1. What is taping?
Kinesiology taping is a tool primarily used for the prevention and treatment of sports injuries. It was invented by Dr Kenzo Kase from Japan. It reduces the pain and improves healing of soft tissues. Patients with physical disorders can also benefit from the improved blood circulation that taping brings about.
2. How is kinesio taping performed?
Two types of Kinesio taping methods are athletic strapping tape used mainly to limit range of motion and to constrict muscle movement and the traditional McConnell taping method that tapes body parts to affect a specific biomechanical change. McConnell tape is applied for less than 18 hours due to discomfort. Athletes can perform sport movements while having support to an injured part of the body.
3. Why is taping performed?
To constrict muscle movement and to limit ranges of motion and in athletes taping is performed. They can perform sport movements with support to an injured part of the body. Taping reduces muscle fatigue, pain, improves healing with increased lymphatic drainage and blood flow.
4. What are the precautions to be taken while taping?
If the symptoms get worse, then it is better to take off the taping. Rub the tape again to re-activate the tape adhesive in case it starts to come off. Avoid drying it using a hairdryer.
5. Is taping contraindicated in any condition?
Taping is contraindicated if you have severe allergy to adhesive tape, open wound or surgical incision that is not fully healed, presence of a blood clot in one of the arm or leg, if there are any signs of infection, if you have uncontrolled diabetes with altered sensation in your legs or arms, if you are currently undergoing treatment for cancer, you should avoid using kinesiology tape.