Strapping Methods: Taping – Kinesio Taping

What is it?

Taping involves strapping an area with rigid adhesive tape and is usually used as an adjunctive or temporary technique. Athletes often use it for protection after an injury. Some aims of taping are to limit movement in injured joints, compress soft tissues to reduce swelling and support anatomical structures to prevent reinjury.

Invented by Dr Kenzo Kase in 1970, Kinesiotape uses elastic adhesive tapes that stretch to 140% of their length. We adapt the application to the treatment area and the intended result.

What are the benefits?

Taping is used as a rehabilitation or protective measure when support and stability are required, as a first-aid tool, to prevent injury and to protect injured anatomical structures as they heal, such as in patellar chondropathy, meniscal injuries, ankle sprains, elbow ligament tears and other conditions.

Kinesiotape can help activate muscles and balance muscle tone. Its sensory stimulation can reduce muscle spasm and pain after injury. It can also support musculoskeletal syndromes involving instability, such as shoulder dislocation, while preserving mobility. Where surgery or injury has left scar tissue, it can aid collagen synthesis and tissue nourishment. Your physiotherapist can apply the tape and explain how and when to use it.