How To Use Kinesiology Tape?

Kinesiology tapes are used to support and relax muscles, increase the range of motion of joints and improve blood circulation and, most importantly, they reduce pain.

　　Kinesiology tape helps the muscles to move along the correct plane of movement and relieves tension in the muscles and ligaments. It is used in conjunction with foam shafts for optimum muscle relaxation.

　　Areas of application for Kinesiology tape

　　Kinesiology tape is used on the ends of muscles that feel tight or sore. The most common locations include around the shoulders, lower back, knees and heels. Of course, once you know the anatomy of the muscle, you can apply it to any position.

　　Examples of how to use it

　　Wrist flexors

　　-Start by measuring out the required length (palm 4/5 to the inner ankle of the elbow).

　　-and cut at the wrist joint in a Y-shape.

　　-Trim the straight edges to rounded corners so that they don't lift up too easily due to friction.

　　-Tear the back of the sticker into several pieces so that you can stick it on later.

　　Next, apply light tension to the tape, pulling it towards the palms of your hands (the Y) and slowly apply it towards the inner elbows and ankles.

　　Note: Remember to stretch the area to be taped as much as possible to allow the skin to stretch before you start. For example, to stretch the wrist joint, place your fingers against the corner of a table or wall.

　　Finally, add a second strip to secure your wrist.

　　1. Measure 2/3 of the way around the wrist.

　　2. Using the wrist joint line as a guide, first align the patch half on the palm and half on the forearm and apply it from the palm side of one end to the back.

　　3. When it comes to the back side of the wrist, stretch the tape to allow light tension on the back side of the wrist joint.

　 4. Return to the palm side and finish by applying the tape smoothly, remembering not to overlap when completing the loop around the wrist to avoid affecting circulation.

　　Thigh muscles

　　1. Measure from the lower edge of the patella to 2/3 of the thigh and cut the tape at the patella in a Y-shape.

　　2. Extend the hip joint as far as possible. After bending the knee, apply the open Y to the upper edge of the patella and tape the Y around the patella.

　　3. Finally apply tension to the straight part of the strip and stick it on.

　 Calves

　　1. Start from the sole of the foot (heel) and measure upwards to the point where the Achilles tendon meets the muscle belly.

　　2. Measure upwards to near the knee socket and cut the tape in a Y-shape on the belly section.

　　3. With the calf extended, start from the heel and work your way up to the point where the Achilles tendon meets the belly of the muscle.

　　4. The abdominal section of the leg is then taped along the sides of the calf to the bony prominence at the back of the knee.

　　The main reason for this is that the skin must be stretched out when applying the patch, so that it does not restrict movement and the patch can be applied with optimum effect.

　　Of course, the seemingly universal kinesiology tape has some drawbacks, such as the need for adequate knowledge before using it, the fact that it is less likely to stick when sweating, the fact that it can be painful to remove (especially for those with a lot of body hair), and the fact that some users have skin allergies.

In particular, everyone reacts differently to tape on the body, so if you feel discomfort such as itching or pain, it is best not to put up with it and remove it as it may cause blisters and other symptoms.

In addition, Kinesiology tape can reduce pain and prevent compensatory effects due to changes in body movement, but don't forget that the damage is still there! If the pain is temporarily relieved by the use of Kinesiology tape and you continue to exercise too vigorously, the injury will worsen.