Application of taping technique

What is kinesio tape?

A cotton tape made of elastic material, patented in the 1970s by Dr. Kenso Kase, a Japanese physician-chiropractor, with an acrylic adhesive layer applied in a wave pattern on the back. Kinesio tape is free of chemical agents. With proper application technique, it supports the body’s self-healing processes mechanically, without side effects. Due to its elasticity and thickness, it resembles our skin and moves with it, so daily activities can be performed without restriction. It is breathable and water-permeable (you can shower with it).

What is the taping technique and how does it essentially work?

The mechanism of action of kinesio tape is fundamentally determined by the physical properties of the tape and the application technique. Due to its elasticity, it can be stretched up to 150-170% of its length. It “lifts” the adhered skin surface, which has a decompressive effect on the skin and the underlying connective tissue (pressure reduction). It opens the capillaries—arteries and veins—thereby increasing blood circulation. Increased blood circulation promotes healing. Thus, locally, by supporting micro and lymphatic circulation, it is also effective in treating edema (e.g., acute injuries).

Furthermore, nociceptors (pain receptors) located in the connective tissue also respond well to these decompressive forces: as a result of the pressure reduction, stimulation of the pain receptors decreases, so local pain relief can be achieved.

It influences the connection between the joint-muscle-tendon-nervous system. It stabilizes the joints by stimulating the proprioceptors (position-sensing receptors) located there when applied around the joints, and proper tone distribution is created in the muscles, thereby increasing the efficiency of their work. It reduces the load on injured tissues.

Use of taping technique

A qualified therapist determines how and with what technique to apply the kinesio tape based on the patient’s complaints, functional examination/testing, and goal determination (what we primarily want: pain relief; to mobilize or stabilize; whether we are treating muscle, joint, or fascia). To achieve the proper effect, it is important that only a professional applies it. However, it is also important to note that “taping” is not a standalone therapy but is used as a complement to movement therapy.

• There is muscle technique: which, in addition to pain reduction, aims to relax muscles and normalize their tone.
• Ligament technique: relieves pain, unloads, and stabilizes.
• With correction technique: We can correct a joint (e.g., patella positioning) or soft tissue.
• Lymphatic technique: increases lymph fluid flow, thus reducing edema and inflammation (bruises, hematomas).
• Fascia technique: Effective relaxation of painful muscle knots and muscle sheaths (fascia)

In what cases do we apply the taping technique?

Areas of application and indications for kinesio tape:

• Pain, inflammation and edema reduction
• Muscle strain, muscle tension, sports injury, dislocation
• Partial muscle and ligament rupture
• Supporting joint functions
• Spine / disc problems
  
• Tennis Elbow
  
• Knee pain, joint inflammation
• Achilles tendon injury, inflammation
• Heel spur, heel pain
• Treatment of tendinitis

Contraindications for kinesio tape application:

• In case of unhealed or open wounds/scars
• Burn injuries
• Psoriasis, eczema, rashes, “suspicious” moles
• Parchment-like dry skin
• In the first trimester of pregnancy around the sacrum area
• In case of malignant tumors
• Acrylic allergy

If you experience itching or hives after application, you are likely allergic to the acrylic adhesive on the kinesio tape; in this case, it must naturally be removed from the skin