What is Kinesiotaping?

Kinesiotaping (K-tape) involves the application of thin, elastic, therapeutic tape with the focus of reducing pain, swelling and inflammation and providing some support to joints and muscles, without restricting movement. The tape was developed in the 1970s by a Japanese chiropractor called Kenzo Kase, and has since been popularized in modern day sports. It can however be used to treat non-sporting injuries as well.

How does it work?

The tape works by microscopically lifting the skin and fascia of where it’s applied. This lifting affect forms convolutions in the skin thus increasing interstitial space and allowing for a decrease in inflammation of the affected areas, decompressing pain receptors, blood vessels and facilitates the lymphatic drainage. This creates more space for an increase in blood flow and promote healing of soft tissue structures.

This increase in blood flow to a particular area has also shown to be effective in reducing bruising on the skin where trauma/injury might have occurred to that area.

Useful applications for injuries:

• Knee pain

• Achilles tendonitis/tendinopathy

• Lower back pain

• Neck and shoulder pain

• Oedema/swelling in joints/muscles

• Bruising

• Offloading/inhibiting overused or overstretched muscles

• Facilitating weak muscles