Kinesiology Tapes

How Does Kinesiology Tape Work?

What Is Kinesiology Tape?

Kinesiology tape (KT Tape or athletic tape) is a treatment option for injuries and illnesses that lead to mobility and motor function issues. You may have noticed athletes wearing these tape strips on their bodies. These colorful strips of special tape are placed on the body to support joints (like the knee, shoulder, ankle, and wrist), muscles, and tendons and facilitate muscle functions, stabilize joints, and inhibit muscles from contracting. It also decreases muscle spasms, pain, and swelling.

How Does Kinesiology Tape Work?

Kinesio tape is made from cotton and nylon, making it stretchy and pulling back skin when applied to the affected area. KT Tape is designed to imitate the skin's elasticity without losing the full range of motion. Formulated with water-resistant, medical-grade adhesive, sports tape is strong enough to stay on for days, even while working out or showering.

1. Reduces Friction By Creating Space Between The Joints

One study found that when kinesiology tape was applied over the knee, it created space within the joint. Another study found that shoulder tape also created space in that joint when applied. The benefit of this space is that it reduces friction and irritation caused by the bones of the joints rubbing together during movement.

2. Changes in Sensory Information Sent to the Brain

Our tissues have sensory receptors that sense touch, pain, and temperature. Some physical therapists feel that alters the information our sensory nervous system sends to the brain about pain and compression in the body. As athletic tape lifts the skin, it unloads the underlying tissues, which alters the pain signals sent to the brain and decreases pain and spasms after injury.

3. Improves Blood Circulation

A study also found that KT tape improves blood circulation by the way it compresses the skin, which reduces swelling and helps muscles heal. This study also showed that these tapes increase blood flow which is important for tissue function, and have a therapeutic significance in pain management and musculoskeletal rehab.

This happens because the tape causes the epidermis to lift away from the underlying tissues. The dermis contains an interwoven network of blood and lymphatic vessels that helps meet the skin's nutritional and metabolic demands. As the pressure from these tissues is lessened or removed, they return to normal activity and enhance blood flow.

What Does Kinesiology Tape Do?

Some of the important functions of an athletic wrap tape are as follows:

1. Treats Injuries

One of the most common uses is to tape injuries. Many athletes suffer from sports-related injuries that result in swelling and limited range of motion. KT tape for knee pain relieves swelling from these injuries.

2. Supports Weak Joints

KT tape for shoulder pain provides stability to a weakened joint. It conforms to the skin contour, facilitates motion, and inhibits pain and spasms. KT shoulder tape is also helpful for conditions such as patellofemoral stress syndrome, IT band friction syndrome, or Achilles tendonitis.

3. Helps Regain Muscle Strength

Kinesiology tape can help the muscles resume their normal functioning leading to enhanced muscle strength. 

Research shows that KT tape also helps improve the posture of your head and neck by applying prolonged stretch on muscles. The muscle and collagen tissue are adaptable, and research indicates that prolonged and low-load stretches are more effective on these tissues. The KT tape maintains proper alignment of the shoulder and neck with the help of this prolonged stretch. 

4. Enhances Performance

Some athletes use  KT tape to help them perform better by avoiding sudden injury. It is also used during marathons. Runners apply the tape on their glutes so that the muscles stay active during the marathon and receive increased blood flow.

5. Manages Scars

Research has found that Kinesio tape is good for scar management by the way it pulls the skin, which causes collagen fibers to lay in a straighter pattern. This yields good results in managing hypertrophic scars, keloids, and scar contractures.

5 Best KT Tapes

HPFY carries a wide range of products related to sports injuries. Some of the best kinesiology tapes at HPFY are:

Kinesiology Tape is widely used for injuries to relieve pain and swelling. It has multiple benefits and makes it easy to engage in sports activities. An important note about KT Tapes: they should NOT be used for open wounds, deep vein thrombosis, active cancers, lymph node removal, diabetes, allergies, or on fragile skin. For more information, consult your doctor before using Kinesio tape.

 

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