Kinesiotape is a type of bandage, which consists of an elastic cotton plaster, with a layer of anti-allergic glue applied so that the material can ventilate. The elasticity of the tape reaches 140%, and matches the elasticity of the skin.
It is also known as neuro muscular taping, as it was originally based on the action on the muscle. Later, other applications have been discovered and depending on the technique of placement, it acts on different tissues and with different objectives.
As it is elastic, hypoallergenic and breathable, you hardly notice that you are wearing it, and it does not limit the functional level, making it very comfortable for the patient.
What injuries is it used for? When is it necessary?
It is used in a multitude of dysfunctions, injuries and pain. As we said before, there are different techniques depending on the objective we are looking for. The specialist in Physiotherapy places it, knowing all the techniques, will combine them looking for maximum efficiency. It plays with the tension, shape and direction of placement.
It is used in many cases, some examples are:
- Lumbalgia, cervicalgia, dorsalgia.
- Tendinitis.
- Muscle overload.
- Joint pain.
- Muscle pain.
- Ligament injuries.
- Postural correction.
- Inflammations – edema.
In my case I use it as a complementary therapy to physiotherapy treatment, seeking to optimize the results.
How is the kinesiotape applied? What does each color mean?
There are many videos on how to apply kinesiotape. I also recommend that it is always placed by a trained professional, as it is not necessarily harmful when placed incorrectly, but it will not perform its function correctly either.
Regarding the color, originally the choice was based on kinesiological techniques, making a prior assessment of what color is best for each patient through a test. There are also those who use warm colors (when you want to relax a muscle) or cold (for example, in ligament techniques) depending on the objective. I use the latter.
At the physiological level, the neuro muscular tape acts in different ways:
- Analgesia.
- Regulation of muscle tone.
- Help in joint function. How does it do it?
- Through proprioception (the tape acts mainly in the subcutaneous area, where we find several receptors).
- Correction of joint position.
- Increased stability.
- Stimulation of a direction of movement.
- Slowing down of the injurious movement.
- Neuroreflex mechanism.
- Stimulation of lymphatic drainage.
For how long should the bandages be worn?
This depends a lot on each patient and how long the bandage will last. It can be worn for several days, but if it peels off too much it must be removed and replaced.
It can be worn for 2 to 5 or 6 days, for long-term treatment, after which it is advisable to change it.
What are the disadvantages?
Generally none. In all the years I have been using it I think I have literally encountered two cases of mild itching of the skin, without major consequences. In almost all the patients I have treated using kinesiotape there have been no problems whatsoever. It is important, and I say this from experience, to use a good brand, as the quality and duration of the bandage is much higher.
As in most techniques, there are some contraindications, therefore, we will not use the application of kinesiotape.