Have you ever wondered why athletes wear strips of colourful tape or if it actually does anything? We explore K-Tape, it’s origin, intended use and current uses.
Kinesiology tape (K-tape) can be applied with numerous different techniques to obtain the desired effects of improving range of motion and function as well as decreasing pain relative to a specific injury.
There are common misconceptions surrounding what K-tape actually does. These misconceptions are not supported by high level research and thus must only be considered as theories. These theories suggest that K-Tape is able to increase muscle strength, reduce swelling and promote faster healing.
Current evidence supports the use of K-tape to increase stimulation of sensory receptors in the skin. This helps to give the athlete improved feedback to the muscle and improved proprioception (movement awareness). This will provide benefit to specific athletes to help facilitate correct movement patterns and ultimately improve range of motion and pain.
If you are considering using K-Tape to help your injury, come see us at PROHEALTH PHYSIO to determine how our K-tape may benefit you.
For support or advice, please contact our physios for specialist assistance.
For further information, please refer to;
Source: Williams S, Whatman C, Hume P. Kinesio Taping in Treatment and Prevention of Sports Injuries. Sports Medicine February 2012;42(2):153-164.
Read time: 20 minutes