Dear Weekend Warriors!
You’ve probably seen colored tape showing up on the legs of runners in the last few years, including Meb Keflezighi, masters ace Tracy Lokken and other elites. Blue, pink or black, it looks pretty cool. But what’s it supposed to do?
Kinesio taping was developed by Kenzo Kase in the mid-1970s. (Kinesio is just one of many brands, but has become to this type of taping what Q-tips are to cotton swabs.) As a chiropractor and acupuncturist in Japan, Kase created the tape in response to the limitations he encountered working with rigid sport tape.
Traditional sport tape is designed to immobilize the joint it’s applied to. Kase wanted a tape that, according to Kinesio’s promotional materials, would “facilitate the body’s natural healing process while allowing support and stability to muscles and joints without restricting the body’s range of motion.”
The tape has a texture and elasticity similar to skin. When applied, it microscopically lifts the skin. This is thought to increase blood and lymph flow in the area, increasing circulation and reducing pain. The tape’s stretch properties can be used to assist in relaxing overused muscles and stabilizing joints.
You are probably asking yourself the same question most people ask – how can tape help your performance?
According to RockTape, there are a few reasons.
Sensorimotor (proprioceptive) system – As explained in the PowerTaping manual, “It is a system of receptors (in this case cutaneous/skin receptors) that communicate with the brain about the body’s position. If we can tap into that system and heighten the aware of our body in space, we can enhance performance.” Essentially the tactile nature of the tape makes your body hyper aware of its own location and movements.
Call us today to schedule your complimentary body evaluation and kinesiology taping. Prevent injuries, improve athletic performance and cure your sore muscles. At our center, a team of doctors provides comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic services with state of the art equipment and technology.
