Medicine does not stand still, developing further, inventing the latest methods of helping people in different situations and pathological processes. One of the relatively new inventions is an elastic patch - kinesio tape. Although it was invented about 25 years ago, it began to be used only recently. The pioneers of this method were professional athletes, since they should not "go out of the race" and after various injuries they need a quick recovery. This method is becoming more and more popular every year for ordinary people. How did he earn widespread approval? Kinesio teips - what is it? How do they help with various muscle injuries?
The latest invention - kinesio tape
Among the latest medical inventions that greatly facilitate the lives of athletes and people who are far from sports, the kinesio tape, a relatively recent patch, is of interest. What is it and in what area is this tool used? “Kinesio” literally sounds like “movement”, and “tape” - “plaster” or “tape”. That is, a tape that protects when moving. The properties of this product are as similar to our skin as possible.
This tape has some similarities with a conventional bactericidal patch in that it can facilitate movement when it is difficult. People far from sports can also use a kinesio tape patch. What is this magic tool and how effective is it? The result of the application is a stable analgesic effect in case of injuries or it is possible to protect the muscles from sprains and tears.
Alternative to pills and ointments
A special patch that sticks to the body and is a great alternative to elastic and
gypsum bandages, painkillers, ointments, rubbing and tablets, has appeared in retail recently.
To the question: "What is kinesio tape?" - Athletes can give an answer, who after injuries stick it to the body to reduce pain. It is also used for stretching muscles and in order to protect them under excessive loads. To find out, kinesiotapeing - what it is, you need to try this patch in work, because the spectrum of its application is quite wide. Kinesio tape is nothing more than a tape with elasticity and mobility. The composition of this patch is slightly different from the usual.
Kinesio tape - what is it, what does it consist of?
This ribbon is made of cotton. On the part that is applied to the skin, a special acrylic gel is applied that holds it on the body. The patch does not constrain movements, provides normal air circulation. Thus, kinesiotherapy is a completely new direction in desmurgy, which opens up completely new possibilities in the treatment of many ailments and the alleviation of certain conditions.
Who is using this tape?
Along with the question of kinesio tape - what is it, they often ask: "Who uses it most often?" Apply medical tape to such categories of people:
- athletes involved in active sports;
- with injuries of muscles and joints, accompanied by severe pain, if immobilization is necessary for hematomas, bruises, subluxations, sprains;
- in orthopedic practice they are used, for example, with flat feet or for posture correction;
- with pain in the back, lower back, for fixing the abdomen after surgery, during pregnancy and swelling of the legs.
Reasons for using it
What is the therapeutic effect of a kinesio tape patch? Restoring muscles and joints is the main reason for using this multi-functional tape. The skin that is above the affected ligaments and muscles rises. As a result of this, they are fixed in one position, but they are not squeezed and movements are not constrained. Lymph begins to move away from the affected area, which reduces pain.
How does kinesio tape work?
Pain is a protective reaction of the body, a signal from the brain about danger. Damage causes a rush of blood to the affected area and swelling, a signal about this reaches the brain, and it reacts with muscle or joint pain. If you need to ensure the fixation of a particular joint or other place on the body, use kinesio tape. What is this wonderful remedy, why is it so effective and popular? The gel reliably adheres the patch to the skin, while no negative sensations are observed. It also provides the effect of application. In this case, the pain decreases, the movements become smooth.
In order for the patch to take effect, some conditions must be met. After all, the therapeutic effect of the drug directly depends on this. The skin must be prepared before applying this tape: the hair should be shaved, and the skin should be degreased with alcohol. Only then can we proceed to applying the patch. But even if the tape is well glued, it is not worth immediately putting a load on the affected areas. For the tape to grip well, you need to wait a while - about half an hour.
There are some more features when applying kinesio teip that you need to consider:
- if joints or muscles hurt, then the drug must be applied along the length of the affected area;
- if fixation is needed for children in order to correct posture or treat flat feet, then a patch is applied along the entire length of the spine or foot;
- if the purpose of applying kinesio teip is to protect the muscles with an unusual load on them, for example, the first sports, then they are glued to problem areas, as indicated in the instructions.
Contraindications to the use of an improved patch - kinesio teip
It is worth considering that any remedy has not only indications for use, but also contraindications. Do not use a patch if a person has:
- acute thrombosis;
- damage to the skin surface, dermatitis or other skin diseases are observed at the site of the alleged tape application;
- skin cancer;
- diabetes;
- renal and heart failure.
Where can I apply tape?
This is an absolutely universal remedy that can be applied not only to the joint, but also to the back and stomach. Therefore, the opinion that kinesio tape is intended for specific parts of the body can be considered a delusion. It is important when applying to observe the basic rules in order to achieve maximum results. Also, do not have contraindications to the use of this patch.
The main advantages of this method
This method can be considered progressive in medicine, as it appeared recently, but has already gained popularity due to ease of use, efficiency and affordability. The advantages of kinesio teip are that it can be worn up to five days from the moment of fixation. In it you can take a shower, wear any clothes. The skin breathes normally during this fixation. Elastic bandages and plaster casting will not achieve this effect. The tape is easy to apply and just as easily removed, does not create any discomfort, does not cause allergies and skin irritations. The patch is well fixed, does not slip. Another advantage of this fixation method is the absence of side effects. Therefore, it can be taken by almost all people who have received any muscle injuries or who have an excessive load on them.
Application Rules
In addition to the need to prepare the skin before applying the patch, there are still basic rules for applying kinesio teip.
- Before gluing onto the skin, the corners of the patch should be rounded off with scissors a little to prevent clothing clings and premature detachment.
- During gluing, it is not necessary to stretch the tape too much, and the tips must be glued without tension. Then the tape will stick well and the effect will be better.
- Since the tape has its own gluing time, you need to prepare in advance for its application, especially before playing sports or taking a shower. The minimum time between sticking and these actions is 45 minutes.
- Application should be accompanied by smoothing, since the glue should be evenly distributed over the skin - it acts only at skin temperature.
In what sizes is kinesio tape produced?
The use of kinesio teips, as mentioned above, is very widespread. The choice of various models is also not small. You can choose a tool of different colors and sizes. You can buy a tape whose width is five centimeters and a length of twenty centimeters, or you can buy a tape five meters long and five centimeters wide. Anyone who buys a roll will be able to model the patch as long as he wants. And the coloring does not in any way affect the properties of the patch.
Where are these patches popular?
Kinesio teip was invented by a doctor from Japan back in the seventies of the last century. Its first use occurred in 1988 in Seoul at the Olympic Games. Since that time, it has been used for a long time only in professional sports. Then it began to be used by amateur athletes and even ordinary people who are not related to sports. The popularity of these adhesives is growing and expanding around the world every day.
Opinions of people using kinesio tape
As they say, how many people, so many opinions. There are advantages and disadvantages to using any new method. So in the use of kinesio teip - some found a panacea for all ills with muscles, while others did not evaluate the effectiveness of the patch.
Some patients note that patches of some firms quickly peel off. Naturally, the effect was weak, which led to human discontent. You do not have to chase the price or color. Korean tapes are famous for their good action.
Many athletes and people with back pain also note that the effect can not be achieved immediately. It depends on the tape itself, the correctness of its application, as well as the neglect of the disease. On average, pain was observed for 3-4 days. At first, he helps those who have just begun pain, and they did not delay with treatment. But with severe trauma or prolonged pain, the patches help a little later.
Professional athletes note the almost magical effect of kinesio teips while running or swimming long distances. They help the muscles to adapt to any conditions and prevent the onset of cramps. Therefore, sometimes they are not even used for treatment, but for prevention, because professionals already know their weaknesses.