What is Physiotape (Kinesio Tape)?  Definition- Elastic tape applied to a injured or strained muscle of the body.  Gives support and stability  Relieves pain and inflammation  Designed to accelerate the body’s natural healing process without affecting circulation or range of motion.

Kinesio Tape- What Makes it Different  Elasticity- While most types of athletic tape have little or no stretch, kinesio tape is very elastic and able to stretch longitudinally up to 60%. Both the thickness of the tape and its elasticity are similar to that of human skin.  Adhesive- Kinesio tape has a unique acrylic-based adhesive that is latex-free. In addition, the adhesive is not solid, making it flexible during movement.  Application Techniques- The greatest differences between kinesio tape and other sport tapes is in the method of application. While traditional sports tape is typically wrapped tightly around an injured area, kinesio tape is applied over and around the borders of muscles and joints. The amount of stretch in the tape can vary, depending of the purpose of the application.

Uses of Kinesio Tape  Examples  Sports Injuries  Medical Conditions  Sport Performance  Pediatric Disorders  Physical Therapy

Sports Injuries  Provides support to injured muscles and joints while still allowing a safe and pain-free range of motion.  This allows athletes to continue to train and compete as they recover from minor to moderate injuries.  Traditional athletic tape is worn tightly and can cut off circulation, it must be cut off immediately after activity.  Kinesio tape can be worn for several days, providing support and therapeutic benefits the entire time it is worn.  Helps alleviate bruising

Medical Conditions  Example- carpal tunnel syndrome  Tape therapy has been shown to be effective in reducing the swelling and inflammation associated with carpal tunnel syndrome.  Prevents aggravation of the problem  Speeds healing to the area  Improves circulation of blood

Sports Performance  Increases endurance  activates muscles  provides stronger, more efficient movement of related muscle groups  significantly decreases recovery time  Lifts the skin away from the soft tissue and promote blood flow.  Sends more oxygenated blood to the area, maximizing the nourishment of overworked muscles, joints, and other body structures.  Accelerates removal of lactic acid from muscles, allowing faster recovery  7Df68kY 7Df68kY

Pediatric Disorders  Infants and children with developmental delays, central nervous system dysfunction, brain injury and movement disorders can benefit from the tape.  Pediatric Kinesio Tape- has a gentle adhesive for the children's sensitive skin  Allows most applications to be worn from 3-7 days  Extending the benefits for the entire time it is worn

Physical Therapy  Critical for doctor to determine which taping techniques are appropriate for individual situations – strengthening/relaxation  Kinesio taping is best used in addition to therapy and exercise.  Can dramatically speed the rehabilitation process by lessening pain and improving tolerance to exercise and movement.

Kinesio Tape Should Not be Used When...  DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis)- DVT is a condition in which blood clots form in one or more of the deep veins of the body (often in the leg veins). Using Kinesio Tape in cases of deep vein thrombosis can cause blood clots to break free and travel to one of the vital organs (heart, lungs, or brain), which could be fatal.  Kidney problems - Because Kinesio Tape improves blood circulation and promotes lymphatic drainage, using it in conditions where the kidneys are unable to properly process body fluids can cause serious problems.  Congestive Heart Failure- Because heart failure creates an already excessive buildup of blood in the heart muscle, moving fluid back to a failing heart can overwork it.  Infection- Similar to the two conditions above, the efficient movement of fluids throughout the body in which Kinesio Tape enables, can encourage the spread of infection to other parts of the body.  Cancer- Taping when cancer is present may cause cancer cells to spread to other parts of the body which is very dangerous.

Availability  Pricing ranges from $10(6ft) to $60(103ft) depending on amount desired  Can be purchased at pharmacies, online shops, sports stores, Wal- Mart, etc.  DVD- taping fundamentals, 50+ Taping techniques

Sources   fits-of-kinesiology-tape/ fits-of-kinesiology-tape/  2/whats-with-that-tape-kinesio-taping-defined.html 2/whats-with-that-tape-kinesio-taping-defined.html