Kinesiotaping for Sports Injuries

Kinesiotaping for Sports Injuries

Introduction

In the world of sports, injuries are almost inevitable. Whatever the level that you do your favourite sport at, the risk of sprains, strains, and other injuries is always present. At Chester’s Best Sports Injury Clinic, Relive Physiotherapy, we understand the importance of effective treatment and prevention strategies to keep you in the game. One such method that has gained popularity is Kinesiotaping.

What is Kinesiotaping?

Kinesiotaping involves the application of a special elastic tape to the skin to support and stabilise muscles and joints without restricting movement. Developed by Dr. Kenzo Kase in the 1970s, this technique has become a staple in sports medicine due to its versatility and effectiveness.

Benefits of Kinesiotaping

1. Pain Relief: Kinesiotape can help reduce pain by lifting the skin and reducing pressure on pain receptors.

2. Enhanced Circulation: The tape's elasticity promotes better blood and lymphatic flow, aiding in faster recovery.

3. Support and Stability: It provides support to injured muscles and joints, helping prevent further injury while allowing for a range of motion.

4. Improved Performance: Athletes often use Kinesiotape to enhance muscle activation and awareness, which can improve overall performance.

How Kinesiotaping Works

The application of Kinesiotape is both an art and a science. Our Skilled Relive Physiotherapists use their knowledge of Sports Injuries and precise taping techniques to ensure that they apply the tape to get the maximum benefit for you. They stretch the tape and then place it over the injured area in a specific way to ensure that the desired effect is achieved, be it pain relief, support, or enhanced circulation.

What is it used best for?

Kinesiotaping is widely used in sports medicine and Physiotherapy for various conditions:

1. Muscle Strains: Kinesiotape can help reduce pain and support muscle recovery

2. Joint Pain and Instability: It provides stability to joints without restricting movement, making it ideal for conditions like sprained ankles or Knee Pain.

3. Bruising: Kinesiotape helps in lymphatic drainage, reducing swelling and bruising.

4. Postural Correction: It can be used to correct poor posture by providing support and feedback to the muscles.

5. Pain Management: The tape can alleviate pain by lifting the skin and reducing the pressure on pain receptors

6. Post-Surgical  Recovery:The tape can help reduce swelling and improve blood circulation, which promotes faster healing. 

Common Sports Injuries Treated with Kinesiotaping

1. Ankle Sprains: Kinesiotape can provide immediate pain relief and improve your ankle’s range of motion.

2. Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy: It helps protect the joint and can activate or deactivate muscles as needed.

3. Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: The tape helps control the position of the patella, reducing pain and improving function.

4. Lower Back Pain: Kinesiotaping can offer short-term improvements in pain and function.

When to avoid?

While Kinesiotaping can be beneficial for many conditions, there are certain situations where it should be avoided:

1. Open Wounds: Kinesiotape should not be applied over open wounds or surgical incisions that are not fully healed

2. Skin Sensitivity: Individuals with sensitive skin may experience irritation from the tape. It's advisable to test a small piece of tape first

3. Severe Allergic Reactions: Those with severe allergies to acrylic-based adhesives should avoid using Kinesiotape

4. Fever: It is not recommended to use Kinesiotape when you are ill or have a temperature.

Understanding these factors ensures that Kinesiotaping is used safely and effectively. If you have any specific concerns or conditions, it's always best to consult with your Relive Physiotherapist.

Why Choose Relive Physiotherapy?

If you are looking for professional, expert Kinesiotaping, then Relive Physiotherapy is the place to come.  At Chester’s Best Clinic for Sports Injuries, we pride ourselves on the personalised care we give which has you at the centre of your recovery plan.  All of our team are trained in the latest Kinesiotaping techniques and use evidence-based practices, which ensures that you get the very best treatment.  We will discuss your goals with you and listen to your concerns.  Once we have designed a plan together, then we will work with you to make sure that your recovery journey is as smooth as possible.   

Happy recovery!