Kinesio Tape

• Kinesio Tape is designed to be worn for multiple days (3 to 5)
• Will withstand athletic activity and showering
• Several color and size options available
• Used by Olympic Athletes worldwide including Gold Medalist Kerri Walsh

Kinesio Tape is a super thin athletic tape, about the same thickness and the elasticity of skin and muscles. Kinesio Tape is made of a porous cotton fabric with a medical grade acrylic adhesive that allows the skin under the tape to breathe and be cleaned while showering.

Kinesio Tape uses a special method of adhesive application combined with the porous nature of the fabric works 'with' your body. The Kinesio taping method provides a full range of motion, support, and stability, without adversely affecting the natural range of motion. Kinesio tape is designed for a 30-40% longitudinal only stretch and when applied, it lifts the skin and provides support for surrounding soft tissue.

This Kinesio Tape is LATEX FREE and NON-MEDICATED.

Kinesio Tex Tape was designed to be worn for 3 to 4 days without irritation; and an hour after application it will withstand athletic activity and showering without coming off. The water resistant type of taping Kinesio offers is necessary for the taping of hands and feet. Proper application does not require multiple layers; due to location of muscles, an application may cross over another application.

Kinesio Tape gives support and stability to your joints and muscles without reducing circulation and range of motion. It is also used for Preventive Maintenance, Edema, and Pain Management.

It is a taping technique based on the body's own natural healing process. This Kinesio Taping exhibits its efficacy through the activation of neurological and circulatory systems. This method basically stems from the science of Kinesiology, hence the name "Kinesio". Muscles are not only attributed to the movements of the body but also control the circulation of venous and lymph flows, body temperature, etc. Therefore, the failure of the muscles to function properly induces various kinds of symptoms.

Consequently, so much attention was given to the importance of muscle function that the idea of treating the muscles in order to activate the body's own healing process came about. Using an elastic tape, it was discovered that muscles and other tissues could be helped by outside assistance. Employment of Kinesio Taping creates a totally new approach to treating nerves, muscles, and organs. The first application of Kinesio Taping was for a patient with articular disorders.

For the first 10 years, orthopedists, chiropractors, acupuncturists and other medical practitioners were the main users of Kinesio Taping. Soon thereafter, Kinesio Taping was used by the Japanese Olympic volleyball players and word quickly spread to other athletes. Today, Kinesio Taping is accepted by medical practitioners and athletes in Japan, United States, Europe, South America and other Asian countries.

The Kinesio Taping Method is applied over: muscles to reduce pain and inflammation, relax overused and tired muscles, and to support muscles in movement on a 24hr/day basis. It is non-restrictive type of taping which allows for full range of motion.

In contrast, traditional sports taping is wrapped around a joint strictly for stability and support during a sporting event obstructing the flow of bodily fluids... an UNDESIRABLE side-effect.

Kinesio Tape is used for anything from headaches to foot problems and everything in between. Examples include: muscular facilitation or inhibition in pediatric patients, carpal tunnel syndrome, lower back strain/pain (subluxations, herniated disc), knee conditions, shoulder conditions, hamstring, groin injury, rotator cuff injury, whiplash, tennis elbow, plantar fasciitis, patella tracking, pre- and post-surgical edema, ankle sprains, athletic preventative injury method, and as a support method.

For more information and to read about other athletes using Kinesio Tape, read Allegro's blog What the Heck is Kinesio Tape and Why is Olympic Gold Medalist Kerri Walsh Wearing it? posted by Valerie Paxton during the Beijing Olympics.