Kinesio Taping for the Athletic Trainer

Martha Godfrey, MS, VATL, ATC

4/25/2012

History

Developed in the early 1970s in Japan by Kenzo Kase, DC Began taping volleyball players in the 1980s Use spread to other Asian countries and Europe Officially introduced to the USA in 1995

4/25/2012

Mechanism

Stimulation of proprioceptors proprioceptors respond to pressure, position or stretch Stimulation of mechanoreceptors Facilitates lymphatic drainage by lifting the skin to create an area of low pressure

4/25/2012

Benefits

Decreases pain Decreases swelling May help correct mechanical dysfunction Facilitates weak or atrophied muscles/tendons Alleviates muscle spasm by inhibiting muscles

4/25/2012

Kinesio Tape Properties

4/25/2012

Designed to mimic elastic properties of skin Elastic- may stretch (longitudinally) up to 40% of original length 100% cotton Latex free Acrylic-based adhesive is heat activated and applied in wave-like pattern One application will last 3-5 days Water resistant Red tape will absorb sunlight Blue tape will reflect sunlight
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Application Principles

Acute or overuse injuries - insertion to origin with 15-25% tension Chronic injury or disuse atrophy origin to insertion with 25-50% tension Lymphatic drainage base of tape over lymph node with 10-15% tension Correction 50-100% tension Area to be taped is in a stretched position I, Y and fan strips
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4/25/2012

Todays Techniques

Lateral epicondylitis Achilles tendon strain Low back strain Lymphatic drainage

4/25/2012