Kinesiotaping - why taping is so popular

Whether for inflammation or injuries to muscles, ligaments and joints - kinesiotaping can be used for many physical problems. When applied correctly, the tape serves to stabilise and can help relieve pain. It is important that the tape is applied correctly to the skin so that it can have its full effect. In this blog post, I would like to introduce you to the popular kinesiotaping and its mode of action and explain when the tape is used. 

Kinesiotaping - what makes the tape so special

Kinesiotaping is used for inflammations and injuries of muscles, ligaments and joints. Athletes in particular often have to deal with such injuries and use the tape to recover from them quickly. The coloured tape is applied to the patient's skin or muscle to stabilise the injured area of the body, promote blood circulation and relieve pain. Depending on how the tape is applied, it has a toning or detonating effect on the skin. In other words, it increases or reduces the tension on the skin. 

Tape is so popular because it stimulates the body's self-healing powers without restricting the patient's mobility. This means that those affected can continue to do sport or pursue their hobbies without restriction, as far as the pain allows. 

When is kinesiotaping used?

The tape works like a massage and stimulates the blood circulation. Swelling decreases and the pressure on the injured structures is reduced. In this way, the tape can promote the healing of tension and injuries, such as strains and bruises, and relieve pain.

In our physiotherapy practice we use the Tape often for prevention purposes, as it can prevent the development of cramps, for example, and athletes can thus achieve better performance.

How is the tape applied?

In principle, it is possible to tape yourself, as there are known to be no serious side effects. But before you apply the kinesiotape, you should seek advice and guidance from a physiotherapist or sports physician so that you know what to look out for during the treatment. 

This is how you tap correctly:

• Have the affected area examined and ask the doctor or physiotherapist if taping is an option for you as a treatment.
• Round the corners of the tape with scissors so that the corners do not curl up.
• Mark the injured or painful area and then peel off the protective film of the tape. Be careful not to touch the adhesive surface so as not to reduce the adhesive effect.
• Pull the tape tight and apply it to the corresponding part of the body. Then rub the tape several times to fix it and activate the adhesive.

Do you have questions about kinesiotaping or are you interested in a treatment in our physiotherapy practice? Then please feel free to call or make an appointment directly at our practice. I look forward to hearing from you. 

Your Benjamin Körtner