Kinesio-Tape is one of the most effective techniques to treat overuse injuries in athletes today. Developed by a Japanese chiropractor, Kenzo Kase, DC, the technique is already widely used in much of the world, and was highly visible on many athletes in the 2008 Olympic games in Beijing.
Either from pushing too hard in a competitive situation or from a biomechanical weak link in the kinetic chain, such as scar tissue from prior injury, flat feet, or a joint with limited range of motion, even the most regimented and prepared athlete can get injured. Kinesio-Tape uses the body’s own natural healing processes to relieve pain and restore function by activation of the neurological and circulatory systems. Kinesio-Tape is fundamentally different from conventional sports tape, which limits range of motion and fluid movement by restricting movement of the affected muscle and joints. Kinesio-Tape allows free range of movement of the affected muscle and joint, while encouraging fluid movement away from the joint to decrease edema (swelling). The tape is extremely effective in the treatment of overuse injuries such as patellar tendonitis and IT band syndrome, as well as for sprains, strains and other common injuries.