After an injury, patients want to heal and get moving normally again as soon as possible. This is especially true of athletes. One way to promote healing is by using kinesiology tape, which moves with the skin and promotes blood circulation.
The physical therapy and rehabilitation medicine teams at Centers for Neurosurgery, Spine & Orthopedics (CNSO) work with injured patients to help them return to full functional mobility. With locations throughout northern New Jersey, CNSO helps people with ankle injuries recover and get moving again.
What Is Kinesiology Taping?
Kinesiology tape, sometimes called elastic therapeutic tape, is not your typical sports tape. Traditionally, sports tape was used to minimize the movement of injured joints to prevent further injury. While that worked, it also slowed down the healing process by reducing circulation.
Kinesiology taping, developed in 1979 by Dr. Kenzo Kase of Japan, takes the opposite approach. Kinesiology tape is placed on top of the injured tissue. It allows movement and helps to open up the space between the layers of the skin, myofascial tissue, and muscles. As the patient moves, the tape and skin move too, pulling slightly on the skin. This allows blood and other body fluids to move freely around the injured area.
How Is Kinesiology Tape Used?
Kinesiology taping can be used for various functions depending on how the medical team applies the tape. The four goals of kinesiology taping are as:
- Supporting and facilitating a muscle: Kinesiology taping can help the muscle contract and reduce pain and fatigue of a muscle to protect a weakened muscle.
- Reduce inflammation and promote healing: Kinesiology tape can improve the circulation of blood and other bodily fluids by creating space between the layers of the skin, myofascial tissue, and muscles. This can reduce swelling, help bruises heal, and facilitate scar healing.
- Address the analgesic system: Kinesiology taping can reduce local symptoms by reducing pressure on pain receptors.
- Supporting and improving joint issues: Kinesiology taping can provide support and assist in adjusting positions while allowing motion that would be restricted by traditional taping methods.
What Kinds of Injuries Can Kinesiology Tape Help Treat?
Physical therapists and rehabilitation specialists use kinesiology tape to help with a variety of injuries, including sprains, strains, tendonitis, muscle fatigue, and joint pain. It is also used for injury prevention and recovery after surgery.
Kinesiology tape also can be used to treat chronic pain caused by conditions such as osteoarthritis.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kinesiology Tape
How Long Should a Patient Wear Kinesiology Tape?
For most cases, kinesiology tape is worn for three to five days, but the length of time depends on the specific injury and circumstances. The medical team will provide recommendations.
Can Patients Shower While Wearing Kinesiology Tape?
Kinesiology tape is water-resistant, so it can be worn while swimming, bathing, or showering. It should be patted dry afterward.
Are There Any Side Effects from Using Kinesiology Tape?
Some patients may experience skin irritation or allergic reactions. If that happens, a patient should consult with the care team.
Can Patients Buy Kinesiology Tape and Apply It Themselves?
While kinesiology tape is available at most pharmacies and can be applied by patients themselves, it is best to have guidance from a medical professional like those at CNSO. That will ensure proper application and use.
Trust CNSO for Injury Treatment
Patients with injuries do not have to live in pain or with restricted mobility — they can access outstanding treatment and rehabilitation from the specialists at Centers for Neurosurgery, Spine & Orthopedics. With locations throughout northern New Jersey, patients can access comprehensive medical care at CNSO, including physical therapy, pain management, and rehabilitation medicine. To make an appointment with a specialist, contact CNSO today.
