Kinesiology taping is a therapeutic taping method which provides many benefits such as pain relief, stability, postural awareness, reduces swelling, improves nerve entrapments and scar tissue restrictions.
Kinesiology tape, depending on the brand, may be composed of nylon, hemp or cotton, and an adhesive. When this tape adheres to your skin it will mechanically decompress the skin and underlying tissues it is applied to. Therefore, this tape helps to decompress the skin, fat, and fascia, and in doing so, allows for these layers to glide better and allow for improved circulation and fluid exchange.
So how does kinesiology tape help with pain? This therapeutic tape serves as neurosensory input. The skin and underlying tissues are filled with sensory receptors that comprehend light and deep touch, and when stimulated, send the message to the brain. Therefore, neurosensory input sends a message to the brain to help override pain receptors once the tape is applied to the skin as it stimulates the sensory receptors. For example, if you bang your elbow on the table and experience pain, naturally you go to rub your elbow to reduce the pain. By rubbing your elbow, you are now stimulating those sensory receptors to override the pain receptors thus less pain is perceived.
Kinesiology tape can be applied in several different ways and methods in order to accomplish different outcomes. Many injuries and post-surgical procedures cause swelling, known as inflammation or edema, which can restrict range of motion. Kinesiology tape, as mentioned earlier, can reduce swelling. There is a technique designed to aid in pushing the fluid back to the heart thereby reducing the swelling and improving movement in the affected area. Pain, swelling, and tissue restrictions are key components in limiting the range of motion which your body can move. Kinesiology taping aids in decreasing pain, swelling, and tissue restrictions thus allowing you to move better while feeling better!
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