What Is Kinesio® Taping?

At Terrapin Care Center, we offer a wide range of services to reduce your pain while maintaining your range of motion. One method that’s gaining popularity nowadays is the use of Kinesio® taping. Let your physical therapy experts explain how it works.

The Concept Behind

Kinesio taping was developed by Dr. Kenzo Kase in the early 1970s. It’s a product of integrative medicine, combining the health benefits of traditional and modern medicine. It was specifically designed to stimulate the body’s natural healing abilities, rehabilitating your muscles and joints.

How It Works

You may have seen athletes with their bodies plastered with brightly colored tape. According to your massage therapy expert, this is actually Kinesio tape. They are made of porous cotton fabric, ensuring your skin breathes easily. The material is also latex-free to prevent skin allergies. Its elastic properties are similar to those of your skin and muscles. The adhesive is made of water-repellant, medical grade acrylic, meaning it will stay on your body for around three to four days.

We’ll first perform an evaluation of your current physical condition, taking note of areas that may need manual soft tissue manipulation. We’ll then apply the Kinesio strips on different parts of your body, like your arms, legs, torso and back. The tape works by gently lifting your skin layers and attached tissues, allowing better blood circulation to the surrounding muscles.

Benefits of Kinesio Taping

With better blood flow, Kinesio taping allows increased oxygen and nutrient delivery to your muscles and tissues. This makes it an excellent pain management method for those with back, leg or shoulder pain. This method also stimulates the natural healing process of those with osteoarthritis or disc herniations, or those recovering from back surgeries. It’s an effective way as well to provide stability and support to your muscles and joints, while maintaining their maximum range of motion.

For more information about Kinesio taping, call us at (301) 220-1930, or complete our form. We serve Greenbelt, Silver Spring and nearby MD areas.