Kinesio Taping
Kinesio Taping serves as complementary treatment to one-on-one, in-person physical therapy for injury or discomfort. This therapeutic tool is made of a versatile elastic tape and maintains or supports the work of physical therapy for qualified patients of Munger Physical Therapy in Clinton Township, Fort Gratiot, or Marysville, MI.
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What is Kinesio Tape?
The word “tape” can sound daunting, especially the idea of applying it to an already sensitive or injured area, but Kinesio Tape is made with heat-activated adhesive and is safe for even tender, thin skin. The therapeutic material is flexible, durable, and strong enough to support elite athletes to aging adults. Components include the following:
- Latex free
- Hypoallergenic
- Made of cotton fiber
- Water resistant, dries quickly
- Incredible stretch
- Can be worn for several days
The Purpose of the Kinesio Taping Method
Kinesio Tape is designed to stimulate or relax muscles. It does not limit or restrict range of motion like a bandage but rather mimics the texture and elasticity of human skin. The tape can be worn during rehabilitation and support working muscles, ligaments, or joints. It allows for a microscopic lifting of the skin to:
- Alleviate discomfort
- Facilitate lymphatic drainage
- Decrease inflammation
- Reduce pressure
- Increase blood flow
In some patients, Kinesio tape can be layered for even more effective lifting of skin without feeling heavy or stiff to the wearer. The application of the tape and its location will depend on a person’s level of pain, which areas are compromised, age, and severity of the injury.
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How Kinesio Taping Supports Physical Therapy
Your physical therapist will conduct a complete evaluation of your case and circumstances to determine whether the incorporation of Kinesio Tape is appropriate for your needs. Findings of this assessment will dictate:
- Where the tape is applied.
- Whether tape is used as a single strip.
- If modifications in shape are needed.
- Amount of stretch needed.
- The direction the tape is placed.
- Various viable combinations for taping.
Kinesio tape is powerful enough to reprogram the neuromuscular system and promote circulation and healing. Combined with focused care and repetitive, curated exercises, your physical therapist can use the appropriate type of tape to support your healing and more forgiving or comfortable movement through daily life.
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Every physical therapy patient is different. Injuries or discomfort will present and heal uniquely, and the treatments used to address these problems will vary too, even when it comes to Kinesio Taping.
- There are various types of Kinesio tape with their own properties.
- Tape is selected based on the desired outcome and skin condition.
- Some tapes are appropriate for all applications while others are for sensitive skin.
- Tape tension can be made high or low for performance needs.
- Short-term applications are possible for anyone with fragile skin.
Areas of the Body That Benefit from Kinesio Taping
Where can your physical therapist put Kinesio Tape? Can it help a bum ankle or bad back or is it for acute injuries or conditions like arthritis? Ultimately, where the tape goes depends on your body, level of injury, and potential for healing. Kinesio Tape can act in different ways depending on the type of tape used and where it is placed. The most common applications include:
- Shoulder. Stabilizes and reduces pain.
- Lower back. Supports muscles and reduces lower back stress.
- Elbow. Reduces joint strain and strengthens grip.
- Knee. Minimizes pressure and provides stability.
- Ankle. Stabilizes, reduces swelling, and supports movement.
Get Kinesio Taping from Munger Physical Therapy
Kinesio Taping is a minimally invasive way to strengthen and heal soft tissue injuries, joint misalignment, and pain management throughout your extremities. This treatment:
• Activates new pathways.
• Changes concentration of skin tissue.
• Produces cell movement.
• Stimulates and moderates pain response.
• Frees the patient from movement limitations.
• Improves lymphatic flow to reduce swelling.
Contact Munger PT to find out if Kinesio Taping can complement your physical therapy treatment and give you relief from discomfort and pain.
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