Medicine does not stand still, developing further and 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 has only recently begun to be applied. The pioneers of this method were professional athletes, since they cannot "go the distance" and after various injuries they need a quick recovery. This method is becoming more and more popular every year for ordinary people. Why did he deserve universal approval? Kinesio tape - 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 life of athletes and people far from sports, the recently appeared kinesio tape patch is interesting. What is it and in what area is this tool used? "Kinesio" in literal translation sounds like "movement", and "teip" - "patch" or "tape". That is, a tape that protects when moving. The properties of this tool are as similar as possible to ours.skin.
This tape bears some resemblance to a regular germicidal patch in that it can ease movement when it is difficult. People who are far from sports may also need a kinesio tape patch. What is this magical remedy and how effective is it? The result of the application is a stable analgesic effect in case of injuries, or it becomes possible to save muscles from sprains and tears.
An alternative to pills and ointments
A special patch that adheres to the body and is a great alternative to elastic and plaster bandages, pain relief ointments, rubs and tablets, has recently appeared in retail.
To the question: "What is kinesio tape?" - athletes who, after injuries, glue it to the body to reduce pain can give an answer. It is also used for stretching the muscles and in order to protect them from excessive loads. To find out what kinesio taping is, you need to try this patch at work, because the range 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 from cotton. A special acrylic gel is applied to the part that is applied to the skin, which keeps it on the body. The plaster does not hinder movements, provides normal air circulation. Thus, kinesio taping is a completely newdirection in desmurgy, which opens up completely new possibilities in the treatment of many ailments and alleviation of some conditions.
Who uses this tape?
Together with the question of what kinesio tape is, they often ask: "Who uses it most often?" The following categories of people use medical tape:
- athletes involved in active sports;
- in case of injuries of muscles and joints, accompanied by severe pain syndrome, if immobilization is needed for hematomas, bruises, subluxations, sprains;
- used in orthopedic practice, for example, for flat feet or for posture correction;
- for pain in the back, lower back, for fixing the abdomen after surgery, during pregnancy and swelling of the legs.
Reason to use it
What is the therapeutic effect of the kinesio tape patch? Recovery of muscles and joints is the main reason for using this multifunctional tape. The skin that is over the affected ligaments and muscles is lifted. As a result, they are fixed in one position, but at the same time 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 defensive reaction of the body, a brain signal of danger. Damage causes a rush of blood to the affected area and swelling, a signal about this reaches the brain, and thatreacts 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 securely adheres the patch to the skin, while no negative sensations are observed. It also provides the effect of the application. At the same time, 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 must be shaved off and the skin must be degreased with alcohol. Only after that you can proceed to the application of the patch. But even if the tape is well glued, you should not immediately put a load on the affected areas. For the tape to grab well, you need to wait a while - about half an hour.
There are some more features when applying kinesio tape that you need to consider:
- if joints or muscles hurt, then the remedy must be applied along the length of the affected area;
- if children need fixation to correct posture or treat flat feet, then apply a patch along the entire length of the spine or foot;
- if the purpose of applying kinesio tape is to protect the muscles during an unusual load on them, for example, the first sports activities, then they are glued to problem areas, as indicated in the instructions.
Contraindications to the use of an improved patch - kinesio tape
It is worth considering that anythe tool has not only indications for use, but also contraindications. The patch should not be used if the person has:
- acute thrombosis;
- skin surface lesions, dermatitis or other skin diseases are observed at the site of the intended application of the tape;
- skin cancer;
- diabetes mellitus;
- renal and heart failure.
Where can I apply the tape?
This is an absolutely universal remedy that can be applied not only to the joint, but also to the back, stomach. Therefore, the opinion that kinesio tape is intended for specific parts of the body can be considered a delusion. It is important to follow the basic rules when applying in order to achieve maximum results. Also have no contraindications to the use of this patch.
Main advantages of this method
This method can be considered progressive in medicine, as it appeared recently, but has already gained popularity due to its ease of use, efficiency and availability. The advantage of kinesio tape is that it can be worn for up to five days from the moment of fixation. You can take a shower in it, wear any clothes. The skin breathes normally during this fixation. Elastic bandages and plastering will not achieve such an effect. The tape is easy to apply and just as easy to remove, does not create any discomfort, does not cause allergies and skin irritations. The patch is well fixed, does not slip. Another advantage of this method of fixation can be calledno 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 preparing the skin before applying the patch, there are also basic rules for applying kinesio tape.
- Before sticking to the skin, the corners of the patch should be slightly rounded with scissors to prevent snags on clothing and premature peeling.
- During gluing, do not stretch the tape too much, and the ends must be glued without stretch. Then the tape will adhere well and the effect will be better.
- Because the tape has its own sticking 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 steps is 45 minutes.
- The application must be accompanied by smoothing, as the adhesive must be evenly distributed over the skin - it only works at skin temperature.
What sizes are kinesio tape available in?
The use of kinesio tapes, as mentioned above, is very wide. The choice of different models is also not small. You can choose from a variety of colors and sizes. You can buy a tape that is five centimeters wide and twenty centimeters long, or you can buy it in a roll five meters long and five centimeters wide. Whoever buys the roll will be able to model the patch as long as he wants. And the coloring is by no meansaffects the properties of the patch.
Where are these patches popular?
Kinesio tape 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 only in professional sports for a long time. Then it began to be used by amateur athletes and even ordinary people who are not related to sports. The popularity of these patches is growing and expanding around the world every day.
Opinions of people who used kinesio tape
As they say, how many people, so many opinions. Every new method has its advantages and disadvantages. So in the application of kinesio tape - some found a panacea for all muscle troubles, while others did not appreciate the effectiveness of the patch.
Some patients report that patches from some brands peel off quickly. Naturally, the effect turned out to be weak, which led to human discontent. Don't get hung up on price or color. Korean-made tapes are famous for good action.
Many athletes and people with back pain also note that the effect may 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 relief was noted for 3-4 days. At first, he helps those who have just begun to have pain, and they did not delay the treatment. But with a severe injury or prolonged pain, the patches help a little later.
Professional athletes celebrate the almost magical effect of kinesioteips while running or swimming long distances. They help the muscles adapt to any conditions and prevent the onset of cramps. Therefore, sometimes they are even used not for treatment, but for prevention, because professionals already know their weaknesses.
