KINESIO TAPING
Some of you might have seen Kinesio Taping in the sports world. Whenever you see an athlete wrapped with hot pink or bright blue tape it has nothing to do with a new sports fashion but is a therapeutic technique called Kinesio Taping.
Kinesio Taping is very popular in the athletic field to prevent injuries and muscle fatigue, as well as to increase the performance level. In 1988 it gained international recognition for the first time at the Olympics in Seoul. At the Olympic Games 2008 in Beijing it was applied by many national teams. Professional athletes like David Beckham, Serena Williams and Tiger Woods also used the effects of Kinesio Taping throughout their competitive sports career. Today the Kinesio Tape cannot be excluded form the sports world any more and finds continuous application in various sports like football, volleyball or athletics. Kinesio Taping for tennis elbow or knee pains is commonly used.
How does a Kinesio Tape work?
Kinesio comes from Kinesiology, the study of anatomy, physiology and mechanics of body movement. Kinesio Taping is a gentle, non-invasive therapy based on the body's own natural recovery process.
Dr. Kenzo Kase developed the concept 1973 in Japan. It utilizes an elastic cotton tape that is applied over and around muscles to support the recovery process of muscles and other tissues by increasing energy and lymphatic flow. Especially Kinesio Taping for the back, shoulder and neck has proven highly effective.
Contrary to conventional athletic tapes the effect of Kinesio Taping gives support and stability to muscles and joints without cutting the circulation or restricting the range of motion. The therapy is painless and without side effects.
Kinesio Taping is also going mainstream to everyday people, gaining more and more popularity in the USA and Europe.
This therapy can benefit everybody, hence best results are achieved if it is applied by a certified Kinesio Taping practitioner. The inventor Dr. Kase continues to mentor practitioners at his international Kinesio Taping Association.
