Book Appointment
Injuries can bring daily life and sports to a screeching halt. However, the good news is that a skilled body mechanic like Dr. Roy Nissim has the tools necessary to get you back to your life and activities. One of the easiest and least invasive of these approaches is KT tape (kinesiology tape). Here is a look at how this tool can support your recovery from common injuries.
What is KT tape?
Short for kinesiology tape, KT tape is a stretchy elastic tape designed to mimic the performance of regular skin. As a result, KT tape provides support to injured areas without unnecessarily restricting movement. Its flexibility and supportiveness allow it to serve as a healing support for numerous types of injuries, both sports-related and not. In addition, KT tape can help to reduce pain, minimize inflammation, and help you to maintain as much movement as possible without adding to your injury.
How does KT tape support injury healing?
It may surprise you to learn that a tape can help injuries heal. However, KT tape has certain properties that allow it, when used properly, to encourage healing within the body. Here are some of the ways in which this tape can support recovery from injury.
Reduce Inflammation
KT tape can play a role in reducing the inflammation that commonly leads to swelling, redness, and limited range of motion. When applied properly, this tape gently lifts the skin around the injured area. As a result, it allows for greater circulation throughout the treatment area and supports lymphatic drainage from the injured site. The boost in both circulation and drainage reduces swelling and encourages more rapid healing within the injured structures of the body.
Alleviate Pain
Pain can be a difficult and limiting element of injury. KT tape is one tool your chiropractor can use to reduce your pain and make engaging in healing exercises a little bit easier. KT tape makes injuries feel better by disrupting pain pathways at the site of the injury. It can also, by reducing inflammation and pressure, reduce the pain associated with these conditions. And, by allowing blood to circulate more freely, it heightens the speed of healing and, therefore, the permanent reduction of pain.
Support Injured Areas
KT tape is strong and, when applied correctly, can gently support the injured area of the body. Gentle pressure keeps the injury still while encouraging healing in the area. At the same time, the non-invasive nature of this approach prevents uncomfortable pressure or stability that can exacerbate pain.
Encourage Movement
Because KT tape has the same elasticity as skin, it is also non-restrictive to surrounding areas of the body. As a result, you may be able to continue with specific aspects of your exercise regimen, training habits, or daily activities. Of course, you should never undertake activities without the support and approval of your chiropractic care provider to avoid exacerbating your injury.
What injuries can KT tape treat?
Kinesiology tape is great for a wide array of injuries, particularly those caused by overuse or sports strain. Here are some of the most common injuries that generally respond well to this treatment approach:
- Muscle sprains and strains
- Ankle instability
- Knee problems such as bursitis
- Plantar fasciitis
- Shin splints
- Tennis elbow
- Back pain
- Runner’s knee
In addition, kinesiology tape can be used before you have an injury. For example, if you suffer from weakness in one part of your body, KT tape may provide essential support that keeps you moving and training without injuring that area. Or, you may use KT tape to retrain the muscles around an injury or muscles that need to be repositioned to work optimally. For example, KT tape can train you into better posture or correct poor body mechanics that are causing you pain or dysfunction.
What are best practices for using KT tape?
KT tape by itself is rarely a complete solution to a problem, despite its many benefits. Usually, this approach is only one part of a more comprehensive treatment program that helps you to address the root cause of your dysfunction and achieve optimal health and healing.
In addition, KT tape is most effective when it is used and applied in specific ways. That is why you should always use kinesiology tape for injuries under the supervision and guidance of a trained chiropractor. Here are some best practices for leveraging the power of KT tape for your injuries:
Clean the area before application
KT tape is most effective when applied to a pre-prepared area. As a result, KT tape should be applied to clean, dry skin where excess hair has been removed. Your chiropractor will be able to ensure that the area is properly prepared before tape application.
Apply the tape correctly
The position in which the KT tape is positioned will impact its effectiveness. That is why you need the help of a professional to apply the tape correctly
