As someone who lives a healthy and active lifestyle, any type of injury or discomfort can really get in the way of doing the things you love. Physio in Walsall is a great way to keep on top of your health and ensure that your range of movement increases while any pain you are experiencing decreases. Another great tool that anyone can turn to when they have a sporting injury is kinesio taping. Keep reading as we discover why you should consider using this type of treatment and the benefits of kinesiology tape.
What is Kinesio Taping?
Before we start to look at the kinesiology tape benefits, let’s discover what kinesio taping is to begin with. If you’ve ever seen athletes with coloured tape over their body, then you already have seen this type of tape being used. Kinesiology tape is a stretchy and flexible type of tape that’s designed to be placed directly on the skin. It’s made from nylon and cotton and offers great elasticity and movement so you can still move and play sport or exercise. Once placed on the skin, you can keep the tape on for three to five days. It’s water resistant, so you don’t need to worry about removing it when you shower or take a bath.
Kinesiology tape works by gently pulling at the upper layers of the skin, creating a space between the skin and the tissues that lies beneath it. This helps to reduce joint irritation and takes any pressure off the tissues underneath. You’ll also find that it reduces swelling and improved circulation, helping your body to heal quicker than it may do otherwise.
Reduce Swelling and Decrease Pain
When looking at kinesio tape benefits, the number one reason to use this tape alongside physiotherapy in Walsall is to reduce swelling and decrease pain. If you are currently unable to walk or find that you can’t make the full set of movements you usually would be able to in one part of your body, then you may soon find you overcome this issue when the swelling is reduced.
Many people find that they are able to walk or run again when they use this tape, as it decreases pain so much. However, you need to keep in mind that if you do have an injury, you’ll still want to follow the recommended procedures for resting and keeping your weight off the problem area. Don’t make the tape think that you can do absolutely everything straight away, as you’ll find that you undo the benefits of kinesiology tape and could exasperate your injury even more.
Decrease Stress on the Body and Injured Area
Healing is encouraged with kinesio taping, thanks to the promotion of healthy blood flow. When we apply kinesio tape to the injured area, one of the benefits of kinesio taping is that it helps to improve the stability of injured limbs and will decrease pressure on the injured muscles in the surrounding area. This puts less stress on the tendons and ligaments, which can help to improve your range of motion. You’ll find that you can enjoy moving around with more freedom or at least be able to carry out basic daily tasks without feeling like you are in excruciating pain.
Works Alongside a Physiotherapy Service in Walsall
As well as the many kinesio taping benefits, you’ll find that you can use this tape alongside our physio treatments. It’s a great way to speed up the healing process, which is why we encourage it for many of our clients. No matter what part of your body is currently injured or in pain, this is a good way to make the healing process quicker and less painful. Our team will be able to apply the tape in our office, so you can experience the benefits of kinesiotaping in no time at all. When using this tape for the first time, we do recommend that it’s applied by a professional. Due to how sticky the tape is, it’s easy for it to not lie flat on the skin, which can reduce the kinesiology taping benefits.
With so many benefits of using this type of tape, it’s no surprise that people around the world rely on it when they have a sporting injury or are in pain. Make sure you work with a professional the first time you use the tape, so you know exactly how to apply it to receive all of the benefits we’ve shared above. Our team will be happy to recommend the best tape for your needs and show you when and where to apply if to your injury. It’s an incredible tool for athletes of all abilities and will help you to quickly get back to enjoying the activities that give you the most joy in life.