Kinesio tape is an elastic tape that is applied to muscles, joints, or ligaments to provide support to the problem area and to improve blood flow and lymph fluid movement. Among athletes, kinesio tape helps to reduce the pain caused by training or competition and to provide support to the joints.
Among non-athletes, the tape is used for various problems (such as neck, shoulder, knee and lower back pain). The tape has had a very good effect in reducing post-traumatic edema by improving lymph fluid movement.
Contraindications
- Tape allergy
- Open wounds
Frequently asked questions
How to make sure I am not allergic to tape?
- If kinesio tape has not been applied before, it is difficult to predict whether an allergy will be present or not. On the first try, you can apply a small strip of tape to the skin and wait for a skin reaction in the next few hours. If this causes discomfort, itching or redness on the skin, it is likely you are allergic to the glue used in the tape and the tape should be removed immediately. Allergies are usually rather rare.
Is it allowed to exercise with tape?
- Yes, unlike rigid orthoses, it is very comfortable to exercise with kinesio tape and it offers good support to muscles, tendons or joints. When exercising, some areas may sweat more and the tape may come off more easily, in this case it is necessary to apply a new tape.
Is it allowed to wash with tape?
- Yes, kinesio tape is very convenient as you can also wash yourself while wearing it. When washing, the taped area should not be rubbed hard and after washing, the tape dries in minutes. Although after application you should wait with washing for 1-2 hours for the glue to adhere to the skin.
How often do you change the tape?
- Kinesio tape usually stays on for several days, the recommended time to change the tape is after 6 days. Those areas that sweat more (such as underneath sole of foot), the tape may come off faster and therefore needs to be changed more often. After 6 days, it is recommended to wait for 2 days for the next taping so that the skin can breathe and recover.