Kinesio tape patch: instructions for use, analogues, indications. Taping the shoulder joints. How does kinesio tape work?

Taping is the procedure of applying special fixing tapes to the surface of the body.

Thanks to the use of carefully selected materials for the tape and adherence to the rules of fixation for various parts of the body, it is possible to achieve impressive results in the treatment of disorders of the musculoskeletal system.

Mechanism of action of the procedure

The skin is directly related to the musculoskeletal system: certain muscle groups are attached to it through connective tissue.

The controlled tension of the skin created when applying tapes “lifts” its surface and, accordingly, the underlying muscles. This provides several effects:

  • unloading of muscle fibers;
  • elimination of pain caused by muscle pressure on nerve fibers;
  • improvement of blood microcirculation in the taping area;
  • normalization of lymphatic drainage and relief of swelling caused by joint injuries;
  • decrease in intensity inflammatory process by improving blood flow in the pathological area;
  • correction of the position of articular structures, which is especially important in the recovery period after injuries;
  • correction of posture due to mechanical tension of the skin, which allows you to normalize the position of the spine with the initial degree of scoliosis, especially in children;
  • reflexogenic effect, including pain relief, improvement metabolic processes etc., thanks to the micromassage effect.

The use of tape is a unique method of auxiliary treatment. Unlike other methods of fixing damaged or diseased joints, tape allows you to reduce motor movements as much as the condition of the joint requires, without allowing it to become completely immobile.

Thanks to this, the procedure has become widespread in the treatment of diseases that require simultaneously reducing the load on the pathological area and at the same time maintaining activity in it.

Types of taping

In modern medical practice The following types of taping are used:

  • Functional. It is used mainly in professional sports to preserve and maintain the functions of the musculoskeletal system. Tapes are applied before training or competition and removed at the end. This allows you to prevent a large number of sports injuries, including the most common - meniscal tears and knee dislocations.
  • Medicinal. Used to limit the range of motion in a joint when it needs rest. A striking example- or rupture of its ligaments and high risk development of arthrosis with prolonged immobility of the shoulder. In this case, applying tapes allows you to simultaneously preserve and limit the mobility of the shoulder joint.
  • Rehabilitation. Recommended as one of the stages recovery period after injuries or operations on the joints, which require gradual entry into the usual mode of physical activity.

Tape: what is it?

Tape tape (tape) is a strip of cotton fabric made using special technology.

The material contains strong elastic fibers that determine the degree of elasticity of the tape: its ability to stretch during body movements and return to its original state at rest.

The elasticity of the tape is identical to the skin, which makes the procedure a natural process for the human body.

The reverse side of the tape is covered with an adhesive composition, which ensures a tight fit of the material to the skin and fixation of the tape.

Thanks to the technologies used to make the tapes, they can remain on the skin relatively for a long time- up to several days, while maintaining its characteristics. This means that after applying the tapes, a person does not have to give up his usual activities (of course, within the limits of an injury or joint disease), and after taking a shower, visiting the pool, etc., the tape continues to perform its functions.

Indications for the procedure

Almost any musculoskeletal disease or injury - direct reading to taping. Depending on the specifics of the situation, this procedure may be recommended in acute period and carried out simultaneously with other treatment methods (mass
even by taking medications, physiotherapy, etc.), or prescribed as an auxiliary method during the rehabilitation period after surgery, treatment of dislocations and fractures.

Indications for the use of tape can be in various circumstances, depending on the area in which the pathology is detected and its nature (inflammatory, traumatic, etc.):

Shoulder joint taping

Taping of the shoulder joint and scapular area is necessary in the following cases:

  • preventive application of tapes before playing tennis, golf or other activities not related to sports, but involving excessive and uneven loads on one of the shoulders;
  • recovery period after bursitis, dislocation, subluxation of the shoulder joint;
  • spicy inflammatory diseases V soft tissues shoulder joint, which requires limited mobility for treatment;
  • elimination of pain syndrome of traumatic or inflammatory origin.

Ankle procedure

The ankle joint, as one of the most “loaded” and vulnerable, requires fixation with tape under the following circumstances:

Tape for the knee joint

Taping of the knee joint is performed in several cases:

  • For professional athletes, in particular, football players, track and field and weightlifters, the application of tapes is recommended before training, as well as after them, if physical exercise were especially heavy (the application of tapes is carried out in order to relieve the ligamentous apparatus of the knee);
  • going through a late recovery period after finishing wearing rigid immobilizing structures;
  • reduction of pain and swelling in knee joint injuries.

Applying tapes to the spine

Taping for diseases of the spine is indicated:

Important: in each individual case, the attending physician decides on the need to use tape based on the characteristics of the situation and weighing the risks and benefits. Therefore, an "official" indication for this procedure does not mean that it will be recommended in your case.

Contraindications to the procedure

The main contraindication to applying tape is to carry out the procedure independently and without a doctor’s prescription. In addition, the use of tape is not recommended in the following cases:

  • incomplete examination to identify the causes of the disease (for a number of conditions that occur latently, the application of tapes can cause their exacerbation);
  • increased coagulability blood and the risk of blood clots (in this case, tapes are not applied to areas of the body with veins close to the skin);
  • any damage to the integrity of the skin in the area where the tape is applied, including scratches, abrasions, acne, burns, etc.;
  • malignant processes on the skin in the area of ​​the procedure;
  • pregnancy (tapes are not applied to the lumbar and pelvic area to exclude reflex stimulation of uterine tone);
  • swelling of the extremities of unknown origin;
  • severe heart disease and/or renal failure, in which there is a high risk of disruption and complete cessation of blood circulation in the skin;
  • elevated temperature bodies and sharp viral diseases;
  • undergoing a course of chemotherapy or radiation for cancer.

The use of a special patch (tape) or kinesiological taping is a unique method developed by Japanese scientists back in the early seventies of the last century. Special kinesiological material (elastic applications) was previously used exclusively for the rehabilitation of professional athletes.

Currently, tape has earned recognition not only among sports medicine doctors, but also among ordinary orthopedists, traumatologists, neurologists, etc. In order to use the patch, special skills and understanding of the essence of taping are required. The price for it varies widely, it all depends on the modification and manufacturer.

What is the product

At its core, a kinesiology (tape) patch is a three-layer product with which applications are made. Its base is made of 100% cotton, in addition there are inclusions of polyester, which provides the tape with the maximum possible stretch and strength. A special adhesive hypoallergenic substance is applied to the entire surface of the tape, which begins to activate only after contact with the skin. Another composition indicated by the seller can be considered a fake. A special adhesive hypoallergenic substance is applied to the entire surface of the tape, which begins to activate only after contact with the skin. Kinesio tape is elastic, its structure is physical properties somewhat reminiscent of human skin, the maximum possible percentage in stretching is 140, based on the original value.

The properties of the tape patch are such that when applied, a person practically does not feel it on himself, it does not hinder movement, and you can freely perform any exercises with it. Reviews from those who have used them say that the kinesio patch can be worn constantly, without removing it for several days, while still receiving full course therapy.

With the help of taping, the following effects are achieved:

  • Improving blood flow and lymph flow.
  • Pain relief in areas of muscle strain.
  • The tape slightly lifts the skin, thereby removing excess pressure on the injured muscles.
  • Maximum muscle relaxation.
  • Massage and stretch the skin while moving.

Tapes are an indispensable tool for muscle injuries for people leading an active lifestyle and playing sports.

Injury during competition or preparation for it is a common problem for all athletes. This cannot be avoided, and previously, having received even a minor injury, an athlete “dropped out” from the team for a long time. But now, thanks to the taping method, it’s possible to quickly recover and continue training again. According to consumer reviews, the patch also helps a lot in everyday life, because there is a risk of getting injured, even when working on a personal plot.

Features of application

There is now a wide choice kinesio tape ov, presented by manufacturers at different prices. But the manufacturer of plasters (tapes) Bio Balance Tape (BBTape) retains the leadership and receives more positive reviews; the quality of products from South Korea has remained at the proper level since 1997.

There are many kinesio tapes, but does the consumer know the difference between kinesio tapes and sports tapes? If you give brief description, then the difference will be as follows:

  1. Sports tapes, as the instructions describe, are used only for rigid fixation. This is required for various sports injuries when it is necessary to severely limit mobility at the site of injury. The method of sports taping in this case would be to use a long strip of plaster as a bandage to prevent re-injury during further stress.
  2. Kinesio tapes. The instructions for using this type of patch say that the adhesive tape is attached to the skin to achieve the effect of muscle toning and relaxation. There is no strong fixation of the muscles; the person can continue to move at his usual rhythm.

Phiten patches have earned no less popularity (according to reviews) on the supply market due to their main effect – pain relief. They are easy to use, and the price is affordable for consumers with any budget. However, Fiten is only suitable for minor sprains, bruises, serious injuries with anatomical changes in the integrity of muscle structures, ligaments or bones, no type of taping will save an athlete from a hospital bed.

Tapes are an excellent remedy for muscle injuries, but for them to be effective, they must be applied in a special way, and this must be done by a specialist.

Tips (instructions) for using taping:

  1. The patch is waterproof, so you can shower and swim without fear of it coming off.
  2. You cannot rub the tape after water procedures; you just need to get it slightly wet.
  3. If the patch begins to peel off, it can be trimmed a little or replaced.
  4. Before training, the tape is applied 30 minutes before training; it is necessary for it to “get used” to the body.
  5. When thick hairline Hair removal must be carried out in the area where the application is applied.

Despite the fact that sports or kinesio patches are practically harmless, there are a number of cases when their use is not recommended:

  • Allergy to acrylic or purely individual intolerance to the product.
  • Any skin disease, incl. and oncology.
  • Xeroderma, wounds and ulcers.
  • Any skin trauma or systemic diseases.
  • Thrombosis of the veins of the lower extremities.
  • Tendency to rapid education acne, blisters, etc.

Important! Unfortunately, despite the apparent ease of application, the “just stick it and it goes” principle does not work here. There is a special technique for applying patches, and only a specialist should use it.

Table No. 1. Comparative characteristics prices for tapes

5006 0

Kinesio tape (elastic tape bandage of low elongation, adhesive) is an elastic cotton tape developed on an adhesive base, which is used in sports medicine during rehabilitation after injuries.

The kinesio tape patch can relieve pain, reduce swelling and significantly speed up the recovery process of a damaged joint. Tape can cure articular or muscle pain, without the use of ointments and tablets.

Kinesiological tape is necessary so that even in the presence of any injury it is possible to achieve the goal and obtain a positive result.

By sticking a patch on the damaged muscle, it will take over part of it muscle function, allowing recovery without unnecessary stress. Activation of the glue occurs due to body temperature. The unique structure of the bandage makes it similar to human skin.

The action of the kinesiobandage occurs at the microscopic level; it reduces pressure and pain, as if lifting the skin above the injured area. After application, normalization of muscle functions occurs, the muscles move into a more relaxed state, and the pain disappears.

Purposes of use

Purposes of using the patch:

  • improvement of blood circulation and lymph flow;
  • relief of pain;
  • relaxation of hypertonicity or stimulation of muscle hypotonicity;
  • protecting muscles from overload;
  • to relieve inflammatory processes;
  • to stabilize joints.

The advantage of this patch is also that it is able to accelerate the regeneration of muscles and ligaments.

The kinesio patch fixes the muscles for an unlimited time without limiting mobility. When using them, you do not have to use additional bandages or dressings.

How does kinesio tape differ from traditional bandages?

The kinesio patch differs from traditional sports tapes in that it can be left on the skin for a week, but reuse one tape is not provided.

Sports tape can be used repeatedly, which will reduce costs if an athlete only needs to briefly fix uninjured joints or tendons during training or performance.

Unlike a conventional elastic bandage, which fixes muscles and joints, thereby preventing normal operation ligaments, reducing the range of motion and leading to numbness, but kinesio tape does not create any obstacles to blood circulation and does not restrict movement.

The bandage must be removed immediately after the end of the workout, as it can cause skin irritation and even dry out muscles. The tape allows the skin to breathe, it is not visible under clothes and there is no need to remove it even while taking a bath. Unlike similar products, it is hypoallergenic.

Features and application methods

In order to determine the quality of the tape, you need to watch how the roll unwinds. It should unwind to the very end without jerking or tension, and part of the tape should come off without any effort. When applied to the skin, do not form air folds and adhere easily and in a timely manner.

The most important thing in handling this tape is the need to know the muscle anatomy, since you will have to figure out which part of the bone or joint the damaged muscle is attached to.

The patch must be glued so that the muscle is pulled along the fibers. One patch is used for four to six days. The maximum effect will be achieved when the elasticity of the patch is 50-70%.

In order to apply the tape correctly you need:

  1. Determine for what purpose this is being done. For muscle, it is recommended to apply the patch around the perimeter of the injured area, in which there are respectively painful sensations. When using a patch for correcting children's posture or kinesio tape, it must be applied along the length of the spine or foot. If there is a need to protect muscles during sports, then stick it on problem areas.
  2. In the overlap zone shave off excess hair.
  3. Degrease the skin with alcohol and then use tape.
  4. After gluing it is necessary wait for half an hour until the glue begins to interact with the skin and only then start playing sports.

Useful video materials

Situations when taping will be harmful

In what cases is it better not to use tape:

Top 6 popular products

Using statistical data, you can identify the 5 best kinesio tapes:

As an orthopedic surgeon, I recommend using the kinesiotaping method for injuries and during sports. Its essence is to use a special tape, which, with the help of structure and a certain elasticity, can improve blood circulation and relieve pain.

But before applying the tape, be sure to read the instructions and learn the application methods.

Alexey Valerievich

I am a traumatologist with extensive experience and experience working in foreign clinics. Not long ago, a patient came to me after a serious accident.

They prescribed him everything that was supposed to help speed up the restoration of his bones. muscle tissue and relieving terrible pain. Physiotherapy, massage sessions and various medications, undoubtedly, had a certain effect, but full recovery didn't happen.

After which I remembered the use of special kinesio tapes in Korea. During observation, I began to notice that the patient stopped using painkillers, but the tape did not come off. It turned out that the pain subsided on the first day of gluing and recovery was significantly accelerated. Believe me, as an experienced specialist, that a kinesio patch for a few hundred rubles will significantly reduce the rehabilitation time and help relieve pain.

Traumatologist


All of you have probably already seen interesting colored patches pasted on the body of athletes or ordinary people, wondering - what is it and why were they glued on? In this article we will explain in detail and answer all common questions regarding this effective means rehabilitation, which is gaining increasing popularity in all corners of the world. Kinesio tape is an innovative patch of various colors that does not contain any medicines and serves to relieve pain and support injured muscles and joints. The application of kinesio tapes or kinesio taping is unique method, developed in Japan in the mid-70s, to stimulate the body to use the natural healing process of injured areas without the use of pills, ointments or any other pharmaceuticals. Over the past few years, the advantages of using this technique in addition to existing types of therapy have become obvious, thanks to which completely new results are achieved in the fields of rehabilitation and sports medicine.

Kinesio tapes are used to treat and relieve pain from injuries of various origins: bruises, dislocations, swelling, sprains, osteochondrosis, arthritis, cerebral palsy and various disorders of the musculoskeletal system. The kinesiotaping method has received increasing recognition every year in such areas as traumatology, sports medicine, rheumatology, pediatrics, manual therapy, and cosmetology.

Kinesio tape - what is this patch and how does it work?

As mentioned above, kinesio tape is a special tape, similar to a patch, made of 100% cotton, nylon or artificial silk, which does not contain any drugs or medications. Only a special acrylic hypoallergenic adhesive is applied to the entire surface of the tape in a wave-like layer. Unlike bandages and classic sports tape, kinesio tape has elasticity that is as close as possible to the elasticity of human skin (it has the ability to stretch up to 190% of the original value). Thanks to this elasticity and the special structure of the tape, the effects described below from the use of this patch are achieved. The properties of kinesio tape are such that a person almost does not feel it, and freedom of movement is not limited in any way. Moreover, it can be worn around the clock (for 3-5 days) while continuing to engage in sports or any other physical activity. Hence the name of this miracle remedy: “kinesio” is translated as “movement”, and “tape” is “tape”, i.e. a tape that does not restrict your movement and at the same time has a constant healing effect, mobilizing only the body’s own resources for a speedy recovery. It's hard to imagine a more intensive type of therapy!

In the process of using kinesio tape, pain relief and medicinal effects as a result of improved blood circulation and lymph movement in the injured area. The patch lifts the skin, reduces pressure and facilitates blood circulation, thereby allowing injured muscles to “relax”. Moreover, in combination with natural movements body, it stretches and massages the skin, and also provides constant support to injured joints and muscles. Thanks to this, the outflow of lymph improves and pain is reduced.

Which patch is better?

Today there is a large selection of tapes of various brands, however, not all of them meet the declared characteristics required for kinesio tapes to achieve maximum results. Due to increased demand, many tapes today are produced in China, which negatively affects the quality of these tapes and the materials used in them, and greatly increases the risk of skin irritation or allergies after gluing such tapes. Therefore, experts recommend using only proven brands of tape; kinesio tapes from South Korea and Japan are considered the best, because in these countries, product quality is carefully controlled at all stages of production. Recognized leaders in the kinesio taping market are kinesio tapesB io Balance Tape (BBTape™), developed by the Korean Balance Taping Medical Association and produced in South Korea since 1997. The quality of BBTape™ brand products is known far beyond Korea and is widely recognized in all countries of Europe, America, Canada, Australia and Japan.

Featuring high quality cotton and adhesive backing, BBTape™ Kinesio Tape (some call it Pain Relief Tape) healing tape patch or sports patch) stays securely on the skin for 5 days, providing a constant therapeutic effect while allowing the skin to breathe! With the help of BBTape™ kinesio tapes it is possible to treat not only injured muscles and joints, but also internal organs. For example, to date, significant results have been achieved in relieving stomach pain and menstrual pain using the application of BBTape™ therapeutic tape. The online sports medicine store Athleticmed is the exclusive distributor of the BBTape™ brand on Russian market, so you can always get a good price in our store.

Benefits of BBTape™ kinesio tapes:

  • The best price/quality ratio among numerous kinesio brands! Prices for these kinesio tapes start at just a 5-meter roll, and the quality is recognized by experts as one of the best on the world market! This brand of kinesio tapes, produced in South Korea since 1997, is far superior in quality to any kinesio tapes produced in China, which are presented today in huge quantities on the Russian market.
  • Kinesio tapes BBTape (Bio Balance Tape) are the only tapes in the world developed by the Korean Balance Taping Medical Association, and are created specifically for medical professionals and ordinary consumers. the highest criteria quality and with careful control of hypoallergenicity, which minimizes the risk of allergies and skin reactions! Thanks to the quality of the materials used and unique composition Bio Balance adhesive tape (BBTape™) has gained immense popularity all over the world among athletes, sports doctors and ordinary people who use the kinesiotaping method. Over the years of selling these kinesio tapes, we have not received a single one negative feedback from our clients!
  • By choosing BBTape™ kinesio tapes, you pay for excellent and world-recognized quality of materials and do not overpay for a big brand name!
  • , designed specifically for water sports, last up to 7 days even with the most active training! These tapes currently have no analogues on the market.
  • , designed specifically for taping children with particularly delicate skin, as well as for people with a tendency to develop skin allergies after using regular kinesio tapes.
  • Wide range of brand products BBTape™ includes: including original designs and children's colors; pre-cut kinesio tapes; nylon kinesio tapes; kinesio tapes made of artificial silk; synthetic tapes; crosstapes and kinesio tapes with reinforced glue. At the moment, you will not find such an assortment of colors, sizes and materials of kinesio tapes from any manufacturer in the world that is presented by the BBTape™ brand!

How to apply kinesio tape correctly?

To achieve the effects described above from the use of kinesio tapes, you first need to familiarize yourself with the basic rules for applying or gluing this unique drug-free patch. Below is a list of recommendations for preliminary preparation and correct gluing of tapes, without knowledge and compliance with which it is unlikely that you will be able to obtain maximum results from the use of kinesiological tapes:

  • The area of ​​skin on which the kinesio tape is applied must be clean and dry. For better adhesion of the tape to the skin and for the application to last as long as possible, it is recommended to first degrease the skin in the area of ​​application using an alcohol-containing solution or special wipes, and then allow it to dry.
  • Next, you need to cut a strip of the required length and shape from the roll and remove the protective film.
  • For better fixation When using tape on the skin, it is recommended to round off the edges of the application.
  • Important! The first and last 5 cm of kinesio tape (the so-called “anchors”) are always applied to the skin without stretching!
  • It is necessary to bend the joint on which the kinesio tape is applied so that the muscles are taut, and apply the patch along its entire length. The tape is usually fixed on pre-stretched skin (muscles) with a slight stretch of 10-15% or without it. In case of injury, where the affected area cannot be stretched, and to provide support to the ligaments and joint tape fixed with a tension not exceeding 50%!
  • After applying the application, you must thoroughly rub the surface of the patch with your hand to activate the wavy adhesive layer. This way the tape will be more securely fixed on the skin and will last longer.
  • And lastly, kinesio tape can be worn around the clock for 3-5 days. You can take any water procedures and study physical exercise in your usual way. Throughout this time, it provides therapeutic, supportive and analgesic effects.


After you have glued the tape, using the above recommendations and the instructions for kinesio tape, which is always included with each roll of kinesio tape BBTape ™ and in which you will find step by step instructions to apply a patch for the main, most common injuries and pain syndromes, you need to know the following rules for using the tape:

  • Kinesio tape is water-resistant, so you can shower and swim without fear of peeling. For those who are actively involved in water sports and intense training accompanied by profuse sweating, it is recommended to use This series was specially designed for extreme loads, in which ordinary tapes can come off.
  • After a shower and water training, the surface of the kinesio tape should be lightly blotted with something dry to dry it. Do not rub under any circumstances!
  • If the ends of the patch begin to peel off, they must be carefully cut off or a new application must be applied.
  • If you exercise regularly sports training, you need to apply kinesio tape at least 30 minutes before training.
  • Kinesio tape can be applied on top of the hair if the hair is small, so as not to damage the adhesive layer. If there is a risk of damage to the adhesive layer, it is recommended to shave the hair from the area on the body before applying it.
  • If you feel severe itching or severe irritation on your skin after applying the application, you should immediately remove the kinesio tapes. This reaction may be a consequence hypersensitivity skin or individual intolerance to the acrylic that makes up the adhesive layer of the patch. Slight redness of the skin or itching is normal and is due to the effect of the tape on skin receptors! When severe itching and redness, we recommend using instead of standard kinesio tape, designed specifically for children and people with very sensitive skin.

How to remove kinesio tape?

After gluing on theautomated area​Kinesio tapes have the maximum therapeutic and analgesic effect during the first few days of wearing, after which it is recommended to renew the application. To remove the patch from the skin correctly and as painlessly as possible, follow these recommendations:

  • One of the most common myths regarding the use of this product is that it is best to remove the tape in the shower after it has been soaked in water. Taping specialists and professional athletes under no circumstances recommend soaking the tape with water before removing it from the skin, because this can lead to redness of the skin at the site of application and the remains of an adhesive layer on the skin, which will be difficult to get rid of.
  • Instead of soaking the tape with water, it is recommended to soak the entire surface of the application before removing it. These products effectively deactivate the adhesive base while moisturizing the skin and preventing irritation. After you have soaked the kinesio tape with a special agent, you need to wait a few minutes and then carefully remove the patch, in no case tearing it off with sudden movements.
  • If you do not use a special tape remover, you must adhere to following rules: remove the patch in the direction of hair growth with a careful smooth movement at a slight angle. After removing the kinesio tape, it is recommended to moisturize the skin with cream or other product.

Indications for use of the kinesio tape patch

The main indications for the use of kinesio tapes, which achieve the maximum therapeutic and analgesic effect, include:

Bruises, sprains, dislocations, tears, inflammation of muscles, joints and tendons. Hematomas and edema of various origins. Pain in muscles and joints. Injuries and diseases of the musculoskeletal system (cerebral palsy, poor posture, initial forms of scoliosis, spinal hernia, infantile torticollis, periarthritis, epicondylitis, arthrosis, spinal osteochondrosis). Cicatricial changes in the skin. Menstrual pain. Headache voltage.

The list of indications and diseases for which it is possible to achieve significant improvement with the help of kinesio tapes and taping techniques is constantly growing every year. This is due to the effectiveness of this non-invasive, drug-free treatment method.



Contraindications to the use of kinesio tapes

Contraindications for the use of kinesio tapes are:

Allergic reaction to acrylic, individual intolerance. Skin diseases, including cancer. Xeroderma (parchment skin). Open wounds And trophic ulcers at the site of application of kinesio tape. First trimester of pregnancy. Elderly age with sensitive weak skin. Patients with systemic diseases skin and its injuries. Tendency to form blisters, microtraumas, bruises or bruises. Deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremities.

Video on how to apply kinesio tape to the thigh:

Video on how to apply kinesio tape to the lower leg:

Video on how to apply kinesio tape to your foot and ankle:

Video on how to apply kinesio tape to eliminate edema and tumors:

Quite often, during active sports, an athlete can receive various injuries. These can be both harmless sprains and more serious ones - dislocations, fractures, etc. All this can, of course, affect a person who is far from sports, but if an ordinary citizen can still lie on the sofa at home while sick, then for an athlete it is important to do as much as possible get back on track faster.

Currently appeared completely new method The treatment for such injuries is kinesio taping, which is based on the application of kinesio tapes to the damaged area of ​​the body. We will try to understand the features of this treatment, advantages and contraindications.

What is kinesio tape?

This treatment method was developed specifically for the therapy and speedy rehabilitation of injured athletes. Treatment of sprains and bruises is carried out without restricting a person’s mobility.

When applying tapes, not only does motor activity not decrease, but the possibility of further training remains. In this regard, the kinesio tape patch is a unique tool in the treatment of musculoskeletal problems.

Sports kinesio tapes help relax overstrained muscles and thereby help them recover faster.

Japanese doctor Kenzo Kase deserves special thanks. It was he who developed this method of treating injuries in 1973, but the kinesio tape patch received its well-deserved popularity only after the 2008 Olympics.

Currently, the demand for patches is increasing not only among athletes, but also among people leading

How does the kinesio patch work?

Muscles in the human body not only perform a musculoskeletal function, but also take an active part in venous circulation and lymph movement. Therefore, any damage to muscle tissue leads to problems with blood circulation. It is in this regard that it is necessary to use treatment methods that would guarantee a speedy recovery after injury.

Kinesio tape is an elastic bandage for athletes, which is made from natural cotton. It has a wave-like structure, and in addition there is a layer that does not cause an allergic reaction. The glue is activated only under the influence of human body temperature. The unique structure of the patches makes them very similar to human skin.

The tape acts on a microscopic level - it seems to lift the skin above the damaged area, which significantly reduces pressure and reduces pain. As a result of exposure, blood circulation and lymph flow improves, which leads to faster resorption of hematomas and tumors.

After applying kinesio tape, the instructions allow you to maintain an active lifestyle, as intensive muscle support is guaranteed. All this is subject to correct application, but as a rule, there are no difficulties with this.

How does the patch affect the athlete’s body?

After kinesio tape is applied to the problem area, it has the following effects:

  • By normalizing muscle function, pain is reduced.
  • If you study kinesio tape, the instructions state that muscles quickly go from a tense state to a relaxed state.
  • Blood circulation improves.
  • The movement of lymph and the outflow of tissue fluid becomes more effective.
  • Neuralgia disappears.
  • Skin and muscle activity is stimulated.
  • If an athlete attends massage sessions, the effect is much more noticeable and lasting.

Considering this effect, we can come to the conclusion that active citizens can also use kinesio tape; the price, especially, is relatively low.

Benefits of using kinesio tapes

Compared to a product like a regular one elastic bandage, kinesio tape has significant advantages:


The use of kinesio tapes in medicine

All these advantages allow this treatment method to be used not only in sports medicine, but also for the treatment of certain diseases, for example:

  1. For the treatment of scoliosis.
  2. In the presence of juvenile kyphosis, the use of kinesio tapes is effective.
  3. Therapy for achillobursitis.
  4. To correct curvature of the legs in children.
  5. If there are neurological manifestations of cervical, thoracic or lumbar osteochondrosis.
  6. Musculofascial pain syndromes torso or limbs.
  7. At varicose veins There is a disruption in blood flow in the muscles. Kinesio tape - the instructions mention this - can help in this situation.
  8. After a mastectomy.
  9. For the treatment of algodismenorrhea.

This is such a wide range of uses for such patches.

Where is the most justified use of kinesio tapes?

You can use the patch for athletes on various parts bodies.


Kinesio tapes are available in various color scheme, but this does not affect their characteristics in any way, but only allows you to choose the patch to match the color of the sports uniform. Although among athletes it is believed that black tape is more durable in its adhesive characteristics, therefore it is often used in aquatic species sports The width of the kinesio tape is about 5 centimeters and the length of the roll is five meters. The price ranges from 500-600 rubles.

Types of sports tapes

There are kinesio tapes various types. If we talk about sports, then among them we most often distinguish:

  1. Inelastic. This classic version, which has White color or slightly creamy. Such patches are used for wrists.
  2. Elastic kinesio tape has greater stretchability, which allows for increased fixation and increased coverage area.
  3. Special kinesio tapes are designed for use on specific parts of the body and have a specific shape.

All types of kinesio tapes are quite in demand in the sports world, since their application is not particularly difficult, and they perform their function perfectly.

Methods of applying kinesio tape

In addition to the varieties of such patches, there are also various methods their application. They are selected depending on the purpose of use.

  1. If there are joints, then such a patch must be applied around the perimeter of the damaged area.
  2. If it is necessary to use it as an auxiliary therapy for incorrect posture, kinesio tape is applied along the entire length of the spine or foot.
  3. Some people use the patch prophylactically to prevent injury. In this case, it must be glued to those areas that are most susceptible to injury.

Rules for gluing tapes

If you lead an active lifestyle and decide for safety net or as a remedy The instructions will tell you how to purchase kinesio tape and how to apply it correctly. If you follow all her recommendations, then there will be no doubt about the correct application. Here is the sequence of actions:

  • Before applying the patch, you need to make sure that the area of ​​skin to which it will be applied is clean and dry.
  • Next, you need to cut a strip of plaster of the required length from the roll and remove the protective film.
  • To ensure better fixation of the patch on the leg, it is recommended to round the edges. It must be remembered that the first and last few centimeters must be applied to the skin without stretching.
  • The rest of the patch must be stretched and glued.
  • After complete gluing, to activate the adhesive layer, you should thoroughly rub the surface of the body.

If the kinesio tape is glued correctly, it can be worn without removing it for several days. All this time he will provide his therapeutic effect. Those who have used it many times leave positive reviews. The main thing is to apply it correctly to the skin. Otherwise, you may not only experience discomfort, but also increase the risk of injury.

How to properly apply tape to your knee

The most difficult process seems to be the process of gluing tape to the knee joint. To do this correctly, you must carefully read the instructions.


Before applying kinesio tape to your knee for the first time, it is better to consult with a specialist who has knowledge of human anatomy and knows how to do it correctly.

Where can I buy tapes?

Currently, there are many online stores that will be happy to offer you a variety of kinesio tapes to choose from. The buyer has the right to choose a patch of any color.

If we consider the sizes that can be offered to you, then they come in two options:


It is more convenient to purchase the patch in rolls for those who often use it, for example, athletes. The properties of kinesio tapes do not change depending on the packaging, color and manufacturer. Although some note that Chinese-made patches have a weaker adhesive base and can be distinguished by their specific smell. While such patches should not smell of anything.

You can also buy tapes at a regular pharmacy, but not every one can find them, and prices may vary. Therefore, most purchase kinesio tape via the Internet.



Random articles

Up