Kinesio Taping

Introduction

Kinesiology taping (KT) is a therapeutic tool and has become increasingly popular within the sporting arena. Taping has been used for a long time for the prevention and treatment of sporting injuries. KT is not only used for sporting injuries but fro a variety of other conditions. It was developed by Japanaese Chiropractor Dr. Kenso Kase in the 1970's with the intention to alleviate pain  and improve the healing in soft tissues. There are many proposed benefits to KT including: proprioceptive facilitation, reduced muscle fatigue, muscel facilitation, reduced delayed-onset muscle soreness, pain inhibition, enhanced healing such as reducing oedema and improvement of lymphatic drainage and blood flow

Properties

KT is manufactured prestretched by 15-25% as it is applied to the backing paper. It si characterised by the ability to stretch to 120-140% of its original length and, following application, recoil back towards its unstretched length. KT purportedly mimics the physical qualities of the skin as it is believed to be the same weight and thickness of the epidermis along with its inherent elastic properties It is comprised of polymer elastic, wrapped in 100% cotton fibres which allows for evaporation of moisture. The glue is heat activated and is applied in a wave like pattern to mimic the qualities of the fingerprint on the finger tip.