The Kinesio Taping® Method has taken the Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine world by storm. This amazing taping method was developed by Dr. Kenzo Kase over 25 years ago in Japan . Kinesio Taping® has quickly become the gold, or should we say "platinum" standard, for therapeutic rehabilitative taping. The proprietary method of taping uses a uniquely designed and patented tape for treatment of muscular disorders and lymphedema reduction.
The Kinesio Taping® Method involves taping over and around muscles in order to assist and give support or to prevent over-contraction. The first technique gives the practitioner the opportunity to actually give support while maintaining full range of motion. This enables the individual to participate in their normal physical activity with functional assistance. The second technique, which is most commonly used in the acute stage of rehabilitation, helps prevent overuse or over-contraction and helps provide facilitation of lymph flow for an entire 24 hour period. Correctional techniques include mechanical, lymphatic, ligament/tendon, fascia, space and functional. Kinesio Tex® Tape can be used in conjunction with other therapies, including cryotherapy, hydrotherapy, massage therapy, and electrical stimulation.
Kinesio Taping® affects the activation of the neurological system, the body's information processor and the circulatory system. Muscles are not only attributed to the movements of the body, but they also control the circulation of venous and lymph flows, body temperature, etc. Therefore, the failure of the muscles to function properly induces various kinds of symptoms. Consequently, more attention was given to the importance of muscle function, that the idea of treating the muscles in order to activate the body's own healing process came about. Using an elastic tape, such as Kinesio Tex® Tape, it was discovered that muscles and other tissues could be helped by outside assistance. Employment of Kinesio Taping® creates a completely new and innovative approach to treating nerves, muscles and organs.
Since the introduction of Kinesio Taping® into the US, medical practitioners from PTs, ATCs, OTs, DCs, MTs, to MDs have recognized and embraced this effective, safe and best of all, easy-to-use modality. The method and tape allow the individual to receive the therapeutic benefits 24 hours per day with both comfort and ease, because it can be worn for several days per application. Currently, Kinesio Taping® is used in hospitals, clinics, high schools and by professional sports teams.
Kinesio® Tex is a specialist tape designed for Kinesio Taping® treatment. Designed and manufactured by Kinesio in Japan , Kinesio® Tex is recognised as the only tape that uniquely meets the requirements for the Kinesio Taping® technique. Its properties are very different from traditional athletic tapes and has been developed to give optimum results when using Kinesio Taping® to treat muscular disorders and lymphoedema reduction.
The KT method involves taping over and around muscles to assist and give support and prevent over-contraction. Kinesio Tex is different to other athletic tapes as it is designed to give support whilst maintaining full range of motion, and facilitates lymphatic flow 24 hours a day.
Kinesio treats a wide variety of conditions due to its ability to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, relax the muscles, enhance performance and facilitate rehabilitation while supporting muscles in movement.
Kinesio® Tex is able to treat a variety of conditions including:
TMJ Dysfunction |
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Low Back Sprain/Strain |
Kinesio Taping for Sports
When an athlete suffers an injury, the outcome and implications are often more severe than for a normal person. Kinesio Taping® is a new and effective treatment for muscle/joint dysfunction. The method is extensively used within America and Asia, and it is now being introduced to Europe . The method is ideal for physiotherapists, sports injury practitioners and lymphoedema specialists.
This new taping method is fundamentally different to other athletic taping techniques. Using a highly elastic and unique adhesive tape called Kinesio Tex, alongside specialist Kinesio Taping applications, the method gives muscles support, even during intense activity, without affecting circulation or range of motion. This key feature allow athletes to continue their training and sporting activities despite injury.
Kinesio Taping can also be applied so that it lifts the skin away from the fascia, forming convolutions and facilitating lymph flow 24 hours a day. This technique can be used to relieve pain and swelling.
Kinesio Taping® in the USA has aided athletes such as Tiger Woods and Lance Armstrong. At the 2004 Olympic Games, Kinesio Taping was used by the Olympic Village Physio Team to treat many athletes. In the UK , Kinesio Taping is being used in hospitals, clinics, universities, high schools, and by professional sports teams.
For many practitioners working within this field, the Kinesio Taping® applications are a major breakthrough which substantially reduce recovery times and improve fitness levels for their clients.
Kinesio Tex Taping® is a new and effective treatment for Lymphoedema. The taping method can substantially aid sufferers of Lymphoedema by increasing the body's ability to drain lymphatic fluid to healthy lymph nodes. This is achieved using Kinesio Taping® techniques which have been designed specifically to aid lymphatic drainage.
Kinesio Tex Taping® is a new and effective treatment for practitioners treating the paediatric population. Kinesio Tex can be used to facilitate movement patterns and muscle use, increase stability, and improve alignment and function. Proper application techniques are essential to obtain the most effective results. Kinesio Taping can be used for:
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