Our principle osteopath Glen Daniels is a fully qualified Kinesio Taping practitioner(QKTP). Kinesio taping was developed in Japan by Dr Kenzo Kase in 1973. It is a treatment designed to prolong the treatment effects of manual therapies such as osteopathy and sports massage.
Kinesio Taping is a therapeutic rehabilitative taping method, that has been developed to aid the body’s natural healing mechanisms. It provides your muscles and joints with support and stability, without restricting your mobility. As with any therapeutic intervention, a thorough examination and assessment are of the upmost importance in the treatment of your condition. Once the correct diagnosis has been reached, the correct treatment and outcome goals can be made.
Kinesio taping is designed to prolong the benefits of your treatment. Kinesio tape is safe for everybody whether 9 or 90 years old, it can be worn for several days after it has been applied. The tape can help the management of a variety of musculoskeletal issues from ankle sprains, plantar fasciitis and shoulder impingement to acute back pain.
Years of research, development and clinical use has gone into the tape and its applications. Kinesio tape is applied to your body in a specific way, based upon your condition and desired outcome. Kinesio tape can be applied in hundreds of diferent ways, each having different abilities ie reduce pain, reduced inflammation, or re-educate your nervous system. Depending on application, the Kinesio taping method aims to provide physiological effects on the:
- circulatory system
- lymphatic system
- nervous system
- muscular and skeletal systems
- fascia
Frequently asked questions about Kinesio taping
Q. What is Kinesio tape?
A. Kinesio tape is the coloured sports tape (Black, pink, blue, beige) which is applied to both Athletes and non- Athletes. Kinesio taping was founded in 1973 by Japaneses doctor Dr Kenzo Kase.
Q. What is the purpose of Kinesio taping?
A. Kinesio tape was developed to assist your body to:
- increase joint mobility
- reduce swelling
- increase the brain to body connection
- correct posture
- increase blood flow
Q. Can Kinesio tape be used alongside other treatments?
A. Yes! Kinesio tape is often applied at the end of a sports massage, osteopathic or physiotherapy treatment. This will often boost the therapeutic effectiveness of both the treatment and the tape.
Q, Can I still participate in sports, shower nad swim, while I have the tape on?
A, Absolutely, Kinesio tape should stay on for 3-5 days. You can swim, shower and unless instructed you can continue your participation in sporting activities.
Q. How is Kinesio tape used?
A. When using Kinesio tape, there are 6 corrective application techniques. These can be used in isolation or in combination:
1) Mechanical Correction: Used to correct the position of a joint or bone.
2) Fascia Correction: Used when trying to create fascia to align in the correct position.
3) Space Correction: Used to create more space directly above the area of pain, inflammation swelling or oedema. The increased space created reduces pressure by lifting the skin away from the injured site.
4) Ligament/Tendon Correction: Used to create increased stimulation over the ligament or tendon. This results in increased stimulation of the receptors which respond to mechanical pressure.
5) Functional Correction: Used to assist in sensory stimulation to either reduce or increase motion.
6) Lymphatic Correction: Used to create areas of increased and decreased pressure under the Kinesio tape. The effect is to direct the waste products to the nearest lymph duct, this is an effective way to reduce inflammation and swelling after injury/surgery.
Q. How much does it cost?
There is no extra charge for Kinesio taping, if used as part of your regular treatment regime. Short re-application can be booked at a fee of £15.