Kinesio tape: what it is, what it is for and how to use it

Kinesio tape is a water-resistant adhesive tape that is used to accelerate recovery from an injury, relieve muscle pain or to stabilize joints and preserve muscles, tendons or ligaments, during training or competition, for example, and must be placed by the physiotherapist or trainer.

The kinesio tape is made of elastic material, allows blood flow and does not limit movement, and can be applied anywhere on the body.

This tape promotes discreet lifting of the skin, creating a small space between the muscle and the dermis, favoring the drainage of liquids that may be accumulated in the area and which may be favoring the symptoms of muscle injury, in addition to increasing local blood circulation and promote better muscle performance and reduced fatigue.

What is it for

Kinesio tapes are mainly used by athletes during competitions with the aim of stabilizing and preserving joints and muscles, preventing injuries. These tapes can also be used by people who are not athletes but who have an injury or pain that interferes with their daily life, as long as it is recommended by a doctor or physiotherapist.

Although they can be used for a variety of purposes, the use of tapes must be part of a treatment that also includes muscle strengthening and stretching exercises, as well as other techniques to prevent and combat injuries, and it is important that their use is guided by a physiotherapist.

Main benefits

Kinesio tapes can bring several benefits, such as:

• Improve performance in training;
• Improve local blood circulation;
• Reduce the impact on joints, without limiting movement;
• Provide better support for the affected joint;
• Reduce pain in the injured area;
• Increase proprioception, which is the perception of your own body;
• Reduce local swelling.

Furthermore, kinesio tape can also be used in pregnant women who suffer from low back pain, with good results.

How to use

Although anyone can benefit from using this functional bandage, they must be placed by a physical therapist, doctor or physical trainer at the site of the injury in order to offer better support, prevent pain and reduce muscle fatigue. These adhesive tapes can be placed in an X, V, I, or web shape, depending on the objective of the treatment.

The tape is made with hypoallergenic material and should be changed every 4 days at most, and there is no need to remove it to take a shower.