Kinesiotape was created by Dr. Kase, a chiropractor and acupuncturist living in Japan. Dr Kase realized that the current medical tapes of today was stiff and rigid. Purpose of these tapes was to stop or limit the range of motion. Unfortunately, the tapes also caused skin problems, rashes and other conditions. Dr. Kase with the help of engineers developed a tape that was flexible enough to preserve the range of motion but also light weight and hypoallergenic to stay on the skin without causing a rash or other skin problems. This tape imitated the thickness and the resilience of the human skin. Dr. Kase started with sumo wrestler's in Japan. Soon thereafter he was treating many of the athletes as it allowed the athletes to return to their activities quicker than the conservative means prior to Kinesio taping. The tape has been successful in alleviating pain, swelling and stiffness.
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Now most commonly recognized in the sports arena worldwide, Kinesio Tape is still used primarily in the orthopedic setting. You will see the tape used in the Olympics or major sporting events. Kinesio taping is a rehabilitative technique that provides support for the muscles and joints as the body heals. Kinesio® Tape alleviates discomfort and facilitates lymphatic drainage by microscopically lifting the skin. This lifting effect forms convolutions in the skin, thus increasing interstitial space and allowing for a decrease in inflammation. This reduces pressure while enabling a more effective flow of blood and lymphatic fluid in and out of the target area.

Kinesio taping also allows you to have free range of motion. Dr. Cohen, Dr. Wang and Dr. Lenz had to go through special training in order to acquire the skill of Kinesio taping through Dr. Kase approved courses. We use this type of taping method to help patients heal with flexible and stabilizing support. They took courses to become certified in kinesio taping. The tape is applied to different joints or muscles depending on your type of injury.

Kinesio Taping Benefits

Kinesio taping can decrease inflammation, reduce pain, enhance performance, teach muscles to regain function, manage scars, and enable a more effective flow of lymphatic fluid. Kinesio taping can also treat and manage a variety of conditions, including shin splints, knee pain, Achilles tendon pain, patellofemoral stress syndrome, IT band friction syndrome, plantar fasciitis, and muscle pain, soreness, or swelling. This taping technique works well with other rehabilitation methods, such as chiropractic care and physical therapy.

What does it feel like once applied?

Once immediately applied to the area most patients report feeling support but barely note that the tape is on. If applied to the lower extremity they notice a change in their gait immediately and experience less pain. Over time they noticed that the swelling had reduced.

How long should the tape remain on the body?

Our recommendation is that the tape should be taken off after 3 days. If irritation occurs, take it off immediately. This is rare but does occur in some patients. The patient can shower with the tape without affecting the function or benefits of the tape. Many patients state that once they take the tape off the notice is a significant difference. The purpose is not to continue to keep taping but to allow the body to heal itself and we will usually attempt to incorporate additional treatment to build on the positive effect of the Kinesiotape. There are times that we may need to tape 2 or 3 times the joint area but our goal is to taper it once and then progress through the therapy program.