Today, many methods are used to relieve pain in the body. Kinesio tapes, one of these methods, provide pain relief in the region without limiting the movements of the joints. It was first introduced in 1973 by Dr. These tapes produced by Kase are used by sticking to the skin. Kinesiotape application has been used for therapeutic purposes in many countries for many years.
What is Kinesiotape (Taping Therapy)?
Pain relief tape therapy known as kinesiotape, Japanese chiropractic and acupuncture specialist Dr. Produced by Kenzo Kase. Until that day, treatment with standard bands has been applied, but these bands, which are not sufficiently compatible with the skin or are not elastic, cause problems because they are not useful. The main purpose in the production of kinesio tapes is to develop a comfortable taping treatment that is close to the human skin and does not restrict movements. Tapes with an elastic and sticky texture do not show transverse stretching while extending 55-60% more in length. It consists of polymer elastic material wrapped in 100% cotton fibers. Its adhesive is made of wavy acrylic. There are many different types according to the purpose and place of use. Kinesiobands of different shapes and sizes are applied to different areas. Tapes applied to certain parts of the body by doctors can solve many problems in a short time.
In Which Diseases Is Kinesiotape Treatment Used?
Kinesiotaping is used for the treatment of many ailments. Some of these can be listed as follows:
- Sport injuries in athletes
- Sprains and strains in the joints
- Soft tissue pains
- Regional muscle spasms
- Soft tissue traumas in the skeletal and muscular system
- Diseases such as tennis elbow, golfer's elbow
- Edema and swelling
- Posture disorders, scoliosis
- Restless legs syndrome
- Neck and waist hernias
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Fibromyalgia, rheumatic diseases
- After some orthopedic surgical interventions
- Tendon injuries (tendinitis)
- Heel spurs
- Cerebral palsy
- Lymphedema
How is Kinesitaping Performed?
First of all, a doctor's examination is required for kinesitaping. Kinesio tape cannot be applied to every disease. The tape application is decided by considering the characteristics and medical condition of the person. The area to be applied should be clean and dry before the application. There should be no chemicals, sweat, salt or water on the skin. Too much hair in the area to be applied also negatively affects the adhesion. If there is hair in the area, it is recommended to shave before the application. The tape is stretched and adhered to the appropriate area of the body by the doctor. After the bonding process, the adhesiveness of the tape is increased by heating it by hand. The tape reaches maximum stickiness in about 30 minutes. During this period, it is important that the area remains motionless and does not sweat. Within a few minutes after the procedure, the person forgets about the existence of the tape. The skin-colored bands, which give the feeling of having a second skin, are not noticeable from the outside. The bands can stay on the skin for 3 to 7 days. They are not waterproof, but after activities such as showering or swimming, the excess water on them should be removed with a cloth. Kinesio tape can be applied again according to the benefit seen from the application.
What is the Use of Using Kinesio Tape?
Kinesio taping has more than one benefit. Benefits that vary according to the applied area and application style can be listed as follows:
- Tape application increases blood circulation in the area
- Inflammation in the region decreases
- Contributes to the body's natural healing process, healing of tissues speed increases
- Edema and spasms are reduced
- Reduces muscle and joint pain
- Increases range of motion of joints and contractility of weak muscles
- Reduces muscle fatigue Reduces
- Provides rapid removal of bruises after surgical operations
- Can reduce the use of drugs to relieve pain
- Provides performance improvement in athletes as instant pain is relieved
Situations in which Kinesio Tape is Used
Kinesiotape pain tape can be used in diseases and many conditions. Among the areas where the band is used most frequently, there are knee, shoulder, elbow joints, abdomen, back, leg muscles. Neck and waist hernias, carpal tunnel you Kinesiotaping can be performed in diseases such as droma, muscle rupture, heel spur. In addition to these, it can be used in athletes for pre-sport protection and support for muscle and joint areas. Thus, the performance of the athletes is improved. Possible injuries are prevented. It is used to reduce edema and pain and to remove bruises after some orthopedic surgical operations. Thus, the patient regains his normal life faster after the surgery. It is used for posture correction and positioning in pediatric patients. Kinesiology tape can also be used in many physical therapy methods such as hotpack and coldpack, whirlpool bath, hydrotherapy and TENS.
Features of Kinesio Tapes
There are muscle tape (kinesio tape) types in different sizes, lengths and colors. . It can be cut to different application areas, cut to equal dimensions or sold as a whole in rolls. Cutting types such as I cut, Y cut, X cut, fan cut are best suited to the inconvenience and region. The most accepted of these is the layer theory. The kinesio tape applied according to this theory lifts the epidermis layer upwards by curling on the skin. Thus, the dermis layer of the skin spreads over more areas. More space is opened for the bodies and free nerve endings in the dermis layer that are sensitive to factors such as cold, touch, heat, vibration. When the tape is first adhered, it applies an effect called "Recoil Effect" to the skin. Thanks to the elastic feature of the tape, this effect is a pulling effect towards the area where it is first adhered. It is not correct to apply the tapes at home. Taping done by untrained people can have the opposite effect. Unless your doctor approves, you should not wear the bands yourself.
Kinesiotaping should be applied in hospitals under the supervision of specialist doctors and physiotherapists. In the kinesiology taping process, two different techniques, called inhibition and facilitation, can be applied during bonding. The stretching rate of the tape is higher in the facilitation technique. In this technique, the tape is applied in the same direction as the contraction direction of the muscle. Thus, it helps the muscle to contract. This method is used in rehabilitation treatment and chronic conditions. In the inhibition technique, the tape is adhered to the opposite direction of contraction. This prevents the muscles from contracting. Especially in acute painful cases, this method is preferred. The bands can be removed painlessly when desired. It leaves no sticky residue. Each tape is disposable, but after its effect wears off, it can be removed and replaced with a new tape.
Benefits of Kinesio Tapes
Tapes have many different benefits in different situations. Instant pain can pass quickly. It is also very effective in chronic pain. It reduces muscle and joint pain, spasms, edema and inflammation in the area. It contributes to the healing processes of wounds. Kinesiotaping method can also be used in diseases such as heel spurs. Tapes used as heel spur tapes can be removed and put on unlike the others. Heel straps can improve heel spurs with regular use. It does not interfere with the person in daily life. Those who use kinesio tape state that the tapes are beneficial in almost every subject. The use of tapes with a high satisfaction rate in daily life is also becoming more common day by day.
Are There Any Side Effects of Kinesio Tapes?
Kinesio tapes may have side effects that vary from person to person. Although it is not very common, if there are other disorders in people who use the bands, it can trigger those disorders. Although rare, the following side effects may be encountered in users:
- Skin irritation, redness, rash
- Dizziness and headache
- Drowsiness and loss of sensation
- Deterioration of the sense of taste
- Water collection on the skin
- Allergic reaction on the skin
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