8/7/2019 Kinesio Taping - Common Questions - Apr 2008

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OPTP Insider Newsletter April 2008

How does Kinesio taping differ from

traditional athletic taping?

Conventional athletic taping is designed to

restrict the movement of the affected muscles

and joints. For this purpose, several layers oftape must be rolled around and/or over the

aficted area, applying signicant pressure,

resulting in the obstruction of the ow of

bodily uids, and undesirable side-effect.

This is also the reason

athletic tape is typically

applied immediately

prior to the sports

activity and removed

immediately after the

activity is nished.

Since Kinesio tape isdesigned with the uid

movement of the fascia in mind and facilitates,

rather than restricts normal biomechanics, it

will not interfere with activities. Kinesio tape

works by activating neurological, circulatory

and lymphatic networks to stimulate a return

to homeostatic balance, relieving pain and

swelling and restoring normal musculoskeletal

function.

What are some characteristics of Kinesio

Tape that make it unique?

The thickness, weight and elasticity of Kinesio

tape is approximately that of skin. Kinesio

tape is made of 100% cotton and stretches

similar to how skin moves. It is this property

that allows Kinesio tape to work with the soft

tissue of the body versus restricting it. Kinesio

tape is a good modality for the treatment of

lymphoedema and chronic swelling and can

be used to assist in the positioning of muscle,

fascia tissue, or joint to stimulate a sensation

which results in the bodys adaptation to the

stimulus. Functional support can be maintained

without losing active range of motion or

inhibiting circulation.

How can Kinesio taping help with

Lymphoedema?

The lymphatic correction technique is used

to assist in the removal of edema by directing

uid away from a congested lymph node.

This is accomplished by the lifting effect

and elasticity of Kinesio tape. The lifting of

supercial skin decreases pressure and opens

initial lymphatics, while the tape creates a

massaging action during active motion. The

effect of Kinesio taping on muscle improves theefciency of the deeper lymphatics by allowing

maximum contraction and relaxation of a

muscle.

How long can you wear Kinesio tape?

Kinesio tape can be left on for 3-5 days. The

thickness of the Kinesio tape is approximately

the same as the epidermis layer of the skin.

This was intended to limit the bodys perception

of weight and avoid sensory stimuli when

properly aided. After approximately 10 minutes,

the patient will generally not perceive there is

tape on their skin which makes it comfortable

to wear for days at a time.

800-367-7393 www.optp.com

Kinesio Taping - Common Questions

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