We recently published two blog posts on Kinesiotape (here and here). But you might have questions about what Kinesiotape is and why it's used. Check out some of the common questions and answers below for more information.
- What is Kinesiotape?
- Kinesiotape was invented in Japan in 1979. Its use was based on insight into how the skin and other tissues relate to injury, impairment, pain, and healing.
- How is Kinesiotape different than other tapes?
- Kinesiotape requires a tape that is skin-friendly, possesses optimum elastic qualities, is the same thickness as the skin, and is durable enough to stay on for multiple days, even through sweating and showers.
- How is Kinesiotape applied?
- The muscles are placed in a stretched position. Then the tape is applied from one end of the muscle to the other (origin to insertion or insertion to origin) with very little to no stretch on the tape itself.
- If the goal is to support the muscle, the tape is applied from the origin to insertion.
- If the goal is to use Kinesiotape for rehabilitation purposes, it is applied from the insertion to the origin.
- Do you have any Kinesiotape Tips and Tricks?
- Skin should be free of oil, sweat, or lotion prior to application.
- After application, rub the tape to activate heat-sensitive glue.
- Avoid extreme stretching of the tape during application to avoid skin irritation.
- Apply approximately 1 hour prior to activity or shower to allow glue to adhere properly.
- Skin irritation is extremely rare, but care should be taken with hypersensitive skin patients.
- Do the colors matter?
- There is no difference between the colors. The colors were developed to be compatible with color therapy but remains a matter of individual preference. The colors can provide field advertising at athletic events, a conversational opener, and instant product recognition.