Kinesiology tapes are colorful plastic tapes designed to promote muscle regeneration. You can find out the concept behind it and the scientific findings on it here.
The colorful kinesio tapes are especially popular among athletes. They are used especially for injuries or inflammation. They should then promote the self-healing of the body and reduce pain. However, these supposed effects have not been scientifically proven.
How does kinesiology tape work?
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The principle of kinesio tape goes back to the Japanese chiropractor Kenzo Kase. In the 1970s he developed the first tapes. Since then, the adhesive tapes have become more and more popular. According to Netdoktor, they cause the skin to shift against the underlying tissue. The body activates various receptors. These are intended to regulate muscle tension and cause signals to be sent to the central nervous system.
The tape causes a kind of permanent massage through constant stimuli. This should relieve tension in the affected muscle. In addition, the band is intended to support a damaged muscle and provide additional stability. This protects the muscle and allows it to heal better.
Kinesio tapes are usually made of cotton and are covered with an acrylic adhesive layer. Since the bands are very elastic, they can adapt to every movement. Even if they come into contact with water (e.g. when showering or swimming) they stay on the skin. You can leave a tape on the skin for several days. By the way, the different colors have no meaning. All kinesio tapes have the same principle of action.
Kinesio tapes: areas of application
The use of kinesio tapes is particularly popular for sports injuries, overexertion, swellinginflammation or tension. Some physiotherapists also recommend using the colorful bands for complaints after an operation or illnesses such as arthrosis and rheumatism. Even with a headache or menstrual cramps The tapes should help to relieve pain and release tension.
It is best to have a physiotherapist show you how to apply the kinesiotape yourself. If you attach the bands in the wrong place or if they are too tight, swelling and circulatory problems can occur.
Even if the tapes have become very popular among athletes, there is a lack of clear scientific evidence of their supposed effect. A 2008 study examined the use of kinesiotape for shoulder pain. According to the results, the tapes actually seemed to be able to reduce the pain. This allowed the test subjects to move their shoulders again without pain. However, the researchers do not recommend the tapes for more serious problems, such as shoulder tendinitis.
Another study from 2014 found no effect of the kinesio tapes on healthy participants. They did not improve muscle performance. The bands are apparently not suitable for increasing performance.
It is also not scientifically clear whether the tapes help with injuries. However, they also don’t seem to hurt when used properly. As an adjunct to physical therapy, they may be helpful.
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