What is Kinesio-Taping?

Its the bomb! That’s what it is. You have may seen athletes on TV with colourful stripes of tape on their Body. You may have even had it applied on yourself. That’s Kinesio- tape. It is a highly specialized type of elastic tape, designed to dynamically assist muscle function and stimulate specific bodily systems when applied in specific ways.

What can it do?

There are five basic functions of Kinesio-Tape

1. Improvement of Muscle Function
2. Elimination of Circulatory Restrictions
3. Pain Reduction
4. Supports Joint Function 
5. Stimulate and Release Acupuncture and Trigger Points

How does it work?

With how the tape is designed, when it’s applied, it will gently lift skin and increase circulation underneath. The mechanoreceptors in the skin are stimulated and provide feedback to nervous system resulting in improved proprioception and function, while reducing pain levels. Different taping techniques will elicit different responses. Muscles can be either relaxed or activated depending on direction of taping. Ligament Techniques can be used to treat pain and reduce pressure on nocireceptors in tissues. Fascia Techniques can help release adhesions. And Lymphatic techniques can used to reduce swelling (such as an acute sprain) by following the course of the body’s lymphatic vessels. Acupuncture and Trigger points are stimulated by using a special type of Kinesio- Tape, called Crosstape. Crosstape is shaped like little hashtags, and when this tape is removed from its special backing and placed on the skin, it emits an electro-static charge, stimulating the desired point.

What conditions can it treat?

The list is too long to fully write here, but basically any muscle dysfunction can benefit. Tight muscles? Absolutely. Want a specific muscle to activate more? You bet. Tendon pathologies like tennis/ golfer elbow? Get ready to be impressed. Recently rolled an ankle and it’s puffing up like a blowfish? Get that body in here. And here’s some other things it can help:

• Migraines
• Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
• Carpal Tunnel
• Whiplash 
• Low Back Pain
• Disc Pathologies
• Scars (great fro C-section scars too)
• Menstrual Cramps
• Nerve Impingement 
• Bursitis 
• Knee Arthritis 

I have sensitive skin, can I still wear it? 

Yes! The brand of tape used at Back At It Sports & Wellness is of the highest quality available. Hi end cotton is used, and the dyes are made by Dystar. Dystar products possess the OEKO-TEX Standard 100 label and are safety approved for use in baby clothing. Having said that we avoid areas of psoriasis, acute dermatitis, open wounds and scars, and known allergies. Please down hesitate to contact the clinic if you have any specific questions in that regard.

How long does it stay on?

Kinesio-tape can stay applied on the skin for up to a week, but we usually we leave it on for 3-5 day. 

I want to try this! How do I make it happen?

One of Acupuncturists Dr Stefan, is certified to apply the tape. You can book in for Acupuncture and do it as an adjunct OR you can do a quick 15 minute stand alone session where it’s all about the tape.

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