Kinesiotaping

Kinesiotaping is a combination of two words: kinesiology (the science of movement) and taping (with plasters). It is a therapeutic method designed for athletes, but also physiotherapy and rehabilitation. It has been used in Poland since 2004.

During the procedure, the therapist applies special tapes to the body to stabilize muscle tension. These tapes can be stretchable or non-stretchable and come in many color variations. This is especially noticable during sports competitions.

A japanese method

Kinesiotaping in its' current shape was developed in the 1970s by a Japanese chiropractor and physiotherapist, Dr. Kenzo Kase. The first used tapes were too rigid, so dr. Kase patented his own solution - Kinesio tapes. These highly flexible tapes don't restrict movement and are very effective at relaxing strained or overstretched muscles.

Kinesio tapes are made of air-permeable cotton. Thanks to acrylic adhesive, they maintain adhesion and stability for up to several days. Their structure resembles natural human skin.

Properly selected and applied, these durable, waterproof tapes have a much longer therapeutic effect - supporting joints, muscles and the lymphatic system. Another advantages is the elimination of the use of pharmaceuticals, i.e. chemical painkillers.

Kinesthetic tapes regulate local muscle tension, increasing the range of motion and strength. Gently stretching the skin in the desired direction, they facilitate loosening of the subcutaneous layer, relaxing the fascia. This improves the performance of the lymphatic system, reduces inflammation and eliminates stagnation.

Stimulating pain and deep sensory receptors (Ruffini's endings) activates the natural pain-relieving processes. Kinesiotaping is often combined with exercise rehabilitation, manual and soft tissue therapy, as well as proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF method).

Application of kinesio tapes

As we mentioned, kinesthetic patches have many more applications than just sports:

• Competitive and amateur sports physiotherapy,
• Pain relief and treatment of joints, tendons and spine injuries and degeneration,
• Post-operative treatment (acceleration of absorption of fibrosis, scars, swellings and wound healing),
• Neurological, orthopedic, gynecological and pediatric therapy,
• Support in figure correction,
• Lymphatic drainage.

Advantages of kinesiotaping

• Long-term support of healing processes,
• Applicable to children, pregnant women, elderly,
• An alternative method to other forms of therapy and rehabilitation in cases of cotraindications,
• High level of tolerance in patients,
• Minimal allergic reaction, no skin irritation,
• Tapes don't prohibit the use of other methods of physiotherapy when worn,
• Improved movement and muscular performance,
• Rapid effect which persists after the tapes are removed,
• Natural method of anesthesia, eliminating the need for pharmaceutics,
• Relatively low therapy cost.

Contraindications for kinesiotaping

• Skin injuries, wounds, cuts, ulcers,
• Sunburn, skin irritation, rashes,
• Excessive skin sensitivity and allergies.