Kinesio Tape

Kinesio Tape is kind of trendy right now. You've probably seen people wearing it at local races and wondered what the heck it is!







The idea behind Kinesio® Tex Tape is that it does two things:

It works like a sports tape - so it offers support and re-education of the neruromuscular system if you have an injury.
From Wikipedia: Kinesiology taping differs from the use of traditional white athletic tape and McConnell tape. White athletic taping technique is the most common in North America. White athletic tape is extremely rigid and requires a pre-wrap prior to application. Used for acute and preventative injuries. Left on for a short period of time, typically applied immediately prior to an activity and taken off immediately thereafter. This technique may cause skin irritation due to moisture entrapment, high latex content, skin compression, joint compression and muscle compression.

It also improves blood/lymph circulation - relieving pain and reducing swelling.
From Wikipedia: The wave pattern found on the tape's adhesive has a lifting effect on the skin which can reduce swelling and inflammation by improving circulation and reduce pain by taking pressure off pain receptors.

I've used it many times in my injury prone life! First, when I was having knee pain because my kneecap was not tracking correct, It was used on the side of my knee to help push the kneecap into the correct position. I've also used it after knee surgeries. When there was continued swelling it was placed on top of the inflammed area to help the lymph nodes drain the fluid. I've found it to be effective in both situations. It can be used anywhere on your body.

If you want to read more about it, you can check out these sites:
www.kinesio-tape.com
www.kinesiotaping.com