Types of kinesio tapes – the basics of sports and cosmetic kinesio taping

The benefits of manual medicine have been known for a long time. But in the 70s, a doctor from Japan, Kenzo Kase, noting only its temporary effect, found an opportunity to enhance and prolong the result of massage and manual therapy using elastic bands and tapes. Already in 1979, Kinesio introduced the first kinesio tape to the market, and the technique for working with tapes was called kinesio taping.

However, the term “kinesio” has become a household name today, and it is often used by other manufacturers in the production of their teips.

The content of the article:

1. What is kinesio taping, where is it used?
2. All types of tapes – what are they?
3. Truth and myths about kinesio tapes and kinesio taping

What is kinesio taping – where is the technique of gluing kinesio tapes used?

Originally from Japan, the term “Kinesio Taping” is a revolutionary method of applying tapes to the skin, developed by Kenzo Kase to constantly support muscles and tendons, as well as to reduce inflammation and pain.

Kinesio taping promotes muscle relaxation and faster recovery from injury. In addition, it helps to continue training as usual, without restrictions on freedom of movement.

Video: Kinesio tapes against pain

However, today this method is used not only for athletes, but also for …

Etc.

Kinesio taping provides an immediate effect: pain goes away, blood supply is normalized, healing is faster, etc.

What is kinesio tape?

First of all, tape is an elastic adhesive tape with a cotton (most often) or synthetic base and a hypoallergenic adhesive layer that is activated by body temperature.

After being applied to the skin, the tape practically merges with it and becomes imperceptible to humans. Tapes are as elastic as human muscles and can stretch up to 40% of their length.

The structure of kinesio tapes is completely different from that of patches. Tapes …

1. 100% breathable.
2. Improves blood circulation.
3. They repel water.

Wear tapes 3-4 days to 1.5 weeks.

High-quality branded tape easily withstands the shock pace of intense training, competition, shower, temperature change, and sweat, providing maximum therapeutic effect around the clock and without losing properties.

Video: Kinesio taping. How to choose the right tape?

Types of tapes – kinesio tapes, sports tapes, cross tapes, cosmetic tapes

The choice of tape depends on each specific situation in which it may be needed.

For instance…

• Kinesio tapes. This type of tape is suitable for soft areas of the body (for the muscular apparatus), and is also used for neurological / visceral pain. The area under the tape after its application remains actively mobile: the kinesio tape does not constrain movement, supports the muscle and even accelerates blood circulation. You can wear it around the clock.
• Sports tapes… They are mainly used for the prevention and treatment of injured joints. Sports tape provides joint fixation, which limits movement. Change the tape before each workout.
• Cross tape. This type of tape is a small and inelastic band-aid with a grid-like shape and without drugs. Cross-tapes are attached to the muscles, as well as to acupuncture and pain points to relieve pain and accelerate the recovery process. In some respects, this version of tapes can be a good substitute for kinesio tapes.
• Cosmetological tapes. In cosmetology, for smoothing folds, correcting facial contours, treating edema and bruises, eliminating wrinkles, etc. Safe and effective taping has become an excellent alternative to painful cosmetic procedures.

Also, when choosing teips, quality characteristics are taken into account.

There are tapes …

1. In rolls. Usually they are used by specialists in the field of kinesio taping, surgeons, orthopedists, etc.
2. In patches. Convenient for home use.
3. Stripes. It is the fastest and most convenient way to stick them on.
4. In sets for different parts of the body.

The tapes are classified according to the material used as follows:

• Made from 100% cotton. This is a classic and non-allergenic version. These tapes are covered with acrylic glue, which is activated by an increase in body temperature.
• Made from nylon. Option with an increased level of elasticity. This property becomes extremely useful during intense training. Stretching of such tapes occurs both in length and in width, which is very important for inpatient treatment or for specific clinical diseases.
• Rayon… These tapes are thin, very durable and tight to the skin. They have a longer wear period, breathe, are not afraid of moisture at all and are very pleasant to the touch. Most often they are used in pediatrics and cosmetology.

Teips are also known …

1. Fluorescent. This cotton version of the tapes is used for sports and walks in the dark: the manufacturer applies a safe fluorescent dye to the outer surface of the tape, which can be seen from afar in the dark.
2. With soft glue. They are used for sensitive skin, as well as in pediatrics and neurology.
3. With reinforced glue. A water resistant option for the most sweating areas of the body. Most often used in sports.

The tapes are also divided according to the degree of tension:

• K-tapes (approx. – up to 140%).
• R-tapes (approx. – up to 190%).

Kinesio tapes differ in material density, composition, amount of glue and size.

One of the most important characteristics is the roll size:

1. 5 mx 5 cm. Standard size. It is used in sports and in the treatment of injuries.
2. 3 mx 5 cm. A roll is enough for several basic applications.
3. 5 mx 2.5 cm. Tapes for children or narrow body parts.
4. 5 mx 7.5 cm. A variant used in plastic surgery to eliminate edema, for large areas of the body with injuries, etc.
5. 5 mx 10 cm. They are used for lymphatic drainage and for injuries of wide areas of the body.
6. 32 mx 5 cm. Economical roll for 120, on average, applications. For those who use tapes all the time.

The most convenient, undoubtedly, are pre-cut tapes, which are a roll with pre-cut strips of a certain length. This option is good if you know exactly what tape size you need on a permanent basis.

Video: Common Mistakes in Kinesio Taping

Truth and myths about kinesio tapes and kinesio taping

The sphere of using tapes has long gone beyond sports, and the actively growing demand for kinesio taping and “multi-colored plasters” has led to an increase in the number of myths about the method itself and “plasters”.

For instance…

Myth 1: “There is no evidence for the effectiveness of kinesio taping.”

Even some health professionals often talk about the lack of research on the effectiveness of tapes.

However, the evidence base that has developed over the years of using teips confirms that teips are effective.

It is important to note that in the United States and European countries, this technique is officially used in rehabilitation and in the provision of medical assistance.

Myth 2: “Color matters”

Rumors about the effect of the color of the tape on the body – the sea.

But, in fact, the color does not play a big role, and mainly affects the mood of the tape wearer – and nothing more.

Myth 3: “It is difficult to use tapes”

Even a beginner can easily make an application using instructions, diagrams and videos.

Myth 4: “Tapes are a placebo!”

According to clinical trials with volunteers, the method is 100% effective.

Myth 5: “Tapes are addictive”

The tapes do not cause any addiction, and the method itself is considered one of the safest.

As for the analgesic effect, it is achieved through a massive effect on the skin receptors.

Myth 6: “All tapes are like from an incubator”

With all the external similarity, the teips differ in quality and properties. It will be very difficult for a layman to distinguish them from one another.

What a beginner can do is check the quality certificate, because the effectiveness of the tape will depend on the quality.

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