We’ve all seen it. The athlete in the gym or running outdoors with tape running in all directions. Maybe you’ve seen them across the shoulder, around the knee cap, or on back of calves and wondered, “What is that stuff?” It’s certainly not the ACE wrap we grew up with back in the day… Does placing a piece of tape on you actually provide performance benefits? Well, turns out Kinesiology Therapeutic (KT) tape has numerous benefits. Education is power. Let’s take a closer look at what KT tape can do for you.
What is it?
KT tape is an elastic adhesive used to support and relieve pain in muscles, joints, and/or ligaments. It reduces swelling, increases mobility and enhances recovery. KT Tape can be used to prevent or treat many common muscle and joint related injuries including: sprains, muscle strains, subluxations, and tendonitis. KT tape provides support and pain relief before, during, and/or after an activity. Range of motion is not limited. KT tape, combined with the body’s ability to heal itself, can provide therapeutic relief to a variety of populations and diagnoses.
How Does It Work?
During an injury, blood and other fluids build up causing inflammation and swelling. If there’s too much inflammation, the excess fluid is unable to be removed by the lymphatic system. In short, the lymphatic vessels become compressed which prevents oxygen and nutrients from being delivered to healing tissues. When KT tape is properly applied, the elasticity in the KT tape gently lifts the skin from the tissues below. This gentle lifting of the skin creates a space to improve blood and lymphatic flow which ultimately helps to alleviate pressure and reduce swelling. Once blood flow is restored, oxygen and nutrients are better able to reach damaged tissues to help enhance healing.
There are also other benefits to KT taping besides pain relief and reducing inflammation. KT tape is also used to support injured muscles or joints without restricting full range of motion in individuals with neurological disorders. It helps to aid in faster muscle recovery, prevents cramps or spasms, prevents over-stretching or over-contraction of muscles, and also enhances muscle tone and strength.
We Can Help!
If you’re an athlete looking for that edge, a runner who needs knee support, or someone who just wants to walk without pain, ask one of our movement specialists at Spooner Physical Therapy if Kinesiology Therapeutic (KT) tape is right for you! We offer complimentary movement screens at all of our locations throughout the Valley, which you can schedule here!