Our lead therapist is trained by the Physio Training Academy in the field of Kinesiology taping. Kinesiology taping or K-taping is a version of kinesio tape with 140% elasticity of its original length which echoes the elasticity of human skin. It is currently used by 20 UK national teams, English Premier and Championship football clubs as well as Rugby Union Clubs.
What is K-tape?
The tape differs from rigid physiotherapy tape which acts only to support unstable joints. This can often be very restrictive and acts as a block to full range of movement. This can prolong the rehabilitation process and delay return to sport or function.
K-tapes elastic properties allow full range of movement while providing support to muscles and ligaments. It provides feedback to the muscles preventing the overstretch of muscles and aiding correct muscle alignment. Full rehabilitation can continue while wearing the tape with no restrictions.
Depending on its application the K-tape can:
- Ease pain
- Reduce swelling
- Aid lymphatic drainage
- Provide support to joints, tendons and ligaments
- Correct muscle misalignment
- Provide feedback to muscles on correct function
- Supports weak muscles
- Regulate muscle tone
- Aid sport specific movement patterns
How K-tape works.
- Reduce the pressure on pain receptors
- Provide space to allow proper muscle contraction
- Provide feedback to various structures through the skin via the fascia
- Provide structural support and mechanical correction
- Change the pressure gradient to speed up lymphatic drainage