Kinesiology taping

How does KT work?

KT mimics the physical qualities of the skin with regard to thickness, weight and elastic properties. It is therefore uniquely able to influence how the skin moves and ultimately, how the body moves. It has the ability to stretch to 120-140% of its original length and then recoil back to that un-stretched length after application. Being both waterproof and able to breathe, KT can and should be worn during exercise, showering/bathing and even swimming! Unlike other strapping materials, this tape also dries very quickly, limiting any discomfort experienced by the wearer after exposure to water. When properly applied, it will last an average of 3-5 days. It rarely causes skin irritation, but if this does occur, it should be removed immediately and the affected area washed with warm soapy water to remove the residual glue. An allergy to this tape is usually not linked to latex allergies (commonly associated with other strapping tapes) but individuals may react to another ‘ingredient.’ The colours (often incorrectly assumed to have different effects) may also cause skin irritations should the person be sensitive to the colourant used in a particular colour of tape.

What are the benefits of KT?

• Pain relief – The application to relieve pain aims to reduce pressure in the skin and the structures below. This not only reduces the mechanical effect of pressure on the structures but also minimizes the input to the pain receptors as these are commonly triggered by pressure.
• Swelling Reduction – The vacuum effect of the passive lift KT provides to the skin via its elastic properties allows the lymphatic and venous drainage systems to function optimally despite the increased pressure in the injured area. The body is thereby able to manage swollen and bruised areas at an increased rate, allowing for quicker healing.
• Muscle support or inhibition – Depending on the direction of application, a muscle can be encouraged to contract either more or less. Deciding on one or the other will depend on the findings of each patient’s assessment. Should we require a particular muscle to support a joint, we need to encourage the muscle’s function. On the other hand, should that muscle be overworked, the activity in the muscle needs to be reduced. (The exact scientific explanation for how this is achieved with KT is not yet available, but it’s far simpler to test the change in muscle contractility once the tape is applied and at least we know that this is possible.)

Precautions and advised course of action

KT should not be applied to any skin surface that is damaged or broken. Anyone with sensitive skin needs to apply a “sensitive skin test piece” for up to 24 hours before doing a full taping ….and remove the tape immediately if skin irritation occurs. We advise, because there is an art to the application of KT, that you should first consult with your physiotherapist, who is trained in not only assessing your body’s requirements, but also the appropriate application of KT to get the desired effect. Should you stand to benefit from home applications of the same method, your physiotherapist can teach the correct application for that particular problem to you or your family member, to avoid unnecessarily booking additional appointments. It is best to receive advice on the most effective techniques, which cut is best suited for your injury, how it should be applied and what precautions should be taken. It is not necessary to consult a Doctor before attending physiotherapy and therefore time and money can be saved by contacting us directly to get you on the path to full recovery as soon as possible.