Kinesio Tape

"Kinesio tape" has in fact been around for a few years, since 2008, however it has become more and more popular in the past year and I have seen the tape being worn by rugby players in the six nations and most recently by Mario Balloteli in Euro 2012 however the name of the tape was unknown to me. The recent article on the tape by the BBC, which is in fact called "kinesio tape"has allowed me to find out more!

The tape got its name from kinesiology which is the scientific study of human movement!

The article by the BBC can be found here, another source of information is the introductory video by Kinesio themselves which can be found here

The tape is described to have four main effects: to encourage correct muscle function, improve circulation, provide pain relief and repositioning of a subluxed joint (a "partial dislocation" of a joint)

The scientific claims which have not yet been proven as research is still ongoing are that the tape lifts the skin enabling the circulation of lypmh and blood and therefore relieving pressure. As there is less pressure on the pain receptors less pain will be felt and the reduction of fluid in the named area will lead to less inflammation.

There is also the power of the placebo effect to be considered, having used the tape myself once during a rugby tournament it may have simply been my belief which allowed me to see "results". Perhaps the injury would have improved without the tape? The tape provided support however any old tape would have also done this, its impossible to tell whether the pain and swelling reduction was aided by the Kinesio tape.

Until the research is complete the claims can't be verified however at present medical professionals and physios are using the tape to treat patients with injuries, particularly those obtained in sport.