For What and When Kinesio Taping is Used?
Kinesio taping is performed with special elastic bandages. Kinesio tapes are tapes made of cotton or synthetic fabric. One side is coated with a special adhesive that is activated by the heat of the skin. The width and length of the tapes vary from 5-10 cm to several tens of centimetres. Their size is determined by clinical indications: the diagnosis, the size of the area of the body where the tapes are to be placed, etc. The adhesive backing of the kinesiotape is hypoallergenic. It contains acrylic, which creates a secure fixation.
The kinesio taping procedure is applied to improve the effectiveness of treatment of musculoskeletal system pathologies and rehabilitation after injuries (sports, domestic, industrial). Earlier this method was used only in sports medicine, but with time taping has been widely used by physiotherapists, rehabilitation therapists, neurologists, orthopaedists and traumatologists.
The use of tapes has the effect of improving blood and lymphatic circulation, stabilising blood microcirculation and relieving muscle hypertonicity. The method helps to improve the mobility of the joints and the spine. The taping treatment is effective for pain, overstrain and inflammation of muscles. It accelerates rehabilitation and increases the effectiveness of pharmacotherapy and physiotherapy. Due to its safety and non-invasiveness, taping is often used for the treatment of pain, strain and inflammation:
- reduction of painful sensations;
- recovery from strenuous physical activity;
- anti-inflammatory effects;
- elimination of muscle spasticity;
- reduction of swelling;
- increase joint mobility.