Kinesio Tape

Kinesio Tape (KT), or kinesiology tape, is used by therapists to change muscle tone, move lymphatic fluids, correct movement patterns, and improve posture.

Kinesio Tape (KT), or kinesiology tape, is a newly popularized modality used by therapists trained in the Kinesio Taping Method by Certified Kinesio Taping Instructors (CKTI).

Kinesio Tape is a latex-free hypoallergenic cotton fiber tape with an acrylic heat-activated backing that stretches only along its longitudinal axis. The tape can be stretched at 40%-60% of its resting length. The tape has no medicinal properties. The thickness and weight of the tape are designed to approximate the weight and thickness of the skin.

Kinesio Tape was created and developed by Dr. Kenzo Kase in 1973. It is a treatment that is felt to prolong the effects of physiologic work done. After many unsuccessful attempts to use commercially available adhesive tapes, Dr. Kase developed the Kinesio Tex Tape.

Picture of Kinesio Tape

Physical therapists, occupational therapists, certified athletic trainers, chiropractors, physicians, manual therapists, nurses, and physiotherapists around the world are using Kinesio Tape for many dysfunctions on a wide spectrum from temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders to turf toe.

Today, though Kinesio Tape is used primarily by non-athletic populations, it is also used by high-profile athletes.

The Kinesio Taping Method

• The Kinesio Taping Method is believed to cause physiological effects on several body systems.
• The systems affected by the body are thought to include
  • the circulatory/lymphatic,
  • neural,
  • muscular, and
  • fascial systems, as well as
  • the joints.
• Kinesio Taping is currently being used by therapists to
  • change muscle tone,
  • move lymphatic fluids,
  • correct movement patterns, and
  • improve posture.
• The Kinesio Taping Method is a unique method of applying Kinesio Tex Tape in a specific manner to create change in the aforementioned systems.
• The benefits of using tape are that it is more economical over time than other modalities, it is easy to learn and apply, there are fewer types of tape, and it may be used over a longer period.
• The Kinesio Taping Method has been developed specifically to be used in conjunction with Kinesio Tape.
• The Kinesio Taping Association certifies practitioners of the Kinesio Taping Method. Kinesio Tape can be identified by the words "Kinesio Tex" printed on the back of the tape.

Picture of Kinesio Tape

• The Kinesio Taping Method differs from athletic strapping tape and the traditional McConnell Taping Method.
• Athletic strapping tape is used mostly to limit ranges of motion and to constrict muscle movement.
• The effect of this method is to create a bridge over the areas that are injured so that athletes can perform sports movements and have either prophylactic support or support to an injured part of the body. Athletic tape is typically removed after the end of an athletic event.

The McConnell Taping Method

• The McConnell Taping Method is a technique that tapes body parts to affect a specific biomechanical movement.
• McConnell Tape uses a very rigid, highly adhesive tape that is applied for no more than 18 hours and often for shorter periods due to patient discomfort.

Picture of Kinesio Tape

The Kinesio Taping Method

• The Kinesio Taping Method is believed to cause physiological effects on several body systems.
• The systems affected by the body are thought to include:
  • the circulatory/lymphatic,
  • neural,
  • muscular, and
  • fascial systems, as well as
  • the joints.
• Kinesio Taping is currently being used by therapists to:
  • change muscle tone,
  • move lymphatic fluids,
  • correct movement patterns, and
  • improve posture.
• The Kinesio Taping Method is a unique method of applying Kinesio Tex Tape in a specific manner to create change in the aforementioned systems.
• The benefits of using tape are that it is more economical over time than other modalities, it is easy to learn and apply, there are fewer types of tape, and it may be used over a longer period.
• The Kinesio Taping Method has been developed specifically to be used in conjunction with Kinesio Tape.
• The Kinesio Taping Association certifies practitioners of the Kinesio Taping Method. Kinesio Tape can be identified by the words "Kinesio Tex" printed on the back of the tape.

Picture of Kinesio Tape

• The Kinesio Taping Method differs from athletic strapping tape and the traditional McConnell Taping Method.
• Athletic strapping tape is used mostly to limit ranges of motion and to constrict muscle movement.
• The effect of this method is to create a bridge over the areas that are injured so that athletes can perform sports movements and have either prophylactic support or support to an injured part of the body. Athletic tape is typically removed after the end of an athletic event.

The McConnell Taping Method

• The McConnell Taping Method is a technique that tapes body parts to affect a specific biomechanical movement.
• McConnell Tape uses a very rigid, highly adhesive tape that is applied for no more than 18 hours and often for shorter periods due to patient discomfort.

Picture of Kinesio Tape