Kinesiology-tape a powerful addition to training, recovery and rehab toolkit

By Phil Conway

In the high-performance sports world, athletes from tennis to track and field are using new taping techniques to prevent injuries, stabilize joints and help develop proper biomechanical form during training, rehab and recovery from injury.

Athletic therapy has changed from the days of using rigid white tape to an evolution of products that mimic the weight, thickness and elasticity of skin. Known as kinesiological tape, it has the ability to integrate with the body’s sensory system naturally, and enhance athletic performance.

Kinesiological tape was developed in 1979 by chiropractor Kenzo Kase. While classic white athletic tape loses its functional capabilities within 20 to 30 minutes, modern kinesio tape can remain in place and keep working for three to five days. And it’s waterproof, so ice baths, water rehabilitation or sweating like crazy have no effect on kinesio tape function.
Kinesiological taping can be used as a stand-alone single treatment protocol to help restore normal biomechanical movement patterns that enhance athletic performance or dermal stimulation for pain control. Joint pain and dysfunction are often the result of poor muscle function. By taping around a joint and facilitating correct biomechanical muscle action, pain can be reduced and joint function restored. Kinesiological taping can also be used in conjunction with other treatment protocols for full functional rehabilitation, injury healing and injury prevention.

While the benefits of kinesiology taping far outweigh other elastic wraps, correct application of the tape is key to its effectiveness. Trying to achieve a performance edge or rehab an injury by self-application of kinesiological tape is not recommended, as it is difficult to apply the tape by yourself in the correct pattern and protocol. Athletes should seek a healthcare provider who has completed a certification course on kinesiological taping: one who can examine the athlete, recommend the right solution and ensure the tape has been applied correctly.
Kinesiological taping effectively enhances sport performance and injury rehabilitation by three major effects:
• Structural effects: This allows for dynamic support in all positions, prevents harmful ranges of motion and reduces strain on affected muscles.
• Neurological effects: Reduces pain, restores normal muscle activation and function, restores functional stability
and promotes neuroplasticity.
• Microcirculatory effects: Improves lymphatic flow, improves superficial microcirculatory flow and supports
fascial circulation.
Kinesiological taping can be used to treat most injuries ranging from sprains and strains, to sports and overuse injuries, biomechanical faults and post-surgical wound healing. Kinesio tape comes in sterilized precut packages and can be applied immediately after surgery, which will dramatically reduce swelling and speed recovery. Kinesio tape can be used in conjunction with other therapeutic regimens such as physiotherapy and will facilitate these treatments and help return the athlete to their sport faster than traditional conservative methods. Once the athlete has returned to his or her activity, kinesiological tape can be further used during training and competition.

Dr. Phil Conway BPE DC FCCRS(C) is the Director of the Calgary Runner’s Clinic, Calgary Hockey Injuries Clinic and the Back and Sports Injury Clinic. He is a specialist in physical rehabilitation and a certified SpiderTech Tape instructor. www.CalgaryBackandSportsInjuryClinic.com

July/August Issue 2011

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