Kinesio Taping

Question 1

What are some of the physiologic effect claims about kinesio taping?

Answer 1

• May reduce pain by easing pain receptors (skin).
• May speed lymphatic damage by increasing the amount of space under the skin (circulatory).
• May effect change in deeper connective tissue in the body (fascia).
• May reduce pain and muscle fatigue, help increase range of motion and assist with tissue recovery (muscle).
• May assist with improving biomechanics and alignment, reducing protective muscle guarding and pain, facilitate ligament and tendon function (joint).

Question 2

What are some other brand names for kinesio tape?

Answer 2

• Spider tape.
• K tape.
• KT tape.
• Leukotape K.

Question 3

What are the different strip types?

Answer 3

• ‘X’ strip.
• ‘I’ strip.
• ‘Y’ strip.

Question 4

What are the 6 categories of application?

Answer 4

1. Mechanical: 50-75% tension to provide positional stimulus.
2. Fascia: 15-50% tension using an oscillating motion.
3. Space: 25-50% tension applied in middle of strip to decrease pressure on the target tissue by creating recoil effect.
4. Ligament/tendon: 50-75% tension (proprioceptive technique).
5. Functional: 50-75% tension and provide sensory stimulation to either assist or limit motion.
6. Circulatory/lymphatic: 10-25% tension (know as ‘channeling’; directional pull may guide exudate to less congested areas).

Question 5

What should kinesio tape not be used over?

Answer 5

• Malignancy sites.
• Cellulitis/skin infection.
• Open wounds.
• Deep vein thrombosis.

Question 6

What precautions need to be considered?

Answer 6

• Diabetes
• Kidney disease
• Congestive heart failure
• Coronary artery disease
• Fragile/healing skin