Kinesiotaping, i.e. dynamic taping, involves sticking special, colorful tapes on different parts of the body, mainly to relieve pain and prevent injuries. Therefore, they are used mainly by athletes, incl. tennis player Serena Williams and footballer Mario Balotelli. However, dynamic taping will also help relieve back pain, improve blood circulation or save calf cramps. Check how kinesiotaping works.
Kinesiotaping( dynamic taping ,kinesiotaping ) is a therapeutic method that involves sticking selected parts of the body with special flexible patches. They were developed in the early 1970s by the Japanese doctor Kenzo Kase, and gained the greatest popularity in the 1990s.
The patches are made of cotton and acrylic glue. They are similar in thickness and weight to leather and, like leather, are quite stretchy. In addition, they are breathable and waterproof. The patches can be worn from a few days to several weeks, or until the patch comes off.
Kinesiotaping (dynamic taping) - indications. How does kinesiotaping work?
The applied tape gently lifts the skin and thus increases the space that forms between it and the muscles - this effect is crucial for kinestiotaping. Proper sticking of the patch, by reducing the tension on skin receptors, also affects the perception of pain, which is one of the indications for kinesiotaping.
1. Pain
- post-traumatic (resulting from an injury or accident);
- spine (back pain syndromes) - the patches relieve not only back pain, but also other symptoms, such as limited range of motion, a feeling of blockage in the spine, sharp pain radiating to the extremities, and even dizziness;
- rheumatic;
- after surgery - kinesiotaping can reduce even abnormal and acute postoperative pain. They say it works so well that you don't need to take painkillers;
2. Strained and overstrained muscles
The patches relax stretched and strained muscles, relieve them, normalize their tension, as they take over their function or support their work.
3. Injury prevention
Slices facilitate movementmuscles in relation to the fascia and joints stabilize, which is helpful during training.
4. Contractions
Tapping will help not only athletes who did not warm up and "caught" their cramp, but also people who, for example, struggle with calf cramps while sleeping.
5. Circulation problems
The patches have the same effect as lymphatic drainage - they support lymph drainage and improve circulation. Therefore, taping is recommended, for example, to women after mastectomy or people who struggle with swollen legs (e.g. pregnant women).
6. Wrinkles
According to Dr. Kenzo - the creator of kinesiotaping ,the tape prevents the formation of wrinkles. He himself uses it at night, before going to bed, and takes it off in the morning. He argues that its regular use can prevent wrinkles, skin changes and dark circles under the eyes.
7. Stretch marks
Kinesiotaping will help pregnant women not only relax but also prevent stretch marks.