With its widespread use at the Olympic Games, kinesiology tape (or K-tape) became a must-have training and recovery aid for athletes around the world. Soon enough, K-tape was available in various brands, colors, materials, sizes, and patterns.

As its popularity soared, K-tape was touted for its ability to improve circulation, reduce pain, relieve muscle tension, and more. Generally, a healthcare professional, including those here at the Chiropractic & Wellness Center in Indianapolis, will decide what method of application is appropriate for the desired effect.

What Is K-Taping?

K-taping is a therapy method using elastane, pre-stretched fabric backed with a professional-grade adhesive. That's a fancy way of saying patients might end up covered with 2-inch or 4-inch strips of tape for the purpose of stabilization and pain reduction.

From its earliest iteration, K-tape was designed to act as a support for muscles and joints and alleviate pain without drugs or surgery. It is now widely used to relieve muscle pain and muscle injury.

The Benefits of K-Taping

If you've ever used traditional athletic tape, you likely know its many drawbacks. It can only be worn for short periods, is designed to restrict movement, and is made with materials like latex that may cause an allergic reaction.

K-tape, on the other hand, is elastic and allows sweat to escape from the skin. It can be worn much longer than athletic tape, is hypoallergenic, and much more pliable than athletic tape was ever designed to be.

When applied properly, K-tape is designed to cause compression or decompression of targeted areas, increase blood flow, reduce swelling, and increase muscle function.

K-Taping and Massage Therapy

When used with manual massage therapy, K-tape is designed to continue the process of the message long after the patient has left the office. Depending on how the tape is applied, it will provide a pull to ease muscle spasms and correct muscle function.

If you're interested in the benefits of K-taping, Chiropractic & Wellness Center of Indianapolis is also located close to Carmel, Fishers, and Zionsville. Call us today at (317) 580-9867.