What is kinesio tape?

Kinesio(TM) Tape was not developed in the 80s by Japanese chiropractor Kenzo Kase (Pronounced "Kas-ay"). Komp, filed for a patent March 8, 1965 (Patent No. 3,523,859) and was issued on August 11, 1970, long before Kase's (Patent No. 5,861,348) claims as were several others at the time. Kase's patent application, 348 was filed on September 19, 1996 and had to be amended several times as there was already several patents in place by various other people. Komp issued on August 11, 1970, Mazza issued on March 14, 1995 and Dabroski published on November 11, 1981.

The tape and the technique are rather distinct from traditional athletic taping procedures and materials.

Athletic taping is typically done with a non-elastic tape which will be wrapped around joints to stabilize them and restrict motion. Kinesio(TM) taping has a much broader range of applicaitons. The tape is 140% the elasticity of human skin. By skillfully applying the tape to specific structures with a particular amount of stretch on the tape different effects can be achieved. Some of these effects include: muscle inhibition, muscle facilitation, increased circulation, increased lymphatic drainage (to reduce swelling), pain relief, functional correction, and increased range of motion.

The effect that there is the most evidence to support is lymphatic drainage. Kinesio(TM) Taping techniques can be used to encourage the reduction of swelling, edema, and bruising. There is also evidence to indicate that it can improve the proprioception in some joints possibly reducing the likelihood of an injury such as an ankle sprain.

Beyond sporting applications Kinesio(TM) taping is used to treat discomfort associated with pregnancy, infant colic and digestive disorders, and TMJ disorders to name a few conditions.

Although there is a certification for Kinesio(TM) taping, the application of the tape may be done without certification.