Kinesiology tape is a specially designed blend of nylon and cotton that creates immense stretchability with needed durability. With medical-grade, hypoallergenic adhesive, the tape generally remains intact on the skin for three to five days, in between treatments. In addition, the tape is also water-resistant and designed to adhere even through showers or sweaty workouts.
Once applied, the skin lifts slightly beneath the tape and may create some physiologic change in the area tissues. Some benefits of kinesiology tape include the following:
Creates joint space.Some studies show that when applied strategically around the knee or shoulder, joint space subsequently increases. With improved joint space, joint irritation may lessen, leading to decreased pain or better mobility.
May impact pain signals. Chiropractors, Physical therapists, athletic trainers and others uses kinesiology tape to treat pain and dysfunction, including trigger points. In general, the reasoning is that the tape may change how the sensory nervous system sends signals. Patients feel the tape, and this new input may alter signals about body pain and compression. Some research supports the finding that kinesiology tape coupled with manual therapy reduces trigger point pain and improves flexibility. Indeed, patients tend to tolerate the taping quite well. Some research supports the finding that kinesiology tape coupled with manual therapy reduces trigger point pain and improves flexibility. Indeed, patients tend to tolerate the taping quite well.