KINESIO TAPEBy Lindsay Peterson, SPTA

OBJECTIVES What is Kinesio tape?

Where did Kinesio tape come from?

What are the benefits of Kinesio tape?

How do you use Kinesio tape?

Diagnoses where kinseio tape might be used.

DEFINITION “An elastic therapeutic tape used for the treatment of sports injuries and a variety of other conditions.”

HISTORY Dr. Kenso Kase, a

Japanese chiropractor in the 1970’s

2008 - Kinesio tape was donated to 58 countries for use during the Olympics

High profile athletes used the tape and the popularity of Kinesio tape started

BENEFITS Improves proprioception Can be worn longer than conventional

tape (water proof and allows for movement)

Improves circulation (by increasing space below skin)

Decreases pain (decreased pressure on nociceptors)

Increases muscle strength Decreases swelling and muscle spasms Prevents sport injury

TECHNIQUES Clean the skin and allow to dry (shave hair if

necessary) Round edges of tape to help it stay on better Use adhesive spray for better application Remove paper backing on tape as you apply

avoid touching sticky side Apply appropriate tension Apply insertion to origin for acute injury or

muscle inhibition Apply origin to insertion for chronic

conditions or muscle facilitation Rub to activate

HTTP://WWW.ATHLETICTAPEINFO.COM

WHEN YOU MIGHT USE KINESIO TAPE Plantar Fasciitis Ankle Sprain Achilles Tendonitis Patellar Tendonitis Hamstring Strain IT Band Pain Wrist Sprain Thumb Spica Lateral Epicondylitis Rotator Cuff Impingement or Tendonitis

RESEARCHMany studies have been conducted on

the use of kinesio tape including kinesio tape vs. placebo treatment and kinesio tape vs. no tape. Researchers have concluded more data is required but it appears kinesio tape has little impact on pain, proprioception, and muscle activity. However kinesio tape does show signs of improving strength in injured areas.

REFERENCES Williams I, Whatman C, Hume P, Sheerin K. Kinesio Taping in

Treatment and Prevention of Sports Injuries. Sports Medicine [serial online]. February 2012;42(2):153-164. Available from: CINAHL with Full Text, Ipswich, MA. Accessed November 20, 2012.

Fu T, Wong A, Pei Y, Wu K, Chou S, Lin Y. Effect of Kinesio taping on muscle strength in athletes-a pilot study. Journal Of Science And Medicine In Sport / Sports Medicine Australia [serial online]. April 2008;11(2):198-201. Available from: MEDLINE, Ipswich, MA. Accessed November 20, 2012.

Aytar A, Ozunlu N, Surenkok O, Baltacı G, Oztop P, Karatas M. Initial effects of kinesio® taping in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome: A randomized, double-blind study. Isokinetics & Exercise Science [serial online]. June 2011;19(2):135-142. Available from: CINAHL with Full Text, Ipswich, MA. Accessed November 20, 2012.

http://www.kinesiotaping.com http://www.athletictapeinfo.com