Kinesiotape:  Answering Your Questions

You may have seen athletes on the football field, volleyball court, or olympics with tape on some part of their body. You were probably wondering, “What is that? What does it do?” 

It is called kinesiotape. It is applied along muscles, tendons, or ligaments to provide support. It is usually used to stabilize an injured area allowing an athlete to stay active through recovery without further harming the area. It can also be used over an area that is easily irritated during activities to prevent injury from occurring. It acts like a brace for the area without adding bulk and still allowing for the area to activate fully.  

Kinesiotape increases proprioception. Proprioception is your perception of your body in the world. It works with your inner ear (vestibular system) to determine your body position and your movement. For example, when you are walking and suddenly hit an area of uneven ground, your body shifts and you are able to catch yourself before you fall. That is your proprioception and vestibular system at work. Adding kinesiotape to an area elevates this sense, causing muscles and tendons to fire stronger. 

Kinesiotaping can help with many conditions:

IT Band Syndrome

Shin splints

Quadriceps pain

Hamstring pain/tightness

Hip flexor pain

Knee pain and support

Osgood Schlatter

Patellar tendonitis

Achilles tendonitis

Ankle pain and support

Plantar fasciitis

SI joint pain

Low back pain

Upper back pain 

Neck Pain

Shoulder pain and support

Rotator cuff strain

Elbow tendonitis

Carpal tunnel syndrome

Poor posture

Bruise healing

Pregnancy related back pain

If you think that kinesiotaping may speed your recovery and enhance your training, please call our office for a consultation.