Kinesio Tape: Does it Work?

Due to its noticeable prevalence during the 2012 Summer Olympic Games, from the diving board to the volleyball court, kinesio tape has seen a strong spike in popularity among athletes. Its popularity and continued growth have made the product one of the year’s most talked-about sports medicine trends.

Kinesiology, also called human kinetics, is the scientific study of human movement, performance, and function through the application of biomechanics, anatomy, physiology, psychology, and neuroscience. Therapeutic kinesio tape comes in many forms and can be used for a variety of purposes. It is intended to improve performance, reduce swelling, and improve function for athletes suffering from conditions including arthritis, shin splints, plantar fasciitis, muscle pain, ligament strains and tendinitis.

“When applied correctly, kinesio tape can be a good way to target pain relief by relieving pressure and increasing circulation,” explains Dianne Doyle, physical therapist at Heartland Orthopedic Specialists.

Though its effectiveness has not yet been scientifically proven, Jennifer Johnson, M.S., A.T.C., O.T.C., at Heartland Orthopedic Specialists says patients at Heartland Orthopedic Specialists have experienced positive results through the use of kinesio tape.

“From orthopedic injuries to degenerative conditions, our athletes who have used kinesio tape as a rehabilitation tool have experienced quicker recovery times than they would have by using other treatment options,” Johnson says.

For more information on kinesio tape and its use in physical therapy treatments, call Heartland Orthopedic Specialists at (320) 335-6078.