Download KINESIO TAPING TECHNIQUE Geert Drenh, DO

KINESIO TAPING TECHNIQUE
Geert Drenh, D.O.
INTRODUCTION:
Kinesio taping was first developed in 1973 by a Japanese Chiropractor Dr.
Kenzo Kase as a therapeutic device to give assistance to weak muscles and
provide rehabilitation benefits. This technique uses the natural healing system
of the body and activates neurological- and circulatory processes.
Since muscles are not just used to move, but also function as a regulatory
system for the body temperature, lymphatic system, venous circulation and
have many other relations known in A.K., it is obvious that by stimulating the
area using this kind of tape, many malfunctions throughout body can be
helped or even resolved.
By using elastic tape the discovery was made that the muscles and other
tissues could be helped by influencing it from the outside. After years of
research Kinesio Tape was developed and during the last 5 years we have
been using this product on a daily basis, we have seen it to be very effective
on blood supply, lymphatic congestion problems, in supporting muscles,
alleviating pain and correcting joint problems. The unique way of applying
this tape unloads tension on the skin and nerves.
By stimulating muscles (taping the skin), natural processes of the body can be activated
PROPERTIES OF THE TAPE
 Made from cotton having an elasticity capacity of 130-140%, comparable
to the elasticity of the skin.
 It has been put on its underlying surface in a slightly stretched manner and
has the capacity to stretch in all directions.
 Allows air and water to pass through. Can be used in the shower and
swimming pool.
 Its hypo allergic gluing surface will hold for several days.
 When applied in a proper way, the complete range of motion will stay
possible.
 Compared to other tapes which mostly decrease blood supply and lymph
flow and have tendency of immobilising muscles and joints, Kinesio tape
tends to stimulate the related area.
KINESIO TAPE COMPARED TO NORMAL TAPE.
Classical tape is made to partially or totally try to immobilise the joints and
related muscles. This most often leads to increase pressure of the area
creating a diminishing blood supply and lymph flow.
Increasing circulation by decreasing the pressure on the skin (lifting action).
By applying Kinesio Tape in a certain way, the skin of the area is lifted, thereby
increasing the intercellular spaces and decreasing the pressure between skin
and muscles. This improves the circulation and lymphatic drainage. It will also
help to restore neurological input and energetical balance.
Swelling: The bodies reaction to tissue damage is by inflammation. This should
be respected and not suppressed. The inflammation can cause oedema
and lead to lymphatic stagnation. Increase of pressure and irritation of the
mechanoreptors leads to pain and can create an antalgic posture. Other
compensations may occur and can slow the natural healing reaction down.
The effects of Kinesio Tape Technique on different systems
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Increasing blood and lymphatic circulation by decreasing pressure
Decrease local temperature and toxic waste.
Improvement of joint function and increase range of movement
Support and stimulation of muscles, normalising muscular function
Have anti-inflammatory effects.
Diminish pain and other irritating feelings in muscle and skin.
Creating mechanical correction and mproving proprioception
Influencing fascia around the area
Diminish musle fatique
Avoid cramping and injury
HOW TO USE THE TAPE.
Preparation
- To have a better gluing effect, the skin needs to be dry. If there are too
many hairs, they need to be shaven.
- Cut the tape according to the length needed and cut the corners off.
- Should be applied 20 to 30 min. before exercise, so any transpiring should
not loosen the tape.
- Put the kin an muscles in a stretched position, joints at full range of motion.
Application
- Put beginning of tape on the skin without any stretch.
- Rest of tape can be put down, with or without stretch, depending on the
technique being used.
- The glue is “thermo-active”, by rubbing it warm, an optimal adhesion will
occur. Because of its hypoallergic properties, the tape can stay for days
without giving any skin irritations.
- Coloured Kinesio Tape holds even better in water because of waterrejection properties.
Removal
- It is easily removed by holding the skin en pulling the tape loose. Can be
facilitated by moistering the tape, i.e. taking a shower.
Application with stretching of the tape
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T he elasticity of the tape is 130 -140% of the original length.
In an injured or malfunctioning muscle, the best technique is to stretch the
skin and to apply the tape unstretched.
With ligaments of certain joints problems, the tape can be applied in a
stretched manner creating creating a certain corrective direction.
DIFFERENT TECHNIQUES
The tape can be cut in different ways to create specific effects:
I – shape
X – shape
Y- shape
Fan shape
De corners of the tape should always be cut away to avoid it curling back
due to movement of clothes.
EXAMPLES:
Deltoid
Biceps
Low Back Pain
Knee problems
SOURCES
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Vandeurzen Kinesioseminar NAQI, 2000
Kinesio Taping Perfect Manual, Kinesio Taping Association, 3th edition 1994
Ilustrated Kinesio Taping, Ken’I-Kai, Tokyo, 1996
Advanced Kinesio Taping, Kinesio Assocation, 1999
General information www.kinesiotaping.com