Kinesio taping (kinesio taping) is a relatively new phenomenon in the world of sports medicine, which has become extremely popular among crossfit enthusiasts and gym goers. Recently, it is increasingly used in other sports - football, basketball and many others.
This method was developed specifically for the treatment of the articular-ligamentous apparatus and recovery from muscle injuries back in the 80s of the last century and to this day is one of the most discussed in the sports community, theory and practice are too contradictory.
What is kinesiotaping?
The tape itself is a cotton elastic tape that is glued to the skin. Thus, the doctor increases the interstitial space and reduces compression at the site of injury, which in theory leads to an acceleration of recovery processes. They are of several types: I-shaped and Y-shaped, there are also specialized tapes for different parts of the body: wrists, elbows, knees, neck, etc.
It is believed that the tape is most effective in the first 5 days, after which the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects gradually decrease. By the way, even on famous athletes, you can often see kinesio taping of the shoulder joint or abdominal muscles.
But is kinesiotaping so effective in medical practice and sports? Some argue that this is just a successful marketing project that has no real medical benefit and evidence base, others - that it should be used in medical practice and that this method is the future of traumatology. In today's article we will try to figure out whose position is more consistent with reality and what kinesio taping is in essence.
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Benefits and contraindications
Therapeutic kinesio taping is positioned as a method of prevention and treatment of sports and domestic injuries, including injuries of the musculoskeletal system, edema, lymphedema, hematomas, limb deformities and many others.
Benefits of kinesio taping
The founder of the method, scientist Kenzo Kase, lists the following positive effects:
- lymph drainage and reduction of puffiness;
- reduction and resorption of hematomas;
- reduction of pain due to less compression of the injured area;
- reduction of stagnant processes;
- improvement of muscle tone and functional muscle activity;
- quick recovery of damaged tendons and ligaments;
- facilitating movement of the limb and joint.
Contraindications to the use of tapes
If you decide to use kinesiotaping, pay attention to the following contraindications and possible negative consequences of the technique used:
- Inflammatory processes are possible when applying the tape to an open wound.
- It is not recommended to use tapes in the presence of malignant tumors.
- Using this method can contribute to the onset of skin diseases.
- Individual intolerance is possible.
And the most important contraindication to kinesio taping is its price. It is believed that without proper knowledge and skills, it is almost impossible to correctly apply the tapes on your own and you should contact a competent specialist. Therefore, think carefully about whether you are ready to give your money, not having confidence that this tool will help you?
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Types of tapes
If you decide to try this trendy therapeutic technique, please note that there are several types of plaster, which is commonly called a tape.
To decide which one to choose and which one will be better in a particular situation (for example, in order to make kinesio taping of the knee joint or neck), you need to take into account their quality characteristics.
Depending on the appearance, the tapes are in the form:
- Rolls.
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- Ready cut strips.
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- In the form of special kits designed for different parts of the body (for kinesio taping of the spine, shoulder, etc.).
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Roll-on plasters are quite economical and are more useful for those who professionally use this technique for treating injuries. Tapes in the form of thin strips are quick and easy to use, and kits for certain joints or body parts are ideal for home use.
According to the degree of tension, the tapes are divided into:
- K-tapes (up to 140%);
- R-tapes (up to 190%).
In addition, the patch is classified according to the composition and density of the material and even the amount of glue. Very often athletes think that the color of the tape also matters, but this is nothing more than self-hypnosis. The vibrant colors and design stripes just give it a more aesthetic look.
Expert Opinions on Kinesio Taping
If you reread everything described in the section on the benefits of this technique, then, perhaps, there is no doubt whether it is worth using this method.
If all of the above were true, joint kinesio taping would be the only method of treatment and prevention of sports injuries. In this case, a real revolution would come, and all other methods of treatment would come to naught.
However, the studies carried out prove an extremely low degree of kinesio taping effectiveness, comparable to the placebo effect. Of the nearly three hundred studies from 2008 to 2013, only 12 can be recognized as meeting all the necessary requirements, and even these 12 studies cover only 495 people. Only 2 studies of them show at least some positive effect of tapes, and 10 show complete inefficiency.
The last significant experiment in this area, carried out in 2014 by the Australian Association of Psychotherapists, also does not confirm the practical benefits of using kinesio tapes. Below are a few more competent opinions of specialists that will allow you to form your attitude to this physiotherapy procedure.
Physiotherapist Phil Newton
British physiotherapist Phil Newton calls kinesiotaping "a multimillion dollar business with no scientific evidence of effectiveness." He refers to the fact that the construction of kinesio tapes can in no way help to reduce pressure in the subcutaneous tissues and heal the injured area.
Professor John Brewer
University of Bedfordshire Athletic Professor John Brewer believes that the size and stiffness of the tape is too small to provide any noticeable support to muscles, joints and tendons, since they are located deep enough under the skin.
President of NAST USA Jim Thornton
President of the National Association of Athletic Trainers of the USA Jim Thornton is convinced that the effect of kinesio taping on recovery from injury is nothing more than a placebo, and there is no evidence base for this method of treatment.
Most of their colleagues and medical experts take the same position. If we interpret their position, we can come to the conclusion that kinesio tape is an expensive analogue of an elastic bandage.
Despite this, kinesio taping is extremely popular, and many people who use tapes are convinced of its effectiveness. They refer to the fact that the technique really reduces pain, and recovery from injuries is many times faster if the tapes themselves are used correctly, which can only be done by a trained and experienced doctor or fitness instructor.
