By Lindsay Peterson, SPTA

 What is Kinesio tape?  Where did Kinesio tape come from?  What are the benefits of Kinesio tape?  How do you use Kinesio tape?  Diagnoses where kinseio tape might be used.

 “An elastic therapeutic tape used for the treatment of sports injuries and a variety of other conditions.”

 Dr. Kenso Kase, a Japanese chiropractor in the 1970’s  Kinesio tape was donated to 58 countries for use during the Olympics  High profile athletes used the tape and the popularity of Kinesio tape started

 Improves proprioception  Can be worn longer than conventional tape (water proof and allows for movement)  Improves circulation (by increasing space below skin)  Decreases pain (decreased pressure on nociceptors)  Increases muscle strength  Decreases swelling and muscle spasms  Prevents sport injury

 Clean the skin and allow to dry (shave hair if necessary)  Round edges of tape to help it stay on better  Use adhesive spray for better application  Remove paper backing on tape as you apply avoid touching sticky side  Apply appropriate tension  Apply insertion to origin for acute injury or muscle inhibition  Apply origin to insertion for chronic conditions or muscle facilitation  Rub to activate

 Plantar Fasciitis  Ankle Sprain  Achilles Tendonitis  Patellar Tendonitis  Hamstring Strain  IT Band Pain  Wrist Sprain  Thumb Spica  Lateral Epicondylitis  Rotator Cuff Impingement or Tendonitis

Many studies have been conducted on the use of kinesio tape including kinesio tape vs. placebo treatment and kinesio tape vs. no tape. Researchers have concluded more data is required but it appears kinesio tape has little impact on pain, proprioception, and muscle activity. However kinesio tape does show signs of improving strength in injured areas.

 Williams I, Whatman C, Hume P, Sheerin K. Kinesio Taping in Treatment and Prevention of Sports Injuries. Sports Medicine [serial online]. February 2012;42(2): Available from: CINAHL with Full Text, Ipswich, MA. Accessed November 20,  Fu T, Wong A, Pei Y, Wu K, Chou S, Lin Y. Effect of Kinesio taping on muscle strength in athletes-a pilot study. Journal Of Science And Medicine In Sport / Sports Medicine Australia [serial online]. April 2008;11(2): Available from: MEDLINE, Ipswich, MA. Accessed November 20,  Aytar A, Ozunlu N, Surenkok O, Baltacı G, Oztop P, Karatas M. Initial effects of kinesio® taping in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome: A randomized, double-blind study. Isokinetics & Exercise Science [serial online]. June 2011;19(2): Available from: CINAHL with Full Text, Ipswich, MA. Accessed November 20,  