Kinesiology tape
Encyclopedia
Elastic therapeutic tape is a cotton strip with an acrylic adhesive that is used for treating athletic injuries and a variety of physical disorders. It was invented by Dr. Kenzo Kase, a Japanese chiropractor
, in the 1970s.
For the first decade after its introduction, orthopedists, chiropractor
s, acupuncturists and other medical practitioners in Japan were the main users of the theraputic tape. During the second decade after its introduction the tape was adopted by Japanese Olympic and professional athletes.
The popularity of elastic therapeutic sport tape in the United States surged after 50,000 rolls were donated and the tape was seen on Olympic athletes in the 2008 Beijing Summer Games. Of these athletes, the most notable was Kerri Walsh
who used the tape in competition following surgery on her rotator cuff. Lance Armstrong
, 7 times winner of the Tour de France
, talks about using tape in his book, where he describes the effectiveness of the treatment for his sore muscles. Serena Williams
has also used therapeutic tapes during competition. University of Connecticut basketball player Hasheem Thabeet wore black therapeutic tape on his left shoulder during the 2009 Men's NCAA basketball tournament. In the 2011 NCAA tournament, the tape was seen on numerous players including Ohio State's Jared Sullinger.
Chiropractor
A Chiropractor, according to the Association of Chiropractic Colleges , "focuses on the relationship between the body's main structures – the skeleton, the muscles and the nerves – and the patient's health. Chiropractors believe that health can be improved and preserved by making adjustments to...
, in the 1970s.
For the first decade after its introduction, orthopedists, chiropractor
Chiropractor
A Chiropractor, according to the Association of Chiropractic Colleges , "focuses on the relationship between the body's main structures – the skeleton, the muscles and the nerves – and the patient's health. Chiropractors believe that health can be improved and preserved by making adjustments to...
s, acupuncturists and other medical practitioners in Japan were the main users of the theraputic tape. During the second decade after its introduction the tape was adopted by Japanese Olympic and professional athletes.
Adoption
The tape is used in therapy to relax overused muscles and in rehabilitation to facilitate underused muscles. Advocates claim that the wave pattern found on the tape's adhesive has a lifting effect on the skin which can reduce swelling and inflammation by improving circulation and reduce pain by taking pressure off pain receptors. The elastic properties can also be utilized in a mechanical fashion to limit or encourage a specific motion at a joint.The popularity of elastic therapeutic sport tape in the United States surged after 50,000 rolls were donated and the tape was seen on Olympic athletes in the 2008 Beijing Summer Games. Of these athletes, the most notable was Kerri Walsh
Kerri Walsh
Kerri Lee Walsh-Jennings is an American professional beach volleyball player.Walsh-Jennings and teammate Misty May-Treanor were the gold medalists in beach volleyball at both the 2004 and 2008 Summer Olympics...
who used the tape in competition following surgery on her rotator cuff. Lance Armstrong
Lance Armstrong
Lance Edward Armstrong is an American former professional road racing cyclist who won the Tour de France a record seven consecutive times, after having survived testicular cancer. He is also the founder and chairman of the Lance Armstrong Foundation for cancer research and support...
, 7 times winner of the Tour de France
Tour de France
The Tour de France is an annual bicycle race held in France and nearby countries. First staged in 1903, the race covers more than and lasts three weeks. As the best known and most prestigious of cycling's three "Grand Tours", the Tour de France attracts riders and teams from around the world. The...
, talks about using tape in his book, where he describes the effectiveness of the treatment for his sore muscles. Serena Williams
Serena Williams
Serena Jameka Williams is an American professional tennis player and a former world no. 1. The Women's Tennis Association has ranked her world no. 1 in singles on five separate occasions. She became the world no. 1 for the first time on July 8, 2002 and regained this ranking for the fifth time on...
has also used therapeutic tapes during competition. University of Connecticut basketball player Hasheem Thabeet wore black therapeutic tape on his left shoulder during the 2009 Men's NCAA basketball tournament. In the 2011 NCAA tournament, the tape was seen on numerous players including Ohio State's Jared Sullinger.
Evidence
There is very little evidence that elastic therapeutic tape produces clinically significant benefits.- One randomized, double-blind study of the tape showed no medium- or long-term benefit, although there was a statistically significant effect immediately after application. The authors conclude "Utilization of KT [Kinesio tape] for decreasing pain intensity or disability for young patients with suspected shoulder tendonitis/impingement is not supported."
- A randomized clinical trial of patients with whiplash found an effect that was statistically significant, but "improvements in pain and cervical range of motion were small and may not be clinically meaningful."
- A study of the effect of Kinesio taping on muscle strength found "Kinesio taping on the anterior thigh neither decreased nor increased muscle strength in healthy non-injured young athletes."
- A study of the effect of elastic taping on baseball players with shoulder impingement found "elastic taping resulted in positive changes in scapular motion and muscle performance."
- A study of the effect of Kinesio Taping on changes in the tone of the vastus medialisVastus medialisThe vastus medialis , often called the 'teardrop' muscle, is a medially located muscle of the quadriceps.-Function:The vasti appear to act largely in a co-ordinated manner throughout the control of knee extension...
muscle during isometric contractions found an increase in muscle tone 24 hours after application, but a decrease to the baseline during the fourth day. The authors conclude "Kinesio Taping used shortly before the motor activity it is supposed to support may fail to fulfil its function."
- A study of the effect of kinesio taping on lower trunk range of motion found an increase in range of motion for flexion, but no significant difference for extension or lateral flexion.