What is Kinesio Taping?

Stemming from the science of Kinesiology—the study of human movement and mechanics—this unique tape is designed to provide support and stability to your joints and muscles without affecting circulation or limiting range of motion. Kinesio Taping can also prevent injury by promoting proper biomechanics, reducing both pain and swelling.

The Kinesio Taping technique enhances the body’s own natural healing process. Healing is achieved by activation of the body’s neurological and circulatory systems. Muscles are not only responsible for the movements of the body, but also for influencing blood circulation, lymph flows, body temperature, and the integrity of your immune system. Failure of the muscles to function properly induces various kinds of symptoms.

Because so much attention has been given to the importance of muscle function, the idea was introduced to treat muscles in order to activate the body’s own healing process. Using an elastic tape, it was discovered that muscles and other tissues can be helped by outside assistance. Employment of Kinesio Taping creates a totally new approach to treating nerves, muscles, and organs. The first application of Kinesio Taping was for a patient with vascular disorders.

Over the last decade, orthopedists, chiropractors, acupuncturists, and other medical practitioners have been the main adopters of Kinesio Taping. Soon thereafter, the technique was used by the Japanese Olympic volleyball players. The effectiveness of Kinesio Taping spread quickly and is now used by medical practitioners and athletes around the world.

How Does Kinesio Tape Work?

With this innovative method, Kinesio Tape is applied over muscles to reduce pain and inflammation, relax overused, tired muscles, and to support muscles in movement on a 24 hour per day basis. It is a nonrestrictive type of taping that allows for full range of motion, making it more favorable than the use of athletic tape. Traditional athletic tape is restrictive and is typically removed after the end of an athletic event. Athletic tape is often uncomfortable and frequently obstructs the body’s normal blood and lymphatic flow, resulting in negative side effects.

Unlike traditional athletic tape, Kinesio tape is designed to mimic the qualities of the skin. The thickness and stretch of the tape approximates the thickness and elastic qualities of the skin. The tape is able to stay on the skin and remain effective for 3-5 days. The tape’s elastic strands are wrapped by cotton fibers, allowing for evaporation and quick drying, meaning Kinesio tape can be worn while showering or swimming.

Kinesio Taping applications are truly “Head-to-Toe” and can treat anything from headaches, foot problems, and everything in between. Examples include

• Muscular facilitation
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Lower back strain/pain (e.g. sublaxations, herniated disc)
• Knee conditions
• Shoulder conditions
• Hamstring injuries
• Groin injuries
• Rotator cuff injuries
• Whiplash
• Tennis elbow
• Plantar fasciitis
• Patella tracking
• Pre and post surgical edema
• Muscular and spinal injuries from auto-related accidents
• Support method for vascular systems

How does Total Wellness Chiropractic use Kinesio Taping?

At Total Wellness Chiropractic, we’ve set ourselves apart from other practices by incorporating the use of Kinesio Taping into our treatment and rehabilitative therapy. Integrating Kinesio Taping has helped patients support muscles, remove inflammation, correct and stabilize joint problems, improve posture, and activate the body’s natural pain relievers. The benefits from Kinesio Taping techniques attribute to faster healing time and increased success in the training and rehabilitation phases of injuries.

Specific Treatment Examples

The following provides examples of specific Kinesio Taping treatments and how Total Wellness Chiropractic can help you heal faster:

1. Acute Auto Accident Related Injuries
   
   Acute injuries, like auto accidents, result in inflammation and pain of the neck, upper back, and lower back. Dr. Benton McCone uses Kinesio Tape’s abilities to decrease swelling and inflammation. It works by gently lifting the skin, improving the lymph drainage underneath the skin. Applying Kinesio Taping into treatment of acute injuries has greatly improved recovery time—ultimately helping patients feel better faster! That’s what it’s all about!
   
   It has been determined that 90% of our lymph drainage occurs just beneath the skin. Swelling is an essential part of healing; However, lingering inflammation will hinder the speed of recovery. This is why your doctor tells you to stay off a sprained ankle until the swelling goes down. Kinesio tape can be applied to the skin immediately after swelling has occurred. Icing can and should be done over the tape. This will decrease swilling in the area and minimize overall healing time.

Kinesio Tape in the Olympic - Kerry Walsh wore the tape in the Olympics. Also used by top athletes such as Lance Armstrong, Serena Williams, David Beckam, Robby Ginepri and Justine Henin.

Invitation to Health

The "Invitation to Health" provides you a no obligation complimentary consult with Dr. Benton.

During this consult you will be able to discuss your condition, ask questions and explore all available treatment options. If its determined that Chiropractic may be of benefit you can opt to go through a comprehensive Chiropractic exam at that time.

In addition to the complimentary consult you can have Michelle, our office manager, check your insurance coverage. Here at Total Wellness its our job to determine if we can help you and if we can to outline the best course of care for your problem.

To get started, please fill out our contact form and we will get you scheduled for your Invitation to Health complimentary consult.

I look forward to visiting with you,

Dr. Benton McCone
Total Wellness Chiropractic