Kinesiology Tape, K-Tape, what the heck is it? K-tape is sometimes referred to as 'magic tape' due to its extensive benefits, and is on of the most widely used modalities for healing support and pain management in both athletic and therapeutic settings around.
K-tape [ the brand we use is Rock Tape- more about that later] is used for chronic and acute pain. The tape is rather elastic and that elasticity serves to lift the skin slightly, which right away reduces pressure on our pain receptors located under the skin.
The stimulating effects of k-tape on pain pathways helps to block pain signals that go to the brain.
This super tape reduces pressure on our lymphatic drainage system to help with the removal of excess fluids and other materials that collect ing the area of injury. K tape's effectiveness works not only on sports injures but on post surgical recovery as well as other inflammatory conditions.
Contusions and bruises? No problem, K-tape to the rescue!! Since k-tape is so effective at aiding the removal of blood that accumulates under the skin due to bruising ( which is what a bruise is ), it's a great and non evasive solution for even the most stubborn of bruising. The k-tape is applied in a fan pattern over the bruise and it dissolves through the lifting mechanism as described above.
When circulation is improved the body can deliver oxygen and nutrients to fatigued, injured, and overused muscles, helping to bring much needed relief to cramping and even spasms! Whoo Hoo!!
Overused muscles contain lactic acid that contributes to stiffness and can limit the amount or intensity of exercising performed. When K-tape is used on these areas, is helps to remove some of the byproducts ( lactic acid ) making way for a speedier recovery. This is why you may see athletes with this tape on various parts of their body because their performance and endurance is enhanced with the k-tape support. They can also still remain active while injured when using k-tape therapy.
[ Well, this little cutie is gonna need some K-Tape therapy, and maybe some calming tea! ]
Repetitive motion injuries are pretty much the norm in our world these days, and k-tape, just like with athletes helps to make it possible for us to better perform our jobs without so much stiffness and pain, without restricting range of motion. ( If you think you may be injured please see your healthcare provider ).
There are muscular and neurological disorders which make muscles weak and difficult to function. Kinesiology tape supports these muscles and improves muscle activation so that any therapeutic modalities use can be done with greater effectiveness.
Do you fear that you don't know how to apply k-tape? No problem-o! :() All boxes of this tape come with detailed charts to specific injuries for easy at home taping. There are also numerous You Tube videos, and k-tape blogs to assist you further. I've been in and out of occupational/physical therapy for years due to surgeries from tennis elbow, carpel tunnel, and tendonitis in my arms, and this is where I was first introduced to k-tape, so if you are in therapy ask your therapist about this modality. Some chiropractor centers may offer k-tape as one of their treatments, or if not they can help guide you to effective home taping.
I can't stress enough how much I rely on this miracle tape! I don't know where I'd be without it! It is literally ( along with home therapy exercises) my muscle injury pain management system!! I encourage you to give this a try, you won't regret it. I use a brand called Rock Tape ( along with the traditional k-tape, whichever I have on hand. I alway have some on hand!! ). Rock tape is a bit stronger ( recommended to me by my chiropractor ) and water/sweat proof.
[ You may be giving me the Meryl Streep stank face about now but don't panic, this is doable! LOL ]
It can be a 'pain' to remove, and I recommend removing it SLOWLY ( in the direction of hair growth ) while holding the skin behind the tape if possible under warm water or in the shower. NEVER just grab and rip, it's not a band-aid and you'll live to regret it! :() A recent trick I've learned is to apply some oil to the taped area rub it in because oil helps to break down the adhesive.
[ It's not exactly scotch tape! LOL This tape's adhesive game is no joke! :() ]
You'll probably end up with a limb full of residual adhesive - the sticky stuff! LOL I use the removed tape itself to help remove lingering adhesive. Try using a loofa or scrubby soap like Lava if that docent work. I find this isn't too much of an issue but it does happen, however the benefits FAR outweigh the minor annoyance!!
Go on, give it a try, you won't want to be without this stuff!! :()
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