Kinesiotape

Terms:

Kinesiotape, K-Active-Tape, Chirotape, Meditape or K-Taping from ("kinesis" = Greek for movement)

How it is used:
Around 30 years ago, the Japanese chiropractor Kenzo Kase developed a special highly elastic and breathable type of plaster. Unlike the familiar rigid adhesive strips, Kinesiotape can stretch and retract again without restricting freedom of movement. Furthermore, it has a pain-alleviating and metabolism-boosting effect.

The treatment is delivered by affixing the cotton wool-based elastic adhesive strips, which are around five centimetres wide, directly to the skin. The adhesive strips remain in place for between a few days and a week. The tapes are produced in a variety of colours, which means they can also be used according to the colour theory of kinesiology.

The effect is based partly on the direct stimulation of the skin receptors and partly on a wave-like raising of tissue under the bandage. Under the tape, the blood and lymphatic circulation are influenced in a positive way to help alleviate pain. This theory may not have been proven scientifically, however it has been affirmed by considerable practical experience. Nevertheless, medical attendants and performance athletes across all disciplines swear by the effectiveness of these tapes.

  To achieve the desired effect, it is essential that the tape is affixed in a manner that precisely follows the anatomy of the muscles and tendons being supported. This should be done by a suitably trained specialist. Statutory health insurance funds, unlike most private health insurance funds, however, will not pay for this type of treatment.