As you watched the Beijing Olympics in 2008, you may have wondered what the brightly coloured tape plastering the athletes was. You’d have been forgiven for thinking it was war paint perhaps, or that a fretful nurse had gone a little overboard with the box of child plasters maybe. But it was actually our first real exposure to Kinesiology.
In simple terms, Kinesiology, also known as human kinetics, is the scientific study of movement. And Kinesio Tape, or KT, is the brightly coloured, sticky and elasticated tape placed on the surface of the skin on top of muscles as part of its application. Designed to be worn over 3-5 days, the tape has an adhesive backing that purportedly helps improve blood flow and reduces pressure on nerves, tendons and ligaments. It is also meant to stimulate the skin’s mechanoreceptors. In short, it is designed to decrease pain and help with injuries. It’s also been shown to help with bruising and to decrease swelling.
A great deal of controversy surrounds the scientific use of KT, with a considerable lack of cited evidence as to whether it is actually beneficial or not. But many physical therapists use it, and many individuals have found it helpful with aches and pains, including;
• Lower Back Pain
• Shin Splints
• Hamstring Tears
• Achilles Tendinopathy
• Tennis Elbow
• Anterior Knee Pain
Such testimonials and feedback does suggest that the tape has helped to decrease pain, improve range of movement and with the rehabilitation of injuries.
As with most things of this nature, you never really know until you try it! Why not come in for a massage with me to see if it will help soothe your own aches and pains. We can add to the controversy together!
Hope to see you soon!
Beth.
Sevenoaks Personal Trainer
Blackheath Personal Trainer
