Kinesiology tape, commonly known as KT tape, has gained immense popularity, especially among athletes, including Olympians, who use it to alleviate pain and support muscle recovery. It has become such a staple in sports medicine that even in my household, KT tape is a permanent fixture on my daughters’ bodies—almost like tattoos.
Sherilyn uses it for her back injury from dance training, while Cass applies it to her ankle to support her during figure skating. Recently, I’ve started using KT tape on my right hand in an attempt to manage the nagging pain from tennis elbow.
What is kinesiology tape and what is it used for?
Kinesiology tape is a thin, flexible tape developed to aid muscle movement and enhance athletic performance. It is often used to relieve pain, reduce swelling and inflammation, and provide support to joints and muscles.
The elasticity, or stretchiness, of kinesiology tape allows for better movement. This makes it different from the more rigid rehabilitation tape or support adhesives that are not stretchable. Those are used to keep muscles and joints from moving and provide support after a sports-related injury, and for people who have conditions that make it difficult to activate muscles or control muscle contraction.
A 2021 survey published in the International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy found that most professionals use kinesiology tape for post-injury treatment, to help lessen pain and to stimulate the muscles into action.
Kinesio Tape® was introduced in 2003 as a neuromuscular tape intended to help improve muscle contraction. The quality of this tape was supposed to be physiologically similar to the skin. It became a trend in the United States in 2008 after an article in The New York Times featured an Olympic beach-volleyball champion wearing the tape on her shoulder. Over time, many different brands introduced similar versions, including KT Tape®, RockTape®, K-Tape® and dozens of others.
Why Olympians and Well-Known Athletes Use KT Tape
Many Olympians and top athletes swear by KT tape because it helps reduce pain without hindering their performance. One of the primary benefits of KT tape is its ability to lift the skin slightly, which increases blood circulation and reduces inflammation. By doing this, it also helps to alleviate pressure on muscles and joints, which can be especially useful for athletes pushing their bodies to the limit.
KT tape also provides proprioceptive support, meaning it can help improve the body’s awareness of movement and alignment, reducing the risk of further injury. Whether it’s a sprinter, swimmer, diver, or gymnast, KT tape has been a go-to solution for sports-related injuries.
How KT Tape Has Helped My Daughters
In my household, Sherilyn and Cass use KT tape regularly. Sherilyn applies it to her back, an injury sustained from dance training a few years ago that still hasn’t fully healed. The KT tape provides her with enough support to continue her rigorous dance routines without aggravating the injury. Cass, on the other hand, uses KT tape on her ankle, which has seen persistent strain from figure skating classes. The tape gives her the stability she needs on the ice without compromising her performance.
My Experience with KT Tape for Tennis Elbow
Recently, I’ve joined my daughters in the KT tape trend. I’ve been dealing with tennis elbow, a stubbornly persistent condition. The pain makes even simple tasks, like lifting objects or folding a blanket, a challenge. Applying KT tape to my right hand has provided some relief, though it’s not a cure-all. However, the support it gives me has helped me manage everyday movements and reduce strain.
Benefits of KT Tape
Pain Relief: KT tape helps reduce pain by alleviating pressure on injured or inflamed areas. It helps the body recover faster by improving blood flow and reducing swelling.
Supports Recovery: While KT tape doesn’t fix the underlying issue, it aids in faster recovery by providing the necessary support for strained muscles and joints.
Non-Restrictive Movement: Unlike traditional tape, KT tape allows for full movement, making it ideal for athletes or active individuals who need to continue performing while managing injuries.
Versatility: From back pain and ankle injuries to tennis elbow, KT tape can be applied to various parts of the body to support injury recovery.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a professional athlete or someone who’s just trying to manage everyday pain, KT tape has proven to be an effective and popular solution. In my family, it has become almost a necessity, helping us stay active while managing persistent injuries. While it might not completely eliminate pain, its ability to support recovery and alleviate discomfort makes it an invaluable tool for anyone dealing with muscle or joint issues.
