Kinesiology tape, or Okay-tape for brief, is a stretchy tape developed within the ’70s by Dr Kenzo Kase, a chiropractor who wished a tape to assist tender tissue accidents with out limiting the our bodies motion, in the best way different athletic tapes do (for instance, Zinc oxide tape is strong and inflexible, good for ankle stability taping which is the properties of most different tapes on the market – reverse to Okay-tape).
There’s over 50 manufacturers of Okay-tape in the marketplace at present (KT tape and RockTape for instance) in all fancy colors and patterns (from brilliant pinks to tattooed model) and may be labored on each a part of the physique. From easing swelling to aiding with being pregnant stomach discomfort (particularly for the pregnant runner) to getting you thru races from muscle strains and every part in between.
Now, as a therapist, I perceive this doesn’t work for everybody, nor does it work for each rhyme and purpose you’re really making use of it for. So, I’ve added tips that could this text each from analysis, from a runner and as a therapist perspective. For those who’re new to Kinesiology tape, was referred to the thought by a pal or fellow runner, whether or not you’ve had it utilized earlier than and never fairly certain what it’s; the solutions are all under.
How does Okay-tape work?
Okay-tape is a verrrrry stretchy cotton-nylon-mesh cloth tape (normally latex-free- however test model to model if you’re allergic) designed with pores and skin in thoughts.Kinesiology tape’s function is to permit motion of joints, while additionally supporting it – so it wants a stretchy nature (as does your pores and skin).
Unsure what I imply? Do that: Straighten your leg and have a look at your knee. Normally, there’s looser pores and skin in your knee cap proper? Bend your knee and the unfastened pores and skin is tight – that’s how Okay-tape may also work.
Again to the tape – it’s designed just like your pores and skin, it’s breathable and water resistant (so it doesn’t simply fall off within the bathe or wet runs like different tapes). The glue is warmth activated (we’ll undergo this later) and might final for about 3-4 days of exercises and showers on account of its sturdy medical grade adhesive.
- Current analysis (2017) presents sturdy findings that Okay-tape helps to create house inside a joint – good for irritation, its small increments however meaning it may impression your circulation. Extra oxygen-rich blood can get to the world means a speedier, stronger restoration from an harm and bruising.
- Easing of painful set off factors suggest utilizing Okay-tape to carry the pores and skin over painful, tense muscle knots (set off factors) sending new messages to the mind decreasing ache perceptions. So you’ll be able to maximise your use of foam rollers and stretches to assist regain flexibility and rid the pesky muscle knots!
What’s Okay-tape used for?
Okay-tape won’t clear up all your working woes. However it does do a superb job in aiding your rehabilitation post-injury, and assuaging tension-based ache:
- Aiding accidents:
- Further help:
- Decreased friction:
Many trainers will use Okay-tape as a part of a therapy plan following harm (myself included) but it surely can not work alone and desires different guide therapy to totally profit (so don’t exchange your bodily therapist appointment with a roll of tape).
throughout a musculoskeletal (MSK) harm rehabilitation plan, there may be certain to be muscle imbalances – one weaker than the opposite. To keep away from additional harm, Okay-tape may be utilized while doing all your workout routines. It would give your muscle that additional little hand it must get again on monitor.
keep in mind that Okay-tape creates house round a joint? When you have a friction-based harm akin to IT band friction syndrome, Achilles tendonitis, patellofemoral stress syndrome, then by particular utility of Okay-tape, house may be created, ache averted and therapeutic can start (as an alternative of re-injuring it each time you head out to run once more).
When to keep away from utilizing kinesiology tape?
There are lots of occasions Okay-tape needs to be prevented, akin to:
- Open wounds – pores and skin harm and an infection dangers.
- Lively cancers – elevated circulation can relate to development or spreading.
- Allergy symptoms – Latex or adhesive glues can set off a response (test every model before you purchase!)
- Fragile pores and skin – dry pores and skin and the sort liable to. Tearing ought to keep away from k-tape
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) – a fluid improve could cause a blood clot to maneuver which may be fatally harmful.
Does k-tape really work?
While so many sports activities personalities use Kinesiology tape, there may be analysis on the market indicating it does nothing greater than minimal features, merely a software to make you’re feeling higher. A ‘thoughts over matter’ if you’ll. BUT, as a therapist myself, and an avid long-distance runner, I can attest, it really works along with different therapies like guide remedy and workout routines. Whether or not the science says it or not.
Little again story: In 2016 I ran 10 marathons in 10 days, and boy did it harm! Predominantly highway working from the London Tower to the Eiffel Tower. And sure, I bumped into ridiculous ache and accidents, one, particularly, was my quadricep ‘pull’. A light-weight pressure on day 4/10 I felt like a zombie, dragging my proper leg by means of for one more step. At a cease, my assist workforce utilized Okay tape to offer me one thing, something to assist. And whether or not it was my thoughts. Or it was the know-how. I don’t care it labored! And I completed that day in rather less ache than I ought to have.
Now you understand precisely when to make use of it, subsequent we transfer on to how you can apply and eliminated Okay-tape. And also you’ll be again working PB’s earlier than you understand it.
