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Kinesio vs. Conventional Athletic Physio Taping Explained

Introduction:

Taping has come across as a protective rounding up of material on one’s limbs. It could be athletic taping, sports taping or it can be kinesiology taping. These taping techniques are used as a treatment for injury.

Let us see below the differences between the modalities of Kinesiology taping and the foregone conventional Athletic taping.

1.Athletic Taping:

This type of taping is used as strapping and taping, sports taping otherwise called Zinc Oxide Taping! It is used as a treatment for injuries in a clinical setting. Apart from the treatment of injuries, it can be useful to help reduce postural-related pain!

2.Kinesiology Taping:

This is an elasticated tape, which is brightly colored, and often printed with different designs or any logos, imprints, etc. This tape was developed by a Japanese, Dr. Kenzo Kase in the seventies. This is recommended by taping techniques in physiotherapy and Go Run Go Physio. The purpose was to reduce muscular pain and the discomfort experienced by the patient. However, there are multiple benefits, which are, reduced muscle fatigue, muscle facilitation, reduced delayed-onset muscle soreness, pain inhibition, enhanced healing, mainly to reduce edema, and improvement of lymphatic drainage and blood flow.

Methods of Application:

Conventional athletic tape (Zinc Oxide) is used as a mechanical method of taping to give strong support for joints and muscles, depending on the taping technique and injury. This can be used on joints to prevent common injuries, especially during games or sports! However, it is not much enforced by taping techniques in physiotherapy and Go Run Go Physio.

These are used for ankle sprain, ligament tears in the knee, and shoulder instability, along with wrist and hand support as in thumb taping. This type of taping helps protect wounds, prevents blisters, and protects hands and fingers in games like tennis or cricket, where a firm grip is required.

2.Kinesiology taping:

This is a therapeutic taping method with guaranteed rehabilitative techniques to improve one’s body’s natural healing process. This taping application provides support and stability to muscles and joints and does not restrict the body’s movements.

This type of tape can be manipulated, like the shape, and amount of stretch placed on the tape to manage the neuro-muscular system and reduce muscular pain and inflammation to optimize performance. It cures injuries and promotes blood circulation and fastest healing. Therefore, very much advised by taping techniques in physiotherapy and Go Run Go Physio.

Also, Kinesiology taping methods include inhibition of an overused muscle, facilitation of weak muscles, postural hold and mechanical correction, pain correction, ligament and tendon correction, and circulation and lymphatic channelling. 

The key differences between Kinesiology and Athletic taping:

Kinsiology Tape:

  • All elastic and breathable
  • Totally high-quality cotton, hypoallergenic acrylic adhesive
  • Scissors are definitely required
  • Rehabilitation technique for facilitating natural healing process
  • Duration is 2 to 3 days
  • There will be positive physiological effects on the skin, fascia, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and joints
  • This can be used in conjunction with a multitude of other treatments and modalities within one’s clinical/sporting scenario.

It is also used for preventative measures and to nurse an injury with a chronic phase. These are the reasons why, taping techniques in physiotherapy and Run Go Physio are recommended wholeheartedly.

Athletic Tape (Zinc Oxide):

  • Very rigid and possesses high tensile strength
  • Has cotton, rayon viscose fabric with latex-free hypoallergenic adhesive
  • Serrated edges with tear width and lengthways
  • Limited range of movement around a joint
  • Duration is from 25 minutes to 2 hours
  • Has a proven record of immobilizing an injured joint.

So,not much advised by taping techniques in physiotherapy and Go Run Go Physio.

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