KINESIO TAPING FAQ'S
How Can We Help?
For your convenience, we’ve put together a list of some of the most common questions asked about Kinesio Taping and their respective answers. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, please call the clinic and we will do our best to help you.
WHAT DOES KINESIO TAPE DO?
The Kinesio Taping Method is a therapeutic taping technique not only offering the patient or athlete the support they are looking for, but also rehabilitates the affected condition as well. Using a highly specific tape design that works with the body and mimics the skin, it allows for full range of motion and in some cases, improves range of motion.
WHAT TYPE OF TAPE DO YOU USE?
At DB Osteopathy, we use Kinesio Tex Tape. It is safe for sensitive skin and for populations ranging from pediatric to geriatric. There is no compression on the skin, making it “light to the feel” and allowing comfortable wear over a 3-5 day period. Its water-resistant fabric wicks away moisture and allows the patient to bathe or even swim as usual. Lymph and blood circulation are facilitated to rehabilitate and relieve pain. It is used for virtually all clinical conditions.
DOES THE TAPE HAVE LATEX?
Kinesio Tex Tape is 100% latex free.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF KINESIO TAPE?
The Kinesio Tape is applied over muscles to reduce pain and inflammation, relax overused or tired muscles, and support muscles in movement on a 24-hour-a-day basis. It is not a restrictive type of taping and allows for full range of motion.
Kinesio Taping is used to treat anything from headaches to foot problems and everything in-between. Examples include rehabilitation from sports injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome, lower back strain/pain (subluxation, herniated disc), knee and shoulder conditions, and much more.
IS KINESIO TAPE SAFE FOR MY SKIN?
If we decide to try kinesio taping in conjunction with osteopathy, we will do a patch test on the area where the tape will be applied with a small amount of tape. See how the skin responds to the tape over a few days. If there are no symptoms associated with the tape, we can proceed to apply the tape in your next session. Skin irritation is extremely rare, but if there are any raised red bumps, with itching and discomfort, we will avoid using this service for your safety.
WHAT CAN I DO FOR THE TAPING METHOD TO GIVE ME OPTIMUM RESULTS?
Skin should be free of oil, sweat, or lotion prior to application. Kinesio tape is strongly adhesive, so it is advised that the area of application be hairless, in order to avoid pain and irritation on removal of the tape.
After application, rubbing down on the tape activates the heat-sensitive glue. Allow approximately 1 hour prior before doing any strenuous activity or showering to allow glue to adhere properly.
HOW DO I KNOW WHEN TO REMOVE THE TAPE?
The kinesio tape can be left on the skin for 3-5 days on average. When the tape is applied to the affected area, it begins working immediately, and continues to do so until the affected structure (muscle, joints, ligaments etc.) has achieved its optimum rehabilitation. After it has completed its function, it may begin to itch, feel uncomfortable around the area of application, or start peeling away from the skin. This indicates that the tape is ready to be removed.
HOW DO I REMOVE THE KINESIO TAPE?
Remember that kinesio tape is very adhesive, and nothing like a plaster, so please follow the tips below on safely removing the tape:
Stretch the muscle. Much like during application, flex as much as possible to keep the skin tight, but not so much as to be uncomfortable or cause pain. For example, when removing a knee application, bend the knee. (If you did not shave the area prior to application you are going to start feeling those hairs at this stage.)
Hold your skin. Use one hand to hold the skin tight around where you are removing the tape. Use your thumb and index finger to frame the area. If you don't have a free hand, hold your skin down with your pinky and ring finger while you use you thumb and index finger to roll the tape. Pressing down on the skin close to where the tape is lifting, will keep the skin taut and help reduce area feeling the pull of the tape.
Roll, don't pull. Start from the top of the tape application, roll the tape from the edge in the direction of hair growth. Even if you did shave before application, it is always wise to go in the direction of hair growth as it will reduce the amount of irritation to the follicles and pores.
Soap and water. Once you have rolled off the tape, in rare cases there may be some adhesive residue. It should not be sticky, but sometimes there is a thin residue. This should come off with a bit of soap and water or hand sanitizer.
If you are still concerned about removing the tape on your own, feel free to contact the clinic, and we can remove the tape for you.