Kinesio Tape

What is the Kinesio® Taping Method?

Cornerstones of the Kinesio® Taping Method:
•    Taping over and around muscles in order to assist and give support or to prevent over-contraction.

•    Applying stretch to the tape or to the target area in order to create space under the skin and create the desired effect on the musculature.

•    Affecting change in deeper layers of fascia by manipulating the skin and muscle.

•    Creating space underneath the skin to improve circulation and lymphatic drainage.

•    Utilizing a number of corrective techniques to promote correct muscle and joint function

•    Pain relief by targeting the pain and the source of the pain

•    Utilizing single “I” strips or modifications in the shape of an “X,” “Y” or other specialized shapes

•    Applying base of tape with no tension to create pull towards the base

Muscle Relaxtion	Vs	Muscle Facilitation
Apply tape from the end of the muscle to the beginning (Insertion to Origin)		Apply tape from the beginning of the muscle to the end (Origin to Insertion)
Used to relax tired or overused muscles (therapy)		Used to stimulate weak or underused muscles (rehabilitation)

*This information was taken from the kinesio taping website www.kinesiotaping.com