Strapping with adhesive tape is important for the prevention of joint injuries, especially the ankle and hand. Taping is also essential during early management of injury and rehabilitation. Research has shown that recurrence of injury when the athlete recommences training is less likely with supportive taping.
A variety of sports use taping to prevent injury. Adhesive tape is often used to help athletes recover from ligament sprains or to help prevent further injury by limiting unwanted movement at a joint or offloading specific anatomical structures where a weakness has been identified.
More recently, if you watch any major sporting event, or head to a local race and you will likely see an athlete wearing brightly coloured tape. The Kinesio® Taping Method has taken the Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine world by storm. This amazing taping method was first used some 25 years ago by acupuncturists and chiropractors in Japan.
Today kinesiology tape (K Tape), or variants thereof are used by a wide variety of health professionals throughout the world to treat injuries and pain, and come in many different brands and colours.
K- Taping has become the ‘gold’ standard for therapeutic and rehabilitative taping for treatment of muscular disorders and the management of lymphoedema and chronic swelling.
K- Tape provides extended soft tissue manipulation to prolong the benefits of manual therapy administered, and is often used to compliment treatment at Spinal and Sports Care, both in our clinic and on the elite athlete. It provides support and stability to muscles and joints without restricting the body’s range of motion and better control over muscle contractions resulting in ultimately faster healing, and better performance.
Not sure what K-tape can do for you?
Ask one of our Sports Chiropractors at Spinal and Sports Care. You can request an a appointment here.
In summary, the major benefits of K-Tape technology is:
Muscle Support
Proper taping improves the muscle’s ability to contract even when it’s weakened, reduces a feeling of pain and fatigue, and protects the muscle from cramping, over-extension and over-contraction.
Improves Range of Motion
When enough tension is applied, K-tape stimulates functional and mechanical corrections, improving range of motion and adjustment misalignment that result from tightened muscles.
Improves Circulation and Reduces Inflammation
Kinesiology tape improves blood and lymphatic circulation and reduces inflammation and excess chemical buildup in the tissue.
Pain Relief
The tape facilitates the body’s own healing mechanisms by mimicking the qualities of the skin. When the right amount of tension is applied, it allows blood & lymph to flow, reducing swelling and pain.