Thanks to Kerri Walsh, beach volleyball player during the 2006 Olympic games, Kinesio Tape found its way into the athletic world. Kinesio Tape is the original kinesiology taping method. Prior to the 2006 games, if I mentioned Kinesio Taping to a patient, I would get a blank look in return. Today, I have patients that specifically come to us for this procedure. With the increased exposure of Kinesio Tape also comes a plethora of self applied, You Tube promoted applications, which for the most part are incorrect or at best ineffective.

This method of “functional” taping was invented by a chiropractor (Dr. Kenzo Kase) who hypothesized that by using an elastic adhesive such as the Kinesio-like tapes, one is able to cause a neurological change in the underlying muscles. This is presumed to be achieved through the manipulation of mechanoreceptors, which, put in simple terms, are specialized nerve endings that provide the brain information regarding the position of body parts in space. These mechanoreceptors are part of the sensory system that the brain uses to effectively control and coordinate motion and mechanical function. There are five basic types of application that the Kinesio Taping Association teaches:

1. Facilitatory

2. Inhibitory

3. Structural

4. Functional

5. Lymphatic Drainage

The basic concept is to utilize the elastic characteristic of the tape in order to help improve function (this should theoretically decrease pain); or in the case of lymphatic drainage, to help reduce swelling. This can be done correctly ONLY if a proper diagnosis has been made by a healthcare professional, and the individual applying the tape has detailed knowledge of anatomy, human biomechanics, rehab/exercise physiology, and last but not least, they have received some form of formal training (full certification is best) in how to utilize the tape properly. There are many factors that affect what the tape does and how its application may ultimately result in some sort of change in symptoms/function. For example, the direction of application, the area where it is applied, the amount of tension that is used for the desired outcome are only a few of the things that will make the difference between a therapeutic application versus a decorative design. Unfortunately, I see many athletes/patients who either through the internet, or by means of “flyer” promotions or other forms of advertisements, are spending a lot of money (and yes, at about $20/roll, the tape is rather expensive) and applying the tape to various parts of their bodies with the belief that it will give them some sort of relief from whatever pain may be ailing them.

If you are considering using this form of taping, at least get a proper evaluation and the proper training in how to self-apply the tape for your particular condition. Otherwise, you are just wasting your money and delaying the time to proper treatment and recovery. Also, please keep in mind that this method of taping, as is almost all other forms of taping, is not meant to treat a condition. It is only meant to assist in a desired therapeutic outcome and it will do so only if it has been used properly.

Should you have any questions regarding the use of kinesiology tapes, please feel free to email me at DrSadri@1stChoiceOnline.com.

Dr. Sadri and his team at First Choice Healthcare have been fanatically caring for our athletes at their Decatur location for several years, and most recently, at The Sport Factory's new Roswell location. He can be reached through his practice at First Choice Healthcare.