stability during mobility) and relieving the fascia:
SUPPORT
Taping prevents muscles from stretching too much or contracting too much. Kinesiology tape is used to provide extra support to affected muscles or joints without restricting mobility.
RE-EDUCATION
Kinesiology tape can help to “retrain” muscles that have become accustomed to incorrect positioning, causing them to not function at all or to a large extent.
IMPROVE
Some use kinesio tape because they think it helps them perform better. However, there are no medically substantiated studies on this and it is suspected that there is a psychological aspect.
HOW TO APPLY
You do not have to be a specialist to apply kinesiology tape correctly. There is no evidence whatsoever that all kinds of patterns and specific techniques contribute to a better result! Apply the tape to the painful area with a slight stretch (approx. 25% but never more than 50%). If the tape does not reduce pain by 50% after application, then the kinesio tape will not be effective for this specific situation.
APPLICATION TIPS
The first and last 4 cm of the tape should be applied without any tension.
• Avoid folds in the tape and do not touch the adhesive side.
• Cut the ends into a round shape to prevent quicker separation from the angular sides.
• Apply to the painful area and, if necessary, place several strips along both sides of the affected muscle.
• Remove immediately in case of rash (allergic reaction).
• Kinesio tape can be worn for between 3 and 5 days.
• Contact with water affects the wearing time.
KINESIO TAPES
SOURCES
(1) Lim, EC and MGTay, Kinesio taping in musculoskeletal pain and disability that lasts for more than 4 weeks: is it time to peel off the tape and throw it out with the sweat?A systematic review with meta-analysis focused on pain and also methods of tape application.Br J Sports Med, 2015. 49(24): p. 1558-66.
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