Taping and Strapping
Kinesio taping was invented by a Japanese chiropractor called Dr Kenzo Kase in the 1970s. The UK website for Kinesio tape claims it can alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, relax muscles, enhance performance, help with rehabilitation, and support muscles during a sporting event. Although it has been brought into the limelight by famous sports personalities, it is a technique that is also suitable for non-sports related injuries.
The tape itself is a type of thin, elastic, cotton tape that is very stretchy. If the tape is applied to you on a stretch greater than its normal length, it will “recoil” after being applied, creating a pulling force on the skin or muscle that it is being applied to. The direction of pull, the shape, and the location of the tape, all play a role in how it functions.
Dynamic Taping was developed by Australian Musculoskeletal Physio, Ryan Kendrick. These tapes come in different strengths and with different recoil properties. Essentially, as stated on the Dynamic Taping website, they act like a spring or an external muscle to help to manage load, movement and function, without limiting range of motion. Dynamic Taping is popular with many elite athletes and sports professionals.
There are several benefits claimed for taping. One of those is correcting the alignment of weak muscles, as well as facilitating joint motion as a result of the tape’s recoiling qualities. Additionally, the tape is claimed to lift the skin increasing the space below it, increasing blood flow and lymphatic flow (swelling). This in turn is said to relieve pain and enhance recovery from injury. The idea behind it is fascial unloading – reducing pressure in the tissue below the skin.
At the Longlevens Chiropractic & Sports Injury Clinic James Hood is qualified in Dynamic Taping and Danny Adams carries out Taping and Strapping. Please call 01452 309372 to book your appointment with them. Please visit our Fees Page for further details.
If you would like to find out more about our clinic, or how we could help you, please do not hesitate to get in touch. You can use the contact us page of this website or phone 01452 309372.
