KINESIOLOGY TAPING

Kenesio tape was developed in the late 1970’s by Dr Kenzo Kase, a Japanese chiropractor who wanted to develop a product that would help to provide support but didn’t limit movement like traditional athletic tapes do.

In 2017 I qualified as a Rock Doc with Rock Tape UK, I found the concept of taping fascinating and have been using it in my practice ever since with some excellent results reported by my clients. 

Rock tape or Kinesiology tape is a therapeutic tape that’s applied to the body to provide support and stability, decrease pain, reduce swelling and improve performance. 

The tape is designed to mimic the skins elasticity so when the tape is applied you can still have full range of motion.

The tape is medical grade, water resistant and strong enough to last up to a week. The tape can be worn in the shower, while working out and even in the pool.

When the tape is applied it creates a lifting effect on the skin, providing a space between your skin and the underlying tissues, this can help reduce the chance of joint irritation. 

It’s believed that when the skin is decompressed it can change signals on pain pathways allowing the brain to respond differently.

The extra subcutaneous space which has been created by the tape can improve lymphatic drainage, helping to reduce swelling and improve circulation. 

The tape has also been shown to slow down muscle fatigue and improve performance, this makes the tape popular with athletes and those who are training for events. 

Its important to seek advice by a therapist who is trained in the correct application of kinesiology tape before you try to apply it yourself. The tape can either be applied for stabilization or decompression so it’s important to apply it correctly to get the desired effect. 

How to safely remove Kinesio tape;

The tape can stay on until it becomes tatty, this makes it easier to remove. Here are some tips for removing the tape without hurting your skin.

• Apply some oil (like baby oil) or lotion on top of the tape to help it to loosen.

• Remove it slowly. Don’t Yank (it’s not like a plaster) Don’t pull up.

• After peeling back one end, press down on your skin to separate it from the tape.

• Pull the tape back against itself, rather than straight up away from you. Compress your skin gently while pulling the tape back in the direction of the secured end. 

• Slowly walk your fingers along your skin as you go until the tape is removed.