Kinesio Taping Method and Kinesio Tex Tape
Author: Jayson Goo, ATC, MA, CKTI
Medical Editors: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, and William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
Kinesio Tex Tape was created and developed by Dr. Kenzo Kase in 1973. It is
a treatment that is felt to prolong the effects of physiologic work done. After
many unsuccessful attempts to use adhesive tapes that were commercially
available, Dr. Kase developed Kinesio Tex Tape.
What is the Kinesio Taping Method?
The Kinesio Taping Method is felt to cause physiological
effects on several body systems. The systems affected by the body are thought to
include the circulatory/lymphatic, neural, muscular, and fascial systems, as well as the
joints. Kinesio Taping is currently being used by therapists to change muscle
tone, move lymphatic fluids, correct movement patterns, and improve posture. The
Kinesio Taping Method is a unique method of applying Kinesio Tex Tape in a
specific manner to create change in the aforementioned systems. Benefits of
using the tape are that it is more economical over time than other modalities,
it is easy to learn and apply, there are less types of tape, and it may be used
over a longer period of time.
The Kinesio Taping Method differs from athletic strapping
tape and the traditional McConnell Taping Method. Athletic strapping tape is
used mostly to limit ranges of motion and to constrict muscle movement. The
effect of this method is to create a bridge over the areas that are injured so that athletes
can perform sport movements and have either prophylactic support or support to
an injured part of the body. Athletic tape is typically removed after the end of
an athletic event.
The McConnell Taping Method is a technique that tapes body parts to affect a
specific biomechanical movement. McConnell Tape uses a very rigid, highly
adhesive tape that is applied for no more that 18 hours and often for shorter
periods of time due to patient discomfort.
The Kinesio Taping Method has been developed specifically
to be used in conjunction with Kinesio Tape. The Kinesio Taping Association certifies
practitioners of the Kinesio Taping Method. Kinesio Tape can be identified by
the words "Kinesio Tex" printed on the back of the tape.
Next: What is Kinesio Tex Tape? »
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