You've undoubtedly seen it: strips of colored tape spread in patterns across shoulders, knees, backs, and abs if you've ever seen a volleyball game or a professional cycling race. Kinesiology tape is a therapeutic tape that is carefully placed to the body to offer support, decrease discomfort, and increase performance.
Enthusiasts claim to have achieved these goals, but further study is needed to declare with confidence what tape can and cannot do. Here's what we know about how physical and sports therapists utilize it, the benefits it provides, how to use it, and what you should know.
Kinesio tape was produced by Kase using a unique cotton and nylon mix. It's made to simulate the suppleness of your skin, allowing you to move freely. The medical-grade adhesive on the tape is also water-resistant and strong enough to stay on for three to five days, even if you exercise or wash.
It recoils slightly when applied to your body, gently lifting your skin. Creating a microscopic space between your skin and your tissues is thought to do this.