The Bright World of Kinesio Tape

If you are wondering if that black or bright colored tape seen on a few high profile athletes like David Beckham or Kerri Walsh is a fashion statement, well it’s not. It’s called kinesio tape and it is the latest craze in the fitness world. The tape is great for aiding professional athletes, like Serena Williams, by providing support to their problems areas all without restricting blood flow or range of motion. Many athletes are turning to this special tape to help them facilitate healing in their sore joints and muscles.

You may be wondering how something as simple as tape can speed healing and improve performance in athletes. Here’s how it works: the tape pulls the skin up slightly, allowing more blood to flow to the sore area. This lifting effect forms convolutions in the skin that increase interstitial space and decrease inflammation in the problem area. Also, some of the types of Kinesio tape have cooling properties that help fight inflammation. The tape not only supports the muscles, it removes congestion and activates the endogenous system. Kinesio Tex Tape can be used for anything from headaches to foot problems and whatever else is in between.

Japanese chiropractor Dr. Kenzo Kase was the man with the idea to improve the way athletes were using tape to support their injuries. He discovered that the standard way people were using tape to support their injuries was restricting their range of motion and limiting blood flow to the problem area. When Dr. Kase started experimenting with elastic tape he invented a material that provided support without restricting blood flow or movement if applied correctly. He named this new kind of tape Kinesio Tex Tape, with Tex being short for textile. Ever since this tape hit the market those who use it have seen incredible results, spreading the tape’s popularity around the world.

Education is very important to Kinesio practitioners. There is a special way the tape needs to be applied to injuries according to what the injury is and to what part of the body the injury has occurred. This taping technique is called the Kinesio Taping Method and practitioners are required to be certified in this method before they can apply the tape to patients. The method was founded by Dr. Kase who also started the Kinesio Taping Association. The association provides courses and holds seminars for those who are looking to enter into this practice. The association also regulates certifications and conducts extensive research and clinical trials to bring practitioners the most up to date information.

The tape is safe for use on children to seniors. In the case of injury an evaluation by a certified Kinesio taping method practitioner should be conducted order to get the proper treatment. The Kinesio tape is a very important addition to the protocol. The tape can also be used in conjunction with other treatments. In many situations the tape can be use for preventive purposes, not just for injuries. Proper placement can help protect the tendons or muscles from overuse. The Kinesio taping method is the best way to facilitate healing with the least limits on range of motion.

For special pricing on Kinesio Tex Tape, go to http://www.protherapysupplies.com. This article, The Bright World of Kinesio Tape is available for free reprint.