Kinesio Taping
Kinesio Taping
Physical therapy are a group of modalities and techniques used by a therapist to improve the health and well being of a patient. There are numerous physical therapy modalities and techniques.
The wave pattern found on the tape’s adhesive has a lifting effect on the skin which can reduce swelling and inflammation by improving circulation and reduce pain by taking pressure off pain receptor.
What is Kinesio-Taping?
Kinesio-Taping was invented in Japan in the 1970s. To-day taping is used by chiropractors, physiotherapists, medical practitioners and athletes in around the world. The method of kinesio-taping relies just as much on the technique of its application as it does on the properties of the tape itself. You can’t use any old tape!
Kinesio-tape comes in different colours. The tape is not rigid like strapping tape; it’s flexible, comfortable and functional, allowing and encouraging full range of movement. It can be used up to five days without changing, is water resistant and can expand up to about 40 percent of its actual length.
What can Kinesio-Taping treat?
Laser Therapy may serve as a valuable resource in treating such cases as:
What are the Effects of Kinesio-Taping?
The tape is used in sport and rehabilitation for muscle relaxation or muscle facilitation. For muscle relaxation, the tape is applied from the end of the muscle to the beginning (Insertion to Origin). This causes the muscle to relax and reduce tension. For muscle facilitation, the tape is applied from the beginning of the muscle to the end (Origin to Insertion). This stimulates tired or underused muscles and mostly used in rehabilitation.
How Does it Work?
The wave pattern found on the tape’s adhesive has a lifting effect on the skin which can reduce swelling and inflammation by improving circulation and reduce pain by taking pressure off pain receptor. The therapist uses the tape over and around muscles in order to assist and give support or to prevent over-contraction. It is applied with a stretch to the tape or to the target area in order to create space under the skin and create the desired effect on the musculature. This affect causes changes in deeper layers of fascia by manipulating the skin and muscle, creating space underneath the skin to improve circulation and lymphatic drainage.
Who uses it?
The popularity of kinesio-tape in North America surged after 50,000 rolls were donated and used at the 2008 Beijing Summer Games. Of these athletes, the most notable was Kerri Walsh who used the tape in competition following surgery on her rotator cuff. Serena Williamshas also used therapeutic tapes during competition. David Beckham was seen clearly using kinesio-tape on his ribcage during matches.
Who will benefit?
Kinesio-Taping is greatly effective in therapy since it has the ability to relax overused and overextended muscles, as well as rehabilitating muscular injuries. It can also be used to reduce the inflammation or the swelling by not blocking or hindering circulation, hence reducing pain. By utilizing a number of corrective techniques, the therapist can promote correct muscle and joint function, as well as pain relief by targeting the pain and the source of the pain. Applications of the tape involve utilizing single “I” strips or modifications in the shape of an “X,” “Y” or other specialized shapes.
Kinesio-tape is hypoallergenic, latex free and the adhesive compound is designed for sensitive skin. The tape works well on all ages from children to the elderly. Whether the injury is related to sport, work or poor posture kinesio-tape is an ideal treatment option to get you back to exercise, training, sport and general day-to-day activities faster and more effectively.
Does extended insurance cover the treatment?
Yes. WSIB and most insurance providers will recognize Kinesio-Taping when provided by a chiropractor as a primary health care treatment. A receipt will be issued to you at the end of each treatment. If you don’t have an extended health care plan, save your receipts for income tax purposes.