Kinesiology tape were created in 1979 by Dr. Kenzo Kase after 6 years of clinical development. The idea for the product comes from his search for a treatment for his patients between consultations. Until now, what they had were the traditional tapes, but these limited movement and pressed the affected muscle area, obstructing the body fluids that passed through it.
During all this time, the technique has been developing, spreading throughout the world. It is not uncommon to find professional athletes wearing them during competitions and their use in people who are not elite athletes for muscle injuries is more than frequent.
What is a kineiology tape?
Kinesiology tape is made up of a cotton fabric together with nylon fibers to give it elasticity, this elasticity is not recommended to be greater than 50% of its length at rest and only in the opposite direction. longitudinal, the technique has not been designed for transverse elasticity. On the other hand, they have an acrylic adhesive that is activated with heat and that allows the bandage to be maintained effectively for 3 to 5 days and from then on its effectiveness gradually decreases. Finally, the inner surface of the bandage has undulations that imitate the skin of the inner face of the hand.
As we can see, the key idea of this bandage is the imitation of human skin, hence the elasticity cannot be greater than 50% and the neuromuscular bandage has a wavy shape.
How does the neuromuscular bandage work?
The general operation of the neuromuscular bandage is based on applying the bandage and that, instead of pressing the muscles of the affected area, obstructing the fluids that pass through it and pressing the pain receptors in the area, that the bandage helps to open This distance between the skin and the muscle allows these liquids to circulate and release the receptors, relieving pain.
As well as these benefits, the bandage allows the usual movement of the muscle but preventing it from overextending, preventing injuries and overextension of the muscle. Also supporting the muscle to avoid part of the muscular fatigue and making it work less, which allows it to recover faster.
Lastly, based on a study by Lyman KJ, in 2017. “Investigating the effectiveness of kinesio taping space correction method in healthy adults on patellofemoral joint and subcutaneous space.” It was shown that the shape of the neuromuscular bandage, in addition to imitating the skin on the inside of the hand, by decompressing the area of the neuroreceptors, these sent signals to the brain that allowed the recovery time to be reduced.
What are neuromuscular bandages used for?
The main use of neuromuscular bandages is the treatment of muscular injuries, associations such as the American Physical Therapy Association affirm that the treatment of neuromuscular bandages together with manual therapy is the most effective way to treat muscular injuries.
Another widespread use of these bandages is to support weakened or fatigued muscles, either so that they do not reach their maximum extensibility or to have extra support and divide the force that the weakened muscle has to exert.
Among other alternative uses, there is the reeducation of the movement of some muscles that work incorrectly or have an incorrect posture (such as the neck or the head).
Finally, they are used by professional athletes in moments of great effort and as prevention to avoid injuries or discomfort.
Main advantages of neuromuscular bandages
Throughout the article we have been mentioning the many advantages of neuromuscular bandages. Synthesizing them, we would have:
- The bandage lasts with all its effectiveness between 3 and 5 days
- Reduce muscle fatigue
- Prevents muscle overextension
- Relief of muscle pain and inflammation
- Improves blood and lymphatic flow in the affected area
- Adjust muscle misalignment caused by muscle spasms and contractures.
- Prevention of injuries during peaks of high physical activity
Elaborated by the Technical Department of Calvo Izquierdo S.L.
How to quote this blog:
- Calvo Izquierdo. BLOG: What is kinesiology tape? [Internet]. Calvo Izquierdo SL. 2022. Disponible en: https://www.calvoizquierdo.es/en/what-is-kinesiology-tape/
Bibliography:
- Kase, J. Wallis, T. Kase (2003) Clinical therapeutic applications of the kinesio taping method, 2nd edition
- Dr. Kenzo Kase, (2003) Ilustrated Kinesio Taping, 4th edition.
- Chao YW, et al. (2016). Kinesio taping and manual pressure release: Short-term effects in subjects with myofasical trigger point.
- Lyman KJ, et al. (2017). Investigating the effectiveness of kinesio taping space correction method in healthy adults on patellofemoral joint and subcutaneous space.
- Lyman KJ, et al. (2017). Effects of 3 different elastic therapeutic taping methods on the subacromial joint space.
