Let’s take a look at Sports Taping.
Kinesiology taping (KT) differs from traditional taping with Zinc Oxide tape (ZnOT). ZnOT is a rigid, inflexible tape used mostly to limit ranges of motion and to constrict muscle movement. The effect of ZnOT is to prevent injured tissue moving too far and being re-injured; or to reduce the stress where the muscle or tendon anchors itself to the bone.
Conversely, KT is stretchy, elastic and breathable, attempting to mimic the structure of the skin. The application of KT is theorised to have 2 principal effects, which can be utilised in different ways.
One theory is to provide neurosensory feedback through the skin, to protect against overstretch injury (or to encourage a better posture) by increasing the feedback when the muscle, ligament, tendon or joint is taken too far (as opposed ZnOT, which actively prevents the excess movement).
A second theory would be to slightly lift the skin away from the underlying tissue, which may allow increased movement of any fluid (bruising, oedema) there, increasing blood flow, and reducing swelling.
It is theorised that this same effect may also reduce pressure on pain receptors, providing a degree of analgaesia.
ZnOT is typically worn only for the duration of an athletic (or other potentially aggravating) event; KT can be worn for 24 hours a day, and typically stays on for 3-5 days.
NB: The glue used with KT is heat activated, so the warmer it is, the stickier it becomes; unlike ZnOT DO NOT try to remove KT in the bath or shower! Equally, don’t just rip it off like a plaster; this glue is much stronger.
With either form of taping—we (strongly) recommend shaving the area before applying.
#KinesiologyTape #Taping #ZincOxide #SportsInjury #Tewkesbury
You can find out more here:
www.physio-pedia.com/Kinesiology_Taping
www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/treatments-therapies/sports-taping
