Kinesiology Taping

Kinesio tape (or K-Tape) is an elasticated sports tape that is designed to provide support whilst also relieving pain. As with all taping methods it does not treat the cause of the injury, however it will help to alleviate the symptoms.

More about Kinesiology Taping

K -tape was officially introduced in the United Kingdom in 2004, although it has been become increasingly popular in recent years (especially the 2012 London Olympics), however it was first introduced in Japan in 1979 by a Japanese Chiropractor (Karloff and Bar-Sela, 2013).

Research surrounding the use of K-tape suggests that once applied the tape forms convolutions (as it is applied when the muscle is in a stretched position), which therefore increases the space between the skin and muscles. The lifting of the skin is thought to then result in the promotion of blood and lymphatic flow (Kase et al 2003 and Kase et al, 1998), which carries white blood cells through the body and removes waste products; consequently, it is designed to help the body’s natural healing process.

K-tape is different to the “traditional” sport taping method and tapes, as it does not immobilise or restrict the movements of the injured area – it can also last for as long as 7 days even with showering etc!

What is Kinesiology Taping used for?

K-tape can be used for a range of injuries from sporting to non-sporting such as:

  1. Back Pain
  2. Shin Splints
  3. “Dead Leg”
  4. Knee Injuries
  5. Ankle Sprains
  6. “Tennis Elbow”

 And many more, and it may help you!

As part of this treatment, we will assess the need for the use of K-tape and what the best application of the tape will be for you to get maximum benefits. This can be booked as an add on to a sports massage or deep tissue massage treatment or as a stand-alone treatment.

Overall there is still a lot of research to be done around its benefits, however the positive effects that have been found and the feedback from those who use it cannot be argued with.

Get started

When you come for a massage at Circle8 we don’t just treat your issue and send you away, we find out exactly which movements and muscles are causing it, explain to you what’s actually happening, give you exercises in the gym and at home that you can do to help alleviate and eventually get rid of your issue.