The tape is applied in a specific pattern, and either stretched or not stretched, depending on the injury. One of the main properties of the Kinesio Taping Method is the ability to assist and support muscles without inhibiting a joint's range of motion, unlike traditional athletic taping. In addition to supporting injured muscles and joints, the taping method helps relieve pain by lifting the skin, allowing blood to flow more freely to the injured area. Kinesio Tape can be applied in several distinctive approaches to achieve specific outcomes in an athlete or a patient and can be left in place for several days. While Kinesio Taping was originally developed for use in athletes, Dr. Teixeira utilizes it to treat all types of patients.
Pictures: Beach volleyball champion Kerri Walsh.(Natacha Pisarenko/The Associated Press).
Kinesio® Tex Tape helped Lance Armstrong with painful shin splints during his first New York Marathon.