Have you seen professional sports players wearing brightly coloured tape and wondered what it was? No – it’s not a fashion statement!
Designed in Japan in 1973, Kinesio taping facilitates muscle function so you can exercise more effectively with reduced pain levels through skin stimulation.
Does it work?
Kenzo Kase (the inventor) designed the tape because he wanted his clients to get greater benefits between treatment sessions. It proved popular and consequently made its international debut in 1988 – the Seoul Olympics. Ever since then, international sporting stars have been using it to give them the edge required to reach peak performance.
For a sport-loving nation, it’s surprising that Kinesio taping was only introduced into Australia in 2004; however, you no longer have to be an international sports star to access the benefits of Kinesio taping, as your Bend + Mend Physiotherapists here in the city now offer Kinesio taping to facilitate recovery and performance.
We have been getting great results with recreational athletes and are now extending our Kinesio taping treatments to clients with everyday injuries, including sprains and strains.
What’s the difference between Kinesio taping and ‘rigid’ taping (used for ankle sprains etc)?
Kinesio taping:
- stimulates muscles to work harder, compared to rigid tape which holds joints in place
- benefits from modern material design:
- It has long wear times – can stay on for up to 10 days
- It’s waterproof – making it suitable for water sports and more hygienic
- It’s comfortable
- It’s Latex free – less allergies than rigid taping
- Decreases swelling in swollen joints
Kinesio taping also shares in the benefits of ‘rigid’ taping, as it can:
- decrease pain in strained or overused muscles
- help to correct joint biomechanics
So what are you waiting for? Get Kinesio-taped at your next visit to Bend+ Mend and feel the difference!
