Kinesiotaping

In recent years, many non-surgical methods aimed at improving overall health have appeared. One such method is kinesio taping — based on the scientific and practical discipline of kinesiology (also known as “biomechanics”), which studies muscle movement. The main tool used in this technique involves elastic adhesive tapes (kinesiology tapes or simply "tapes").

Taping has long been used in medicine primarily for immobilizing body parts in a fixed position. However, an obvious drawback of that method was the limitation of mobility. In 1973, Dr. Kenzo Kase, a Japanese physician, developed a new approach using elastic tape. This procedure showed excellent results and was already applied during the 1988 Seoul Olympics to treat athletes.

Kinesio taping quickly gained popularity across Europe and Asia, and in the U.S., active clinical research began, further refining the method. Elastic taping appeared in the CIS countries only in the early 2000s but rapidly became widely accepted among both athletes and regular patients.

How Does Kinesio Taping Work?

The essence of this treatment lies in applying special kinesiology tape to the affected area in a specific way. These tapes are made from natural cotton, allowing the skin to breathe freely. To secure them in place, a hypoallergenic acrylic-based gel adhesive is used. It activates when it comes into contact with the body and warms up from body temperature.

Thanks to the use of strong yet natural materials, the tapes can be worn for up to two weeks and are water-resistant — you can take baths or go swimming while wearing them. Their thickness and elasticity closely resemble human skin, so they do not cause discomfort during wear.

The primary function of kinesio taping is to support and aid in healing muscles and ligaments. Part of the load from the injured area is transferred to the elastic tape, which effectively acts as an artificial ligament. As a result, recovery occurs much faster while maintaining mobility in the affected region. The procedure also provides the following effects:

• Lifting effect — by lifting the skin, the tape increases interstitial and subcutaneous space;
• Pain relief — helps reduce pain syndrome;
• Improved muscle function — achieved through stimulation of proprioceptors and interoreceptors;
• Joint stabilization — improves joint and ligament function;
• Organ function improvement — due to segmental influence;
• Reduces swelling;
• Accelerates wound healing.

Myths About Kinesio Taping

Misunderstanding how kinesio taping works has led to the spread of several myths. For example, some believe that the tape must contain medicinal substances to produce a therapeutic effect. In reality, certified tapes contain only adhesive material designed to hold the tape in place without affecting the body.

Another myth is related to the placebo effect and lack of evidence for the method's effectiveness. However, the way the tape is applied plays a crucial role. Simply sticking the tape onto the affected area is not enough to achieve a positive outcome. Only a qualified specialist can apply the tape correctly to ensure real benefits.

The effectiveness of this method has been repeatedly confirmed by physicians working with professional athletes, who often suffer from muscle strains and overexertion. First and foremost, taping is used to relieve pain and swelling after muscle or joint injuries, while preserving limb mobility. The strongest effect is observed within the first five days after application, after which it gradually decreases.

Other myths without scientific basis or evidence include:

• The color of the tape affects its therapeutic efficiency;
• The body can get used to the tape;
• Elastic tapes are difficult to use;
• All tapes from different manufacturers are the same in quality and characteristics.

Methods of Kinesio Taping

Kinesio taping is built upon a set of techniques for applying elastic tapes. Thanks to these methods, even ordinary-looking plasters provide targeted therapeutic effects on damaged areas of the body.

The four most well-known taping techniques are:

1. Functional correction — facilitates joint movement; the tape is applied while the joint is maximally bent or extended.
2. Fascial correction — used for muscle recovery after surgery; the tape is applied in a way that relieves pressure inside and lifts the skin above the fascia.
3. Mechanical correction — used to relax muscles, relieve chronic tension, and address myofascial pain. Application considers the tension and pressure of the tape.
4. Lymphatic correction — used to reduce swelling; the tape is applied in strips directed toward lymph nodes to improve lymph drainage.

There are also other techniques designed to limit range of motion in the injured area and provide lifting with reduced interstitial pressure.

Kinesio Taping at the "Berezoviy Gai" Health Resort

Kinesio taping is prescribed by a doctor after a detailed diagnosis, taking all indications and contraindications into account. The number of sessions depends on the individual’s condition and specific issue. The treatment course typically lasts from 3 sessions up to full patient recovery (absence of complaints). In some cases of acute injury, a single session may suffice.

Kinesio taping can be used in combination with other medical procedures for treating:

• Arthrosis and osteochondrosis;
• Postural disorders, scoliosis (early stage), torticollis;
• Cerebral palsy;
• Myofascial pain syndromes;
• Injuries of the musculoskeletal system;
• Swelling and bruising.