Kinesiology tape, through the more commercial name of Kinesio tape, has revolutionized the way in which athletes and people have treated injuries and improved performances. Read on to explore the benefits, applications, and technological strides made, paying special attention to features of the most recent offering: Kinesio Tex Performance+.
History of Kinesio Tape
The man behind the initiation of the Kinesio tape craze was Dr. Kenzo Kase, a chiropractor with a dream of producing a technique that would support the body's natural healing process. An innovative mind was going to be put on the spot in the creation of a unique therapeutic tape extending the benefits of his treatments from the clinic.
The Kase Chiropractic Institute opened in Tokyo, Japan in 1980, and with it, the Kinesio Taping Method. In 1983, the Kinesio Tape was made available to the public and quickly gained acceptance in the medical and sports fields. During the 1980s and 1990s, Dr. Kase continued to perfect the tape and came up with new ways to use it. Utilization branched out to various parts of the world, such as Asia, Europe, and the United States.
Some relevant dates in the story of Kinesio tape:
Year 1984: The founding of Kinesio Co., Ltd. and the Kinesio Taping Instructor Program. Year 1989: The All Japan National Volleyball Team adopted the Kinesio Taping. Year 1996: It was introduced to Europe. Year 2001: A Medicare code was established in the United States for national reimbursement. Year 2008: The Kinesio Taping Association International (KTAI) and support to the Beijing Olympics were established. Today, Kinesio tape is used around the world for athletes and patients to recover and perform at their best in disciplines.
Benefits of Kinesio Tape
Pain Relieving and Supportive: Kinesio tape relieves pain by lifting the epidermis, which decreases the pressure exerted on pain receptors, at the same time increasing lymphatic drainage. This support helps primarily in muscle strain, joint injury, and overuse injury.
Improved Circulation and Healing: Kinesio tape enhances increased blood flow and lymphatic drainage by lifting the skin. There therefore is complemented healing with less inflammation in the process.
Increased Athletic Performance: Athletes tend to use Kinesio tape for muscle support in cases of heavy physical activities. This tight tape helps the muscles to be stable in their working without limiting the body movements, thus making way for greater activities and decomposition.
Posture Correction: Kinesio tape can help significantly in the posture correction process to correct poor posture by providing necessary support and feedback to the muscles that work for keeping correct posture.
How to Apply Kinesio Tape
Skill is needed to apply Kinesio tape. The general steps of its application include:
Clean and Dry the Skin: The tape should have clean and dry skin so that it sticks well.
Cut Tape: Cut the tape to length and shape as necessary for each specific application.
Round the Edges: Rounding the edges of the tape will reduce the likelihood of the tape from catching and peeling away.
Apply Tape: Apply the tape with the appropriate stretch or tension. The tape can be applied with varying degrees of stretch or tension, depending upon the desired effect (support vs. decompression).
Rub Tape: Gently rub the tape after application to trigger the adhesive to adhere.
Causes of Shoulder Pain: Kinesio taping can also be performed for shoulder problems, such as rotator cuff damage and impingement of the shoulder. The tape will aid the postural muscles in supporting the shoulder and can realign the shoulder during movement, which will reduce painful symptoms.
Causes of Knee Pain: The knee can be kinesio taped to help support a wobbly patella and reduce issues with conditions such as patellofemoral pain syndrome, meniscus damage, etc.
Lower Back: Low-back taping may support and provide relief from conditions like sciatica or lumbar.
Ankle Sprains: Kinesio tape can be applied to support the ankle joint, reducing the pain and swelling from sprains.
Recent Development in Kinesio Tape Technological Advancements
Kinesio Tex Performance+ is the recent development in Kinesio tape. It has been created by combining the best properties of Kinesio Tex Gold FP and Kinesio Tex Classic, so the feel is quite different. There is no other alternative for comfort and support.
Comfort: Performance+ tape is made of a combination of cotton and polyester, ensuring heightened comfort and durability in wearing. Its denim-like appearance adds more style.
Hypoallergenic and Latex-Free: Made for sensitive skin, Performance+ tape is hypoallergenic and latex-free, further preventing irritation and allergic reactions.
Resistant to Water: It is highly water-resistant, suitable for playing hard conditions, intense workouts, or even in the pool.
Easy to Apply and Remove: This tape is easy to apply and remove, and the manufacturers provide clear instructions regarding the best methods. It does not limit the range of motion, but rather aids the joints and muscles in obtaining the extra support they need.
Targeted Support: Performance+ will support the dermis, fascia, and surface muscles to give needed support and effectiveness in pressure relief. Recommended applications are the snowflake cut, where a more evenly distributed flow of stimulus is desired.
A good tool without which most athletes and people in general cannot do without is Kinesio tape. Managing efficiency during times of pain, peak performance, and recovery: the newest Kinesio Tex Performance+ has the latest specifications that will serve in all injuries, be they in sports or daily use.
Get the Power of Kinesio Tape with Kinesio Tex Performance+. Available now at your nearest Medilab India outlet (www.medilabindia.com), you will get the tape that you need. Now find the new addition, Kinesio Tex Performance+ 2" Blue. Get it here (Kinesio Tex Performance+: 2" Blue – Medilab India).
