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Just what is it and what does it do?

The use of kinesiology tape has increased dramatically amongst professional athletes and more recently among people with general muscular ailments, even though it was developed over forty years ago! You may have wondered what and why some sports people wear brightly coloured tape….

What is it?

It is an advanced therapeutic, textured tape which provides more than just muscle and joint support during the rehabilitation process. I like to think of it as feedback tape.

Over the years kinesiology tape has been modified and refined by various specialist practitioners. Sonya Anderson has trained in the application of a specialised form of kinesiology taping. The tape she uses differs from other forms of kinesiology tape in that it has the added benefits of menthol and arnica infused within its structure so that on contact with the skin the therapeutic benefits of these compounds are released. The menthol infusion promotes cooling, although depending on skin temperature, warming may be experienced, and arnica is a naturally occurring botanical compound renowned for its anti-inflammatory, soothing and healing properties on soft tissue and joints.

The flexible tape is placed on the skin, in strips with varying tension according to the needs of each different ailment, muscle group and or joint.

What does it do?

The most important function of this tape is to reduce pain and provide relief by stimulating the body’s natural analgesic methods. The kinesiology tape works with the body’s own natural healing process by assisting with muscle function, supporting and improving circulatory and neurological function.

It may be used in the treatment of acute or chronic joint injuries as well as general pain, tendonitis, and muscle injuries. It is applied to the affected area in such a way as to inhibit or facilitate muscle contraction, while supporting and enabling the range of joint motion.

The compounds within the tape are activated by the body’s natural heat which triggers the release of the menthol infusion. Research shows that hot and cold applications can positively affect our pain sensors to induce the release of natural endorphins within the body. It is;

• water resistant,
• soothing,
• an application generally lasts between 3 and 5 days and
• removal is quick and straightforward*.

In addition to supporting the skeleton and easing movement, its effect on the muscles assists with the flow of venous blood and promotes the removal of lymphatic waste, which is why this specialist form of taping can be a successful tool in the dispersal of bruising and retained fluid.

Practical applications of voodoo kinesiology tape

                                                            
1 Taping for Plantar, Achilles and Calf muscles' pain        2 Taping for Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis) pain

3 Taping for shoulder and bicep pain relief                                                  

 *assumes removal from ‘normal’ skin