Kinesio Taping

Q: I have been watching the Olympics and continue to see either black or blue tape in various patterns on some athletes. Is it some type of injury prevention or support?

A: Fortunately I am familiar with the taping the we've all noticed on some of these athletes. It's called Kinesio Taping and it is used for a variety of physical treatments and injury prevention. Dr. David Naylor of Naylor Chiropractic and Acupuncture is the only local practitioner in the use of Kinesio Tape that I am personally aware of since he has successfully treated several gymnasts in this area.

Kinesio Tape was developed 25 years ago by Dr. Kinso of Japan. It involves using an elastic tape adhered to the skin at the insertion point of the muscle in various patterns depending on the desired effect and the muscles and joints being treated. The tape stays on for three to five days and has been successfully used to reduce inflammatory joint pain, injury prevention, promote injury resolution and increase lymphatic flow. (Since the Lymphatic system has no pump to push lymphatic fluids through the system, exercise and physical activity helps it's fluid flow. One of the functions of the lymphatic system is to assist the body in the transport of larger fats and fat-soluble vitamins which are necessary nutrients.) Kinesio Tape is also used to increase blood flow to speed healing in an inflamed area, ACL post-operative stabilization and treatment of neuroma.

One of the most noticeable athletes using Kinesio Tape is Kerrie Walsh of the US Women's Beach Volleyball Team. Since her rotator cuff repair she has been using the tape to help stabilize her shoulder, decrease inflammation and prevent re-injuring it. Locally, Dr. Naylor successfully treated several cases of inflammatory joint pain for the gymnasts. After treating the inflamed area with cold laser treatments, he applied the tape which was in place for a few days and all of the treated gymnasts reported lowered levels of inflammation and increased range of pain free motion. The practice of using the Kinesio Tape is recognized by the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy.

Kinesio Tape may be a viable treatment for you.
God bless and keep training.
Daryl

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Posted by Daryl Laws on August 26, 2008 | Printer-Friendly

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