The colored tape you have seen on athletes like Serena Williams and Kerri Walsh is called Kinesio Tape.  It was developed by Dr. Kenzo Kase over 35 years ago and has taken the rehabilitation and sports world by storm.  The Kinesiology Taping Method can reduce muscle fatigue, inflammation, and pain, correct posture, adjust joint mal-alignment, and protect muscles against further injury.  It is also an effective tool for treating chronic pain and inflammation associated with musculoskeletal injuries.

How does it work?

Kinesio Tape mimics the human skin and has a variety of therapeutic benefits. The tape is applied and pulled to different degrees of tension depending on the desired effect and end goal result. Specific applications are applied over muscles to strengthen and support them while maintaining a full range of motion. Other applications lift the skin to form convolutions, increasing the space between the muscle and the fascia and reducing swelling.

Can you apply it to yourself?

Kinesio Tape and many other tape brands are currently sold over the counter.  The effectiveness of the tape is in the application.  Certified professionals can teach you how to properly apply the tape to get maximum results.  Just putting the tape on your skin can cause skin irritation, have no effect, or even have negative effects.  Camelback Sports Therapy has certified Kinesio Taping Practioners to assist you.

Why so many different colors and patterns?

The colors are really just personal preference. You can color coordinate to match team uniforms or use beige to be more discrete.   The tape is hypo-allergenic, latex-free, and typically water-resistant.

How long can you wear it? 

The tape facilitates normal biomechanics, so it can be worn for 24 hours a day and can provide relief for up to 3 days.

If you want to learn more about Kinesio Tape and/or have questions regarding its benefits for your condition, please contact a ProActive PT location near you.  Our team of professionals would happily provide you with a complimentary pain/injury assessment to get you back in the game!