What is Kinesiology Taping?
Kinesiology Tape was invented by Dr. Kenzo Kase, a Japanese Chiropractor and Acupuncturist.
It is a light, stretchy, hypoallergenic tape which stretches in one direction and can be used to support, facilitate, inhibit, or retrain movement, depending on the tension and direction of application.
It can be seen on professional athletes but can also be used in a variety and medical situations, including the treatment of severe pain.
Kinesiology tape is specifically applied based on evaluation including Manual Directional Testing.
It can be applied in numerous ways and has the ability to re-educate the neuromuscular system, decrease inflammation, prevent injury, promote circulation and assist in returning the body to homeostasis.
A trained practitioner will know how to select the right tape with the right methodology
Who can benefit from Kinesiology Tape?
It can be seen on professional athletes, but can also be used in a variety of medical situations, including the treatment of severe pain.
It is especially helpful for postural issues and biomechanical problems resulting in knee pain, hip pain, back pain,foot pain, elbow pain, hand pain, shoulder pain. It can also help with CRPS, arthritis, nerve pain and headaches
What can I expect from a treatment or a series of sessions? What do I need to do to
prepare for it?
Wear clothing that is easy to pull up or down for access. A sports bra works well.
Lotion should be left off or will need to be removed, so it is probably better to leave it off and bring some with you for later application.
The tape usually stays on 3-5 days, and should be removed per instructions.
If there is itching or irritation, do not leave it on. Let your therapist know and have someone help you remove it gently.
If you have very sensitive skin, let the therapist know. There are lighter tapes and some preparations that can help. Rarely is this tape not tolerated.
The tape should help increase stability and decrease pain. If it does not, take it off. Not every application is a complete success due to individual variability.
Laurie Levine- Lowen offers Kinesiology Taping, among several other services, at CLINIC Mondays 1- 5pm and Fridays 9am- 1pm.