History of Kinesiology tape
Dr. Kenzo Kase developed Kinesiology Tape in the 1970s. Dr. Kase was searching to provide his patients with a drug-free option to decrease his patient's pain in between appointments. He was able to design a tape with flexibility, density, and substance similar to the epidermis layer of the skin.
what is Kinesiology tape
Today, taping is becoming popular with not just humans but animals alike. The attributes of k-tapes target different receptors within the somatosensory system and relate sensations such as pressure, pain, or even warmth. The tape can breathe and allows for water to evaporate. The specific pattern on the tape helps lift the skin and causes the tissue to stretch, creating a lifting effect on the subdermal and fascial layers. This effect also separates the muscle, dermal layers and stimulates mechanoreceptors, nerve endings. The decompressed areas allow fluid build-up from inflamed areas to move and circulate. This leads to a reduction in inflammation and an improvement in circulation, which in turn facilitates lymphatic drainage.
K-Tape has been used in rehab to help facilitate healing, support soft tissue joints and help improve muscular function. Taping does not restrict motion; it also takes the pressure off injured or swollen muscles. K-tapes massaging effect provides stimulation to skin cells that affect pain pathways. K-Tape has been proven to have positive physiological effects on lymphatic, circulatory systems, fascia, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and joints!
Why use Kinesiology tape?
K-tape can help by:
- Supporting weak, overused, or injured muscles
- by assisting the muscle in relaxation or contraction
- reducing muscle fatigue and cramping, and re-injury
- prevent over-extension or over contraction
- Improves circulation of the lymphatic system, blood flow, and removal of congestion
- decompressing the dermal and fascial layers creates drainage pathways
- Reduces inflammation
- removes lactic acid and on a cellular level, removes breakdown products, damaged cells, and cellular debris
- Reduces pain
- relieves tension in overused/hypertonic muscles
- Facilitates normal motion and function in movement
- Stabilize ligaments, tendons, and joints
- Encourages correct posture