There are several different kinesiology taping methods and products available today. Here, we will look at Kinesio Taping, which was one of the pioneering methods of providing pain relief through taping techniques.

A History of KT

The Kinesio taping method – referred to as KinesioTaping (KT) – was developed by Japanese chiropractor Dr. Kenzo Kase in the 1970s. Dr. Kase sought to create a treatment modality that would bring pain relief to his patients by helping the body’s natural healing process.

Dr. Kase observed that the best way to treat discomfort associated with “joint pain” was to treat the soft tissues surrounding and supporting the joints.

Dr. Kase began using tape applications to treat his patients however, none of the athletic tape available provided the properties Dr. Kase needed to deliver effective treatment. After years of trial, error, and research Dr. Kase developed his method for treating patients.

Dr. Kase and his team of product engineers developed a tape with a heat-activated adhesive that sticks directly to the skin. The tape is waterproof and can be worn during exercise or swimming, as well will discuss later.

Rising Popularity of KT

From its humble origins, KT has become a method used for physical therapy and athletic performance. From physical therapists who use KT to treat their patients to “weekend warriors” and professional athletes looking for a competitive edge, KT is now used around the globe.

According to one estimate, the global kinesiology tape market was estimated at $200 million in 2019 and is expected to grow to approximately $350 million by 2026.

Dr. Kase’s product, Kinesio Tex Tape, is one of the more popular products used for pain relief and improving athletic performance.

Pain Relief

KT may be an effective treatment option for pain relief for different parts of the body. KT can be used to treat the following conditions:

1. Ankle sprains
2. Neck and back pain
3. Knee pain
4. Shoulder pain
5. Achilles tendinitis

For maximum effectiveness, it’s recommended that KT be used in conjunction with other treatment modalities such as massage therapy.

Injuries can often lead to swelling as blood and other fluids accumulate around the injured area. When correctly applied, KT tape helps gently lift the skin, providing space for blood and oxygen to flow throughout the tissue beneath the skin. This can help to reduce the swelling and pressure often associated with injuries.

KT is also noted as an effective treatment for lymphatic drainage. During body movement, the lifting of the skin surface encourages lymphatic fluid to move to other areas of the lymph nodes.

Patients normally wear KT tape for anywhere from three to five days, depending on their injury.

Athletic Performance

Improved athletic performance may be another benefit of using KT. Many Olympic athletes wear Kinesio Tape during competitions. Athletes wear the tape because it is believed that KT can help increase blood flow and decrease pain associated with physical competition.

It’s not only elite-level athletes who use Kinesio tape to improve their performance. You may have noticed athletes at your local track, basketball court, or swimming pool wearing large strips of colorful tape. Unlike elastic support bandages, which are typically wrapped around the limbs, this brightly colored tape is applied directly onto the skin and worn during physical activity.

In a study involving collegiate softball players, it was noted that there was an increase in the range of motion, throwing velocity, and accuracy of players who used Kinesio Tape when making overhand throws. (Formisano et al., 2020)

Athletes including triathlete Matt McElroy, marathon runner Molly Huddle, and Kelley O’Hara of the US women’s national soccer team have used KT tape to give them an advantage.

Will Kinesio Tape help you stay healthy and performing at your peak? We would love the opportunity to meet with you and discover whether KT is what you need to enjoy better health and peak performance!

Let’s Schedule Your Appointment!

If you want to find out if KT is the right treatment option for you or to schedule your appointment, call us at 479-279-0106 or send us a message here.

At Radiant Wellness, we serve clients from Van Buren, Fort Smith, and throughout the River Valley. We are specialists in massage therapy, skincare, yoga, and health and wellness coaching. We would love the opportunity to meet you and discuss the many ways Radiant Wellness can help you live life well!

Citation Formisano, F. R., Miltenberger, M., Moir, G., & Davis, S. (2020). The effects of kinesio tape on throwing velocity and accuracy in collegiate softball players. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 52(7S), 1046–1046. https://doi.org/10.1249/01.mss.0000686984.24152.75

Written By Lance Montgomery

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