Kinesio Tape: Not Just for Decoration
You may have seen it in athletic magazines, news articles or during the Olympics, but you don't have to be an athlete to benefit from Kinesio Tape. This brightly colored tape first started to catch the public's attention in 2008 at the Beijing Summer Olympics; however, it was first developed in 1979 by a Japanese chiropractor named Dr. Kenzo Kase.
Then, in 2012 at the London Summer Olympics, we saw athletes from over 80 countries using kinesio tape in some form. Sure, it looks cool -- like a fierce warrior paint -- but how does it work and why are so many chiropractors using it?
How does Kinesio Tape work?
When applied correctly, this latex-free hypoallergenic cotton fiber tape can inhibit, facilitate or increase circulation to the targeted area based on specific needs. At Affinity Chiropractic, we use it on our patients to help take pressure off overused muscles, reduce swelling and alleviate pain from injuries -- whether you're an athlete, a recreational sports player, or you've just sprained your ankle. We recommend kinesio tape in addition to stretching, strengthening exercises and other modalities for optimal healing results.
Kinesio Tape vs. Athletic Tape
Unlike standard athletic tape, which is typically used to wrap a joint for support and compression, kinesiology tape is placed on the skin in a variety of patterns depending on the injury. We'll pull it to different degrees of tension to create the desired effects, and ask you to wear it for two to five days (yes, you can shower while wearing the tape.) Sometimes we'll use kinesio tape to pull back a shoulder that hunches forward, or to reduce swelling in a joint. The tape allows us to create an area of low pressure where fluid can move and drain.
Who Can Benefit from Kinesio Tape?
We use kinesio tape on patients of all ages with any level of physical activity from professional athletes to individuals suffering from whiplash after car accidents. Patients who really benefit from this taping method include, but are not limited to, people with:
Acute Soft Tissue Injuries (muscle strains, ligament sprints, bruising)
Muscle Facilitation (muscle weakness, low muscle tone)
Joint Proprioception Retraining (joint alignment and maltracking, joint instability or hypermobility, poor posture, scapular instability)
Bone Injuries (post-fracture support, shin splints, growing pains)
Tendonpathies (Tendonitis, Tendonosis)
Fasciopathies (Plantar Fasciitis)
Systemic Conditions (Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, Fibromyalgia)
Swelling and Edema (Lymphedema, joint swelling)
To learn more, call our Hopkins Chiropractor at (612) 564-5051 to schedule a consultation with Affinity Chiropractic.
Dr. Michael Komro is the owner/operator of Affinity Chiropractic, conveniently located at 1017 Mainstreet Hopkins, MN 55343. May all of your efforts bring you health, happiness and success.
