Kinesiotaping is by slicing used by physiotherapists all over the world. It is the taping, with a special elastic material, of specific areas of the human body. It consists of applying a special tape that has elastic properties to the surface of the body. The use of this tape causes muscles to relax and their tension to decrease. As the tapes stabilise the joints, they are used in sports and other activities to prevent injuries.
The method was developed by Japanese chiropractor Dr Kenzo Kase. In the 1970s he developed a special taping material and devised ways to apply it, The principles of kinesiotaping are based on a science dealing with human body movement called kinesiology. Although it is most commonly used in sports medicine, it is applied to many musculoskeletal conditions.
Kinesiotaping - what does it help?
Kinesiotaping involves taping special plasters with parameters similar to those of human skin. It is not saturated with any medication. When stuck, it creates undulations in the surface that increase the space between the dermis and the fascia. This affects the microcirculation of blood, lymph and the activation of the self-healing process.
Improved microcirculation and proper lymph flow aids the absorption of haematomas, swellings and reduces inflammation. Kinesiotaping also has an analgesic effect. This is due to the effect on the receptors located in the skin. A special type of plaster can play the role of permanent lymphatic drainage. Dynamic plastering promotes muscle function and facilitates movement. It also corrects alignment and joint function, increasing the range of movement of muscles and joints.
Kinesiotaping - indications
The use of kinesiotaping is very wide. It helps with conditions such as:
- musculoskeletal pain,
- back pain,
- knee pain,
- complaints of shoulder pain,
- tendinitis,
- soreness in the vicinity of the adhesions,
- heel spur,
- post-traumatic conditions,
- treatment of joint sprains and dislocations,
- swellings,
- joint instability,
- muscle and ligament damage,
- acceleration of healing processes after injuries and operations,
- treatment of scars and haematomas,
- indications for lymphatic drainage in lymphatic circulation disorders,
- with swelling from trauma or during pregnancy,
- correction of postural defects,
- improving fitness and performance during sport,
- treatment of certain dysfunctions caused by skin receptors,
- imbalances,
- certain respiratory disorders.
Kinesiotaping - contraindications
Kinesiotaping is a safe method. Rare contraindications to its use are only:
- psoriasis and advanced skin diseases,
- wounds that are difficult to heal,
- the use of physical therapies not possible through the surface of the patch,
- allergy to glue.
Combination of manual therapy and kinesiotaping
Kinesiotaping does not contain any pharmacological substances that penetrate the skin. It shows highly beneficial results confirmed by scientific studies with rapid effects.
It is most often used as an adjunctive method. Physiotherapists combine dynamic patching with manual therapy with great success, and it is this combination that is extremely effective in many acute and chronic conditions.
Dynamic plastering, by increasing the space between the skin and the muscles, has an analgesic effect.
Kinesiotaping - how does it work?
A patch placed on the skin stretches the skin slightly, increasing the space between the dermis and fascia, which promotes improved microcirculation of blood and lymph, and results in more efficient oxygenation, nutrition and detoxification of the tissues. The ultimate effect is improved lymphatic drainage, elimination of swelling and haematomas and stimulation of metabolism. Consequently, this helps to improve regenerative processes and strengthen tissues.
In addition, kinesiotaping stimulates endogenous anaesthesia, the body's analgesic capacity. This occurs because the tape acts on the Ruffini fibre endings located in the skin, which play the role of deep sensory receptors.
